Never used a pen for inscriptions on rod blanks....what are the best pens and silver and gold paints for rod inscriptions?

I only have a handful of builds under my belt, but I've personally had the best luck with India Ink and a small detail brush.
I've tried various types of paints as well (for example model car paint), but have found those to be too runny and translucent.
Will be interested to see what other more seasoned builders say.

Hello Sam.

There have been a few articles written in RodMaker Magazine about "Inscriptions", for example:

Volume / Issue / Page.
2/3/10 Custom Rod Inscriptions.
2/3/11 Pen & Ink Inscriptions.
2/3/12 Gel & Paint Pen Inscriptions.
2/3/13 Transfer Lettering.
2/3/15 Computer Generated Labels.
2/3/18 Dye Sublimation Printers.
2/3/19 Useful Hints For Making Better Rod Inscriptions.
3/4/22 Fixing Mistakes (in the inscription area).
16/5/22 Inscriptions, A Foundation For...Better Hand Inscriptions Written by Tom Kirkman & Dave Mayer.

Dave Mayer did a few seminars for the ICRBE over the years on inscriptions and the tools of the trade.


Hope this helps.

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

For some time I have been using Speed ball Acrylic ink.

[www.dickblick.com]

You can buy the set, or by individual color.

[www.dickblick.com]

[www.dickblick.com]

I'm not gifted with a steady or artistic hand, but my computer offers a large selection of type fonts, sizes, and colors - and I can print them on a transparent sheet and epoxy this to my rod blank, thank heaven.

In my opinion, the absolutely best ink for writing on a blank is Dr Ph Martins iridescent calligraphy ink in gold and silver. Use a fine tip nib. Can buy it at most hobby and art stores like Micheal’s and Hobby Lobby. It will never bleed or smudge when coated with finish epoxy, in fact I have used Permagloss to coat it with no problems.
Norm

Roger, will the Speed Ball product not run if epoxy or CP is brushed over it? Norman , do you have a favorite brand of nib? thanks, guys.

I caution those who use ink jet decals-not all ink will be resistant to sun fading, especially some colors more than others I try to avoid doing my own because of this problem. Black is probably the most fade resistant color I've tried, but it's not "bullet-proof" (Canon OEM ink). I've not tried other brands.

Micheal, I believe they are the speed ball fine and super fine nibs, and a cheap plastic nib holder.They come in a package of two. Been using them for years, just clean them up after use. If the ink does not flow well a couple of drops of alcohol to the ink bottle will cure that. The iridescent inks need to be shaken well to get everything suspended.
Norm

Michael,
I have learned with any scripting on a blank is to avoid the application of excess finish or cp which would lead to runs, and to avoid any brushing of the finish. Rather, use a bit of gentle heat to let the finish flow - just a little to level and smooth and the scripting will be fine.

But, if heavy brushing over the scripting is done, there is a chance that the scripting will smudge.

Good luck