|
Author
|
Topic: Space pens, Sharpies and other signing tools
|
Rob Joyner
Member Posts: 1308
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004
|
posted 04-27-2008 08:25 PM
   
Thanks guys!Rob, out of the autographs I mentioned, the Lovell looks the best - thin & crisp. If this was done with the Sakura, how long will it take to dry before I can roll the poster up? I've heard to wait an hour before placing a photo in a plastic sleeve, but would it take this long for the poster to dry as well? At the KSC show I made sure not to roll it for over an hour, just to be safe, but under certain circumstances, I might not have an hour to do so. Also, I read in a related thread that the Uni-Ball Gel pen tends to dry quickly, but I'm not familiar with the pen or how it looks on paper. Any extra help would be appreciated! |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
|
posted 04-27-2008 09:04 PM
I usually wait a day or so before putting any silver paint pen-signed photo in a sleeve; however it should be dry to the touch within five minutes (not that you'd want to touch it, of course).Several years ago, I did try the Uni-Ball gel pen, found the ink satisfactory, however on some surfaces the metal ball put an indentation line right through the center of the signature line, making it look like two dual sigs. In this case I had sent a 16 x 20 photo to Walt with a request for a long inscription. Walt did the inscription well, but my pen handicapped his effort and it turned out looking pretty rough. Ever since I have used the Sakura. They're expensive and I buy a lot of them (and most astronauts do not return them), but it seems to me to be a real quality pen. |
mikeh
Member Posts: 147
From:
Registered: Feb 2008
|
posted 05-07-2008 08:20 PM
What ball-point would you recommend? Are certain brands/models longer lasting that others? I want to have Collins sign something at Nova to mate with a ball-point Armstrong signature. Thanks, |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
|
posted 05-07-2008 10:43 PM
Good question, Mike. I've noticed that to my eye, most 1960s/1970s ball point signatures have held up pretty well over time- much better than the 1960s/1970s felt tip markers (look at all of those faded blue felt tipped Armstrong WSS lithos).Among the most popular ball-point pens then (as far as I can remember) were the good ol' Bic ball point pens in the clear six- or eight-sided hard plastic shaft that we all used in school. Remember those? These are still available at any Staples or Office Depot. For my taste, I like medium point because it puts more ink on the page in a thicker line than does the fine point. And I'd be sure that there is a good thick piece of paper beneath the area of the item to be signed (with both sitting atop a firm surface). Any other ideas out there for ball point pens? |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2223
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 05-08-2008 08:28 AM
I sent in my copy of Countdown for the Borman signing, and I asked for it to be signed in Sharpie. I got an e-mail back from Rob at Novaspace strongly suggesting that I use the Pilot-brand V-Ball roller pen — "because it is much less likely than a Sharpie to bleed through the paper, but gives a dark, opaque, very smooth line, unlike a ballpoint pen that tends to skip".For what it's worth, I took his advice.  |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 05-08-2008 06:41 PM
quote:
Originally posted by capoetc:
I got an e-mail back from Rob at Novaspace strongly suggesting that I use the Pilot-brand V-Ball roller pen -- "because it is much less likely than a Sharpie to bleed through the paper, but gives a dark, opaque, very smooth line, unlike a ballpoint pen that tends to skip".
