What is the secret to writing on these to get a good clear result? What pens work best? Or is there another tool that produces a nice clear name?
1534149
I used a letter stamp set to indent the surface, then followed with a wipe of paint to help the letters stand out. (Wipe with a little paint on a rag, wipe off the surface and leave the paint in the depressions.)
1534150
I believe the purpose of the copper marker is to have the writing on the copper "actually EMBOSS" the information into the copper. This will happen if you support the marker on a few thicknesses of paper and use a pencil or med ball-point pen. I have found that EVEN a permanent Sharpie will fade in direct sun over time on plastic markers & some inks will wash off immediately; depending on the plastic marker surface, a soft lead pencil works OK, but hardly long term (years). If you want colored lettering on the copper markers, you might fill the embossed writing with nail polish and wipe away any excess. Hope this helps... I just leave my copper markers "plain embossed." I believe the purpose of the copper marker is to have the writing on the copper "actually EMBOSS" the information into the copper. This will happen if you support the marker on a few thicknesses of paper and use a pencil or med ball-point pen. I have found that EVEN a permanent Sharpie will fade in direct sun over time on plastic markers & some inks will wash off immediately; depending on the plastic marker surface, a soft lead pencil works