I'm looking for an inscription pen that's different from the typical silver or gold. I've found a color I like in the gel pens that are sold at Wal-Mart. Does this type of pen mix OK with finish epoxy? I'll be using Duragloss LS Supreme.

Wright some thing on a piece of scrap blank. I usually heat with a hair dryer to help dry it. Then try some clear. When dry. I have picked up some from Cabela's. They have a few different colors.

The problem with a lot of gel pens is that the roller in the tip tends to not roll on really slick surfaces, like rod blanks. As long as you can write on the blank with it, you can use it. While buying the pens at Walmart, go to the paint department and get a can of Krylon Spray Fixatif. Spray a very thin coat of it on the inscription after it's dry and it will not be ruined by the finish. That's my routine and it has never failed, picked up the advice about the Krylon stuff here.

I have not ever sprayed any thing on mine and never had one smear??

Hello Andrew
Most gel pens will not dry completely without considerable time (days) and help (heat). However they do not have to be completely dry and will take a finish coat. I have use LS Supreme on many of them. Even on very fresh inscription (6 to eight hours old) no smearing provided I did not touch the inscription with my application tool. Just lay on the finish and let it level. If you use LS Supreme use a thin coat and if using LS Supreme High Build a thicker coat can be used.
To make it easier to write on the blank make sure it is clean- Swab with Alcohol and then buff it lightly with a gray 3 M Scotchbrite number 7448. Then write on it. You will find that the roller pens write very well on the buffed surface and that the finish coat will be clear and smooth as cleaning with Alcohol and buffing with the 3M 7448 pad will give you a water break free surface. I usually try a new procedure on a piece of test rod first. I like to know the planned procedure is going to give predictible and desired results.
Hope this helps
Joe Kassuba

His Rod Shop
Joe Kassuba

Andrew,
I usually do my incriptions onto my first coat of epoxy. This works well for me. You mentioned wanting a different color than the traditional gold or silver. Do a search on my name to see past postings I've made on this subject. In the postings you'll see my method, and you will also see the name and color of the pen I use. I'm at work so don't have access to the pen right now.

Good Luck,
Jeff Shafer

Gelly Roll pens from screpbooking stores are great.

Andrew, I've used the gel pens sold at Wal-Mart with good results.