Print Signing Pen(s)

I am interested in what you use to sign photos. I know there was a post on that subject, but I can't find it in the forums. Any suggestions are appreciated. I am interested in signing in black but don't know a good acid free pen or marker. Thanks in advance.

I use a simple ball pen, just go to any art store and ask for a acid free one and they will help you.
ps. I use pen to sign the print and pencil to sign the mat


Wim

Ralph,

I recall the thread you refer to. I learned of the Sakura archival pens in that one and have been using them since. I use the Sakura 03 tip, black. I sign the back of the photo and, on larger prints, the the white border on the front, lower right corner. These are usually matted with the signature showing. I still use pencil to sign the mats on the smaller prints.

I can buy them inexpensively at the local Michael's art & craft supply.

Hi Ralph,

Coincidentally, I had posted a related question on a Luminous Landscape printing forum just yesterday. Two suggestions that might be relevant to your situation came up:

Pentel Sunburst Metallic Medium Gel Pen
Sakura Micron Pens (as Jim suggests above)

I've used the micron pen with decent success. The person who suggested the Pentel pen said that he finds it flows more smoothly than the micron pens. I have yet to try the pentel but think I'll try to get my hands on one.

Anyway, good luck!

Thanks for the suggestions.

I use a gold pen outside the image

I forgot which pen it was, but I spent some decent money on one of those "permanent" signature pens. I signed a print, and after a week or so, sent it to my gallery. A month later, the gallery owner calls and says, he just went to matte the print and as he was wiping away any dust, the signature mostly smeared away. And that's after more than a month! So, be careful which one's you get. I like the Sharpies because they dry instantaneously, though their permanence is questionable. I wish they had a fine point in silver, though.