posted 07-10-2019 09:34 PM
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
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 Member
Posts: 2475 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 07-15-2019 07:06 AM
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 Member
Posts: 402 From: London UK Registered: Jan 2013
posted 07-15-2019 09:05 AM
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 Member
Posts: 399 From: North Carolina Registered: Mar 2002
posted 07-15-2019 03:48 PM
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.