pencils for signing prints

Martin_Doudoroff · #1 12-03-2007, 11:30 AM

This may seem an odd question on its face, but does anyone here have any advice/recommendations about pencils and how they perform on fine art stocks?

The only pencil in my possession is a mechanical pencil, whose fine lead cuts into rag paper and doesn't leave much graphite behind. On semigloss, it is utterly ineffective.

EldorGemst · #2 12-03-2007, 11:42 AM

Are you really asking specifically for a "pencil"? Or for an effective way to sign your fine art prints?

I would never sign in pencil as (you've found out) it doesn't work on all surfaces and it isn't permanent (and can be erased).

My suggestion is to use a fine-point Sharpie marker, which works fine on all the photo surfaces I've tried it with. You can also get them in a selection of colors so that the signature somewhat matches the colors/tones in your print. Personally I most often use the black and one of the browns. You can get them at most office supply shops.

Hope this helps.

JimHayes · #3 12-03-2007, 12:10 PM

I use a soft lead in a mechanical pencil and it works fine on Epson Velvet Fine Art paper. I've used mechanical pencils going back to 1984, when I signed on Museum mat board below the print. I used to use a larger lead than 0.5 mm, these days this works fine if the lead is soft.

I frame a little differently from most; I like to leave a border showing around my print, visible through the window mat... 1/4 inch from where the ink ends all around. I do this to show my signature but also the great texture that this paper has.

Michael Reichman in his video tutorial "camera to print" has the last module talk about framing. What he does is sign below the print on the paper with a pen. This signature is never seen because it is covered up with the window mat- it is only for authenticity. Then he cuts the window smaller than I do- to overlap the edge of the ink boundary. Then he signs the window mat in pencil. I think this attack would work well for glossy papers.

If you want to use ink, check out Zig Millenium pens, if they still make them. They make them from fat to incredibly tiny fine points and they are permanent. The thin ones tend to dry out or get damaged. I'm sure there are other brands in art stores.

I've always found that pencil IS permanent. If you try to erase it with no evidence of tampering you will find it is nearly impossible. You will get rid of the signature but always leave a smear (esp with a soft lead) that cannot be removed.

Martin_Doudoroff · #4 12-03-2007, 03:33 PM

Thank you both for your kind responses. I will get one of each of what you've suggested and test them out.

michaelnotar · #5 12-03-2007, 04:32 PM

pencil is the most archival if not disturbed. i learned to mount the print to one board, cut a larger window mat for it and sign the rear board. that way if the window mat is destroyed as it protects the print or someone changes it to match their frame or home decorations, they still have a signed print.

i currently scanned my signature into the PS and kept it as a layer. i fill it with what ever color i want for images. i also output it as several different sizes for convenience.

SKIP RUNGE · #6 01-28-2008, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelnotar

i currently scanned my signature into the PS and kept it as a layer. i fill it with what ever color i want for images. i also output it as several different sizes for convenience.

I scanned my signature and then opened the file, cropped it tight, and saved it as a brush. That way I can pop it onto a print in whatever size or color my print or my mood dictates.

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