This is a newbie question... could someone tell me what type of pen is used for signing/numbering canvas prints. I've seen Windburg use some type of a red pen that looked like a felt tip but that would smear if it gets wet. Is there such a thing as an oil based pen? Any help would be appreciated.
Jim
Comments
Never use a Sharpie!!!
As a photographer I used Sharpies to sign my photographs for a few years, until my husband brought a piece I had given him home from the office. Sharpies fade, especially under fluorescents. I know it says "permanent" on the pens, but that is a (dirty, shameful imo) lie. The Faber-Castell PITT artist pens mentioned by Geoff above are what I use now and I have had no problems with them. They come in different colors and different tip sizes, so you can find the right one for you. I wish someone had told me about Sharpies before I used them, because I get a call or email every once in a while about a faded signature.
I have seen other artists use the Sharpies and can tell that even in their booth they have faded on some pieces (that I expect were like my "favorites" that take a while to sell and I get to hang, pack, hang, pack, etc for a while). I have even used a Sharpie for price tags and seen them fade after only a few months of shows.
I get mine at art supply stores. Hope that is helpful.
I use a sharpie for canvas and a Zebra Sarasa 0.7 for paper.
I've never had a problem with ruboff, no. I would think that color permanence/fading would be a more significant issue (and I've never had a problem in those areas, either).
Thank you so much for the info. Are these pens permanent so they don't rub off?
I use three different types:
1) Prismacolor Premier Metallic Gold;
2) Faber-Castell PITT artist pens (for a non-metallic gold and silver);
3) Sharpie fine point (black)
They dry very quickly--less than 10 seconds, in my experience.
They occasionally can cause problems when you go to sign the canvas and the ink doesn't start to flow right away. It's best to shake the pen a couple of times first, then keep a piece of scrap canvas nearby and use it to get the flow started, then sign right away. Also, make sure the scrap has the same kind of coating you're using for the finished canvas. On several occasions I've had the inks not grab well on the glossy coating. No problems with matte and semi-matte coatings. (As always, Your Results May Vary as a function of the canvas/coating type/manufacturer).
Hope this helps,
Geoff
PS: By the way, I've gotten all 3 pens at Michael's.