I'm just wondering what everyone is using to hand write on a blank. I know I can get labels, but I like the personal touch of writing.

The problem with most media is that epoxy will cause them to run.  Others like paint won't run but they don't flow well through pen nibs.  The best I've found is Dr. Ph. Martin's Irridescent inks.  The regular Dr. Ph. Martins are not as solid against running when epoxy is applied.

 

With many media products, like the regular Dr. Ph. Martins, they get pretty run-proof if let to dry overnight then apply water-based CP before the epoxy.  

 

Best to test anything you try before putting it onto a rod.

 

Note that with the India inks that if you screw up, quickly wipe it off with a wet (water or alcohol)  paper towel and you can start over.  After drying they are said to be waterproof, but I'm not sure how waterproof they are.  

1 hour ago, JeffD said:

I'm just wondering what everyone is using to hand write on a blank. I know I can get labels, but I like the personal touch of writing.

Jeff

If I may, what and why would you write anything on the blank?

Just curious 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Making for family and friends I think it's more meaningful. Maybe it's just me.

39 minutes ago, JeffD said:

Making for family and friends I think it's more meaningful. Maybe it's just me.

Got it

Make sense, nice touch

 

 

 

 

Mike

Bringing your hand up on a spacer like a book, etc. makes writing much easier for me vs trying to write over the blank's top.

I use a pen called Gelly Roll #8 in white. The 8 stands for .8mm...they also have #3 and #10.

The #8 is medium. Epoxy will not cause it to run.

Bill Falconer recommends the Sakura Jelly Roll pens as Chris said, I've been using Molowtow Liquid Chrome 1mm, I also have PH Martins Iridescent as Mick said but never could get past those d**n nibs!  (Hint) If your writing looks anything like mine, have someone else write it.

40 minutes ago, Lyman X said:

If your writing looks anything like mine, have someone else write it.

It is still you even if not perfect.  And those who get your rods will appreciate the personal touch.  Practice on old blanks.

I use gold and silver gel pens. I spray the area with clear lacquer afterward to keep the rod finish from smearing it.

I was watching some of the videos on the Flexcoat website. They were using a old school pen nib holder. Like a speedball pen calligraphers use. He was dipping it in paint though not ink. I believe he was using straight Testors enamel. That guy was good, it looked like calligraphy.  

The best way that I found to stop the ink from running due to epoxy is to first use a metallic pen or what ever works for you. After you have signed you blank just put a piece of clear tape over your writing and epoxy away, and you will never even see the tape.

I found nibs to scratch blanks, so wipe offs to try again are more challenging for me, prefer the roller pens for that reason.