Rob knows his stuff. His attention to detail is second to none. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2804
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 05-08-2008 09:44 PM
In the pre planning stages for Spacefest, Rob and I discussed that pen. He is correct, it is an excellent choice.Do not discount the ultra fine point sharpie with the plastic tip. It's a sharpie with a ball point style tip. Not to be confused with the really fine point felt tip. Before Rob introduced me to that pen, I always used the plastic tipped sharpie in books, and on covers. Never a smudge, bleed or anything. In a pinch it can be used on photo's and if you want a thin ink, on lithos as well. |
SPACEKID
Member Posts: 59
From: UK
Registered: Oct 2007
|
posted 05-29-2008 09:33 PM
Anyone know what year the first marker type pens were used? Just wondered who may have the earliest marker signed astronaut picture. |
CPCM
Member Posts: 46
From: Spring, Texas, USA
Registered: Dec 2007
|
posted 06-07-2008 12:18 PM
Metallic pens are great but since they do tend to sit above the image, anything heavy that sits on top of it, some of the ink can come off. |
sixturners
Member Posts: 151
From: E. Lansing, MI, USA
Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 12-21-2008 02:08 PM
I am sending a great night launch photo to be signed and it is the first time I have ever sent a photo when a black or blue marker/sharpie won't work. Can some one advise me on the best silver pen or marker to use since I am not familiar with those types of pens or markers? I did purchase a silver sharpie if that is the way to go? I purchased the 25th anniversary STS-1 photo from the astronaut scholarship foundation which was signed in silver which looks great on a dark photo. Did anyone out there purchase the same photo and can you tell me what specific pen was used? |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
|
posted 12-22-2008 03:38 AM
If it was my photo, I'd use a Sakura Pen-touch Extra-fine point silver metallic paint pen. The result will be more reflective and metallic silver in appearance as opposed to a silver Sharpie, which to my eye tends to have a less reflective, silver-gray appearance. |
sixturners
Member Posts: 151
From: E. Lansing, MI, USA
Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 12-22-2008 10:06 AM
Thanks for the advice. I was not feeling that good about the silver sharpie after a few tests on some junk photos. I pulled the 25th STS-1 photo I purchased from ASF and those signatures really looked good and permanent. Maybe those photos were signed with the pen you describe.Thanks for the help!
|
Dennis Beatty
Member Posts: 367
From:
Registered: Jan 2000
|
posted 12-22-2008 06:54 PM
I looked up the Pen Touch pen mentioned above and found the following statement: "Pen-Touch are acid-free and permanent but are not archival which means the metallic pigment may fade over time". I wonder if this is true for all "permanent" inks. Perhaps my command of the language is limited... but what part of permanent am I missing? |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 12-23-2008 12:01 AM
"Permanent" is a term used by pen makers to note that the ink cannot be washed off of surfaces using normal means...as opposed to erasable or temporary inks. In order words, it's not the kind of ink you want to give to a 2 year old child in a room with white carpeting.The word "permanent" doesn't denote it's longevity against fading. |
MrSpace86
Member Posts: 1618
From: Gardner, KS
Registered: Feb 2003
|
posted 12-23-2008 08:20 AM
I use the black industrial sharpies when autographing bright items (especially when it comes to footballs or basketballs that I get signed in person). They look at me weird when I insist for them to use my marker and not the typical one they have on hand.As for silver and gold markers, I used paint markers (I cannot think of the brand right now) but Hobby Lobby is pretty good about having a good selection. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $12 for some good paint markers. Silver sharpies are ok, but I try not to use those. |
sixturners
Member Posts: 151
From: E. Lansing, MI, USA
Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 12-23-2008 06:01 PM
Do you think they used the Sakura Pen-touch silver paint pen on the STS-1 25th photo that is sold on the ASF website? I would sure like to get the pen that was used on that photo as it looks great and very long lasting on the STS-1 photo I purchased. I guess I could ask them what type of pen they use as that have quite a few dark photos signed in silver on their website. |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
|
posted 12-25-2008 09:32 PM
I took a look at that scan and it's really hard to say due to the size of the scan. I'm assuming you have some time to play with... Why don't you order that model and a couple of others on the net, try them on an expendable photo, and see what you think. Once viewed side by side, I'll bet you a nickel you'll never use a silver Sharpie again. Let us know how this turns out, my friend. |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2223
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 12-26-2008 08:33 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mjanovec:
"Permanent" is a term used by pen makers to note that the ink cannot be washed off of surfaces using normal means ... The word "permanent" doesn't denote it's longevity against fading.
