If you use India ink to add a signature to a graphite rod blank do you have to give it a light coat of guide wrap or is it waterproof?

I'd think you'd want to protect it regardless. A quick smear of CP and then a coat of epoxy and it'll be there from now on. Otherwise it is subject to scratches, rubbing, wear, etc.

...............

Protect it - but don't use India ink - or ink of any kind.
Go to a hobby store and get some OPAQUE - repeat - OPAQUE fabric paint. Many colors - if you don't like the color - just mix white with whatever.
Use a fine nib "dip and write" pen.
Wait 5-10 min before you coat it.
Jerb

Herb: why do you say not to use India ink? I have a rod built 5 years ago and my daughter "signed" it for me and I can see no detrimental effects. I did cover that that with a light coat of guide epoxy but I was wondering if that was even necessary

Jim,
Ink didn't work for me. Too translucent to see properly. The way it was for me anyway.

Herb

Thanks Herb

Black India ink works fine!

Phil
I only used white ink on raw carbon
Herb

I always cover the signature area with finish. Just be sure to let the ink dry, India Ink, I give it 12 hours.

Black India ink works great, the other colors like White, Gold and Silver, the viscosity of them is too light. If you need to use those colors, get some Testors Model paint or another model paint that is not water based.

Don't forget Testors hobby paints. They work fine also.

Jim,

This may be outside of what you're thinking, but you can go to Decal Connection (One of the sponsors on this page) and ANY "script" you want or any "font" you can think of, they can make it as a "decal" in Gold Medal or Silver Medal. Most ANY color you can think of as well and they can also "shadow" the text if you want. Best part is, purchasing just "one decal" isn't an issue!

I know it may not give the exact "personal touch" you're thinking, but it sure makes it a whole lot easier. Apply it to the rod, cover it with finish, and you're done.

I add the name of every person who purchases a rod from me to their rod and 90% of the time "Segoe Script" is what they love and it looks like handwriting.

[decalconnection.com]

Tony Boschi
Banana River Rods
Merritt Island, Florida
321~525~1063

* Rapid Prototyping Services
* Custom Beach Rods
* Custom Inshore Rods

[bananariverrods.com]

Over the years, I have used a bunch of different markings for rod blank inscriptions.

Testors Model paint works very well.
India Ink works very well.

But, my go to finish for all of my rods is Ball Acrylic Paint. It is water soluble for easy clean up, easy to clean the nibs, a wide variety of colors and it simply works very very well.

I always put the lettering on, before I apply any guide wrap finish to the rods. So, I cover the lettering at the same time that I cover the rest of the thread wraps with finish.

One important thing if you are going directly over the inscription with thread wrap finish. Do, not let the brush touch the inscription. Rather, use freshly mixed thin finish and apply the finish to the side of the rod on which there is no finish and let the thin finish run down the rod and over the top of the inscription. The thin finish runs over the inscription very well and it does an excellent job of covering the inscription. But, if you have an uncoated inscription and touch a bruch to that area of the blank, you may smear the inscription.

Then, if you decide that another layer of finish is required on some or all parts of the rod where finish is being applied, you can use the brush anywhere with no concern about smearing or changing anything in the finish - due to the first coat of finish protecting the inscription and thread wraps.

Take care

I use Dr Ph Martins iridescent calligraphy ink in gold, silver and black. Works great, they do not bleed or smear when coating with finish, in fact you can put a coat of Permagloss over it. A bottle will last a long time, and if it does not flow freely from the nib pen then just a a few drops of alcohol to the bottle and shake.
Norm

Thanks to everyone. Stay safe, better days are coming!

I just caution that all india inks are not equal. And not all other media types are either. Best bet is to do a test to determine if what you are using will run when CP/Epoxy/whatever is applied over it. IMO, all writing and decals on the blank need to be topped with wrap epoxy to protect them.

I always use white Speedball acrylic ink with a pen and nib combination. It’s waterproof and doesn’t run under any top coat.