What is the latest and greatest type of pen that people have been using for doing inscriptions? I had some problems with my usual pen, so I am looking for a better alternative. I am looking for something that writes in Silver and in Gold. If possible, I would like to be able to write on the blank sheets of water slide decal paper that I got from Decal Connection a while back. Writing directly on the blank or finish is the other option that I would like to be able to do.

Many thanks in advance.

Phil Ptak

I've seen where many have had success with "gel" and other pens available at Office Supply Stores, however I've never come across one with a tip small enough for my liking. A "quill" type Calligrapher's pen (Art Supply Store) that you dip into an ink bottle can write VERY fine, but takes some practice. The same stores that stock these stock Acrylic Artists ink for them as well. Great color range including metallics & white. I’m not sure if you could get a “gel” type pen in white.

Mark Griffin
[]
C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

Phil,

How's the fishin' been in NY this fall?

Anyways, on a few of the rods I built last year I used a very fine artist brush and thinned out white arcrylic paint I bought from a craft store. I'm sure a calligraphy or quill pen would do better and neater work.

Randy

I just finished a butt wrap with an inscription on it. I used a silver, medium point gel pen and it worked out pretty good. I put threadmaster finish over the inscription without any problems. I got the silver and gold pens at Staples.

The only colored gel pens I've seen come with a 0.05mm tip. The black can be had with a 0.07mm which is alot better. Wish the colors came that fine.

The Rapidograph pens work good.

Jay

Phillip for what it's worth, I have tried a lot of pens in the last few years. This is what I have currently found to be the best in the Silver and Gold. I buy the Pilot Silver marker in Gold and in Silver (extra fine point). I shake them up well and then dab the point onto an old photo until I get a small pool of paint. I then use a very fine point "quill" pen from an art store. I dip the point of the pen into the small pool of paint. I quickly dab the pen tip, with the tiny drop on it, on a smooth piece of paper. (Not a puffy paper towell or tissue for that will immediately soak up too much of your tiny drop) Then I draw my letter with it, often turning the pen point a little sideways to get an even thinner letter. I usually get only one letter per dip. The reason I dab the quill pen with the tiny drop is so to greatly reduce the chance that I have a thick letter every now and then. I usually have to make a new pool of paint every 3 to 5 letters. The Pilot Silver Marker paint works very well with the Threadmaster I use to finish over it. I can wait as little as 10 mins for the letters to dry and then put the TM on it. I do NOT brush the TM on. I drip it on with a spatula until it is thoroughly covered. Then I stop my turning motor and carefullly wick away the excess. I then turn the rod 180 degrees and let it set for a short while and then wick the tiny extra finish that may still be present. At that point just turn on the motor again, don't stir up any dust and let the TM do its stuff. If I do botch a letter I have a few tooth picks with a minuscule wrap of paper towell on the ends. I dip them into Citrus Strip and I carefully swipe it over the the botched letter of course trying not to touch the good letters. I can tell you from experience not to try this final lettering when you are stressed or have recently had a Corona. I usually play an Enya tape while I'm doing this. Good luck!