I'm guessing Neil Armstrong used a "permanent" pen when signing many lithos back in the 70's - 80's ... the ones that are now fading. :-( |
sixturners
Member Posts: 151
From: E. Lansing, MI, USA
Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 12-26-2008 10:09 AM
Thanks for helping me think this through. I will take your good advice since I do have the time to do some research before just sending the photo off to be signed. I will let you know how it turns out. I did email ASF and to my surprise a received a response on Christmas day. They must really work hard over there! They confirmed the 25th STS-1 photo was signed with a paint pen, but no mention of the make or model. I will get this figured out. |
Dennis Beatty
Member Posts: 367
From:
Registered: Jan 2000
|
posted 12-26-2008 06:25 PM
"Permanent" as used by the pen manufacturers seems to be disingenuous at best. It seems that they should use another term such as Long-Lasting", "Durable" or some other phrase which denotes somewhat limited longevity without misleading the common user. |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2223
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 12-27-2008 08:43 AM
I'm curious what will happen over the next 50-100 years or longer with the autographs that have already started fading (specifically Armstrong on his WSS litho). Will the writing completely disappear at some point? Or will it fade to a certain point and remain in that faded condition? Of course, all of the above assumes that the litho is kept in a dark place... |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
|
posted 12-27-2008 10:34 AM
Great question regarding long-term fading. That's why I will not have any blue Sharpie-signed items in my collection... too much risk for me, as I've seen way too many fade to nothing... even in six months time in a well-lit room. For example, six months ago I gave the fellow who occupies the office next to my department a pretty Apollo 16 "Young Leaps" photo with the long "Big Navy salute" inscription Duke penned in blue for me before I learned to request certain ink colors. I didn't tell him where to hang it or to keep his blinds closed because I didn't feel it was up to me to tell him what to do with a gift. You guessed it - I sat in his office last week, looked up at the photo, and almost every trace of the ink was gone.Whenever possible I use silver paint pen. Sure there is some risk in every choice of of ink, but silver seems to last much, much longer that Sharpies. That's just my experience. |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2223
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 12-27-2008 07:55 PM
Interesting points, and I certainly understand your position regarding blue Sharpie-signed items. I have many items signed in blue and black Sharpie, and so far so good. I don't risk any of them in direct light -- they are all stored in a special binder, ready for me to pull them off the shelf anytime I want to look at them. My Armstrong WSS is looking kinda faded, but I'm pretty sure it was signed with a blue felt, non-Sharpie pen. |
wmk
Member Posts: 76
From: Carlsbad, CA
Registered: Nov 2007
|
posted 01-16-2009 07:05 PM
I was wondering if there is a prevailing opinion about the best type pens to use for signing beta cloth? Black sharpie, standard ball point pen, etc...?I would normally try a sample to see what works best but I don't have any spare beta cloth lying around...  |
set
Member Posts: 45
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Oct 2007
|
posted 03-24-2009 11:06 PM
What writing instrument do you recommend for signing beta cloth? I was thinking fine tip Sharpie, but wanted to solicit other thoughts.Thanks for your help. Editor's note: Threads merged. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
|
posted 03-25-2009 12:02 AM
quote:
Originally posted by set:
What writing instrument do you recommend for signing beta cloth?
Although it may not be practical it's best to have a spare beta cloth bit handy. Use a fine tip sharpie that's not new. New ones are generally too "wet" and bleed. A moderately used one will work fine, but it's best to test it on a scrap first. |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1526
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
|
posted 03-25-2009 07:36 AM
Any recommendations on displaying signed Beta cloth patches? I have one that was signed by a crew in 3 separate colors of Sharpie - blue, black, and green. Can I safely display it behind archival (plexi)glass, or should I just keep it filed away? |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
|
posted 03-25-2009 05:40 PM
Cloth items, such as flags and beta cloth are best sewn at the corners to matboard.If plexiglas or glass is used, a mat should be used to keep the item from touching the glass. |
sixturners
Member Posts: 151
From: E. Lansing, MI, USA
Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 04-07-2009 09:45 PM
I was hoping someone could tell me exactly what type of silver pen was used to sign the STS-1 25th Anniversary photo sold by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation? I purchased the 8x10 version of this photo and the silver autographs are the best I have seen. I am planning to send out a beautiful 11x14 night launch photo to be signed and I was hoping to use the exact same pen. Can any one tell me exact make and model the pen in question? I spent a lot on the photo and if it comes back I want it to look nice and last. Anyone know? |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2223
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 04-07-2009 09:53 PM
quote:
Originally posted by sixturners:
I was hoping someone could tell me exactly what type of silver pen was used to sign the STS-1 25th Anniversary photo sold by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation?
I have a copy of the STS-1 print too, and it does look very nice.Why not just contact ASF and ask? They have always been very easy to deal with, and helpful too. |
sixturners
Member Posts: 151
From: E. Lansing, MI, USA
Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 04-08-2009 08:25 PM
John, I gave that a try and someone was going to get back to me, but that was a month or two ago. I will give it another shot. |
dsenechal
Member Posts: 559
From:
Registered: Dec 2002
|
posted 05-21-2009 04:06 PM
Sharpies came along in 1969, and presumably took awhile to become established as the tool of choice for signing autographs. Before Sharpies, aside from a ball-point pen, what writing instruments did the astronauts (and other celebrities) use for signing autographs? |
minipci
Member Posts: 393
From: London, UK
Registered: Jul 2009
|
posted 08-08-2009 04:25 PM
I'm wondering what pen type would be best for an astronaut autograph inside a book, a ball point pen or a Sharpie?Are there any particular reasons for preferring one over the other? Any drawbacks? Are any other pen types encountered? Thanks! |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
|
posted 08-11-2009 02:15 PM
Does ANYONE know what comes in silver and would still look nice without having the hassle of the metallic markers? I'm really struggling here as I don't know what else would be good to use... HELP!Editor's note: Threads merged. |
Fra Mauro
Member Posts: 1692
From: Bethpage, N.Y.
Registered: Jul 2002
|
posted 08-11-2009 10:18 PM
Would putting a piece of wax paper over a gold pen autograph preent it from sticking to the opposite page or will the wax paper just adhere to the autograph itself? Alan Bean signed his new book in gold and it is a difficult thing. |
xlsteve
Member Posts: 392
From: Holbrook MA, USA
Registered: Jul 2008
|
posted 08-12-2009 07:54 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Fra Mauro:
Would putting a piece of wax paper over a gold pen autograph preent it from sticking to the opposite page or will the wax paper just adhere to the autograph itself? Alan Bean signed his new book in gold and it is a difficult thing.
I had a similar problem with his book. I also have Mission Control: This is Apollo which was signed by Alan Bean on the left page, and Andrew Chaikin and Victoria Kohl on the right. This means that the signatures touch each other when the book is closed. With the humidity of late summer I found the dry signatures were getting tacky. The first thing I did was to leave the books open to dry for a few days. My wife is into scrapbooking, and gave me an acid-free piece of paper which I trimmed to size and inserted as a slip sheet. This seems to work pretty well. I thought about tissue paper, but my wife said that it could bond to the signature. I'm not sure about wax paper, but my gut tells me that it is not acid free, so it could affect the paper in the book. Also, you run the risk of the wax degrading over time. You can get acid free paper at most craft stores and even Wal Mart's scrapbooking section. |
spkjb
Member Posts: 144
From: Merritt Island, Florida USA
Registered: May 2011
|
posted 06-25-2012 08:40 AM
Can you please send recommendations on how to write on materials, ex. beta cloth, flags and other materials?It seems like many I have seen on internet and auction sites tend to fade. Is there a preferred pen/and or ink to do this? Editor's note: Threads merged.
|
advertisement