Pages

▼

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Pens For Guest Books

A reader recently asked if I had any suggestions for pens that would be appropriate for writing in a photo book/guestbook type book at their upcoming wedding. Typically, this means the paper will be thick and often is coated or glossy. She was worried about smudging as people wrote in the books so this could be alleviated by pens that dry quickly to reduce chances of smudging.
IMG_1712 Resized
The results are pretty obvious: on coated cardstock-type paper, Sharpie markers win hands down. They dry almost instantly and I couldn't smudge it. Although they may not be sparkly and glittery and super cute to look at (like these), Sharpies come in a wide variety of colors that can be quite pretty for almost any occasion! And they'll do the job well. The Pilot Hi-Tec C came in a pretty close second - fast drying and almost no smudging.

Has anyone else been through this before and found the perfect pen?
at

5 comments:

  1. Shangching CHFebruary 9, 2012 at 2:57 AM

    How about alcohol based markers?  Those dry very quickly and will not fade as easily as Sharpies.

    ReplyDelete
  2. GourmetPensFebruary 12, 2012 at 1:40 AM

    Sharpies fade?! GAH. I have yet to experience this! What kind of markers are alcohol based? I may have some and not have realized it yet...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Shangching CHFebruary 12, 2012 at 2:35 AM

    Totally forgot that alcohol-based markers have bad relationship with glossy cardstock. Here is a good source:  http://stampininspirations.blogspot.com/2008/01/before-running-off-and-buying-copic.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. Colin PurringtonFebruary 19, 2012 at 7:15 AM

    Sharpies definitely fade, becoming illegible in about five years in my experience.  Must faster when exposed, so when inside a closed book might last longer.   But you could always apply matte fixative spray to a guest book page when done.  And to fix the aesthetics problem, you could always spray paint the Sharpies (and the book?).

    ReplyDelete
  5. GourmetPensFebruary 19, 2012 at 7:48 PM

    Oh my god I had no idea Sharpies fade!! I suppose that makes sense though, given they aren't archival. I will have to expand my searches. I'm surprised. You'd think they'd make something archival!

    ReplyDelete