Writing on wood

[millwab]

I'm getting ready to make up some "start-to-finish" samples (as Mac puts it). I was thinking of writing the species/finish steps of each sample on the wood before applying the finish (I'm thinking that the finish would protect the writing). All of these would be clear finishes of some sort so I'm not worried about the writing being covered over. What I'm wondering is what I can write with that wouldn't either bleed into the wood or run/bleed when the finish hits it. Any ideas?

[BobD (Archive)]

I'd seal the area where you plan on writing the information first with a bit of shellac or lacquer...then write on it with a fine-point sharpie... Or write everything out on a printer label and stick that to the wood after you finish!

Bob

[PeteB]

How about a pencil?

[Rolf]

Burn it in. Although that might not be so great on the dark woods.

[MacS]

Save the front for show...

Bruce,

How about turning the panel over and then just writing the text on the back.

That's what I do, it makes the panel look more professional without any text on the front.

But its your choice.

[Hobbyhorse]

Millwab,
I write on the bottom of all of the boxes I make with a pen and then spray them with lacquer. I finish the wood with 400 grit sandapaper and use a pen labelled as follows:
Artline drawing system
Pigment ink..water based..water resistant
For drawing, graphic design, illustrations, documents.
Shachihata EK 232

I tried a number of pens and this was the only one that worked for me. It is probable that this one is not available in the USA however there must be others that will do the job for you.

Rhys H

[Rolf]

I have also used a "Sharpie" and sprayed a clear finish over it.

[Mick Walker]

Bruce, I always apply one coat of finish first, I use a Parker roller ball. Will bleed into bare wood, then I apply several more coats.