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  Best kind of pen on LEGO space model

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Author Topic:   Best kind of pen on LEGO space model
woodg2
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Posts: 133
From: Madison AL
Registered: Feb 2010

posted 07-10-2019 09:34 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for woodg2   Click Here to Email woodg2     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
My son recently built one of the large Lego Saturn V kits and is hoping to have his favorite astronaut sign it. Can anyone recommend the best kind of pen for signing a Lego model? He tested a Sharpie pen on an old Lego brick and it wiped right off.

I wondering if a paint pen would work or if there is an even better option.

Steve Zarelli
Member

Posts: 731
From: Upstate New York, USA
Registered: Mar 2001

posted 07-15-2019 06:45 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Steve Zarelli   Click Here to Email Steve Zarelli     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think you’re going to be pressed to find a pen that will adhere well and be permanent. I am not familiar with any pen I’d recommend for super smooth and slightly oily surface of a Lego.

Perhaps get a photo of your son with the astronaut holding the model. Then get the photo signed.

GACspaceguy
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Posts: 2475
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006

posted 07-15-2019 07:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for GACspaceguy   Click Here to Email GACspaceguy     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
That would be tough. Not knowing the model that well, but if there is some way to incorporate a plaque that would allow a paper slip in it that paper could be signed and displayed with the model.

Panther494
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Posts: 402
From: London UK
Registered: Jan 2013

posted 07-15-2019 09:05 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Panther494   Click Here to Email Panther494     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I agree about signing on shiny, oily plastic. Very difficult.

You could mask off the area you wish to have signed then use fine emery cloth to score the surface. Then apply a coat of matt varnish. Use a Sharpie for the signature then apply another coat of the matt varnish.

When dry you could then apply a finish coat of either matt/satin/gloss varnish to match the model. Still no guarantee but test each stage on a spare piece of Lego.

PeterO
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Posts: 399
From: North Carolina
Registered: Mar 2002

posted 07-15-2019 03:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for PeterO   Click Here to Email PeterO     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As a scale modeler and LEGO enthusiast, I agree that it will be difficult to find any type of pen that will adhere to LEGO's plastic. This LEGO Space Model Facebook Group may be a good source of advice for how to do it.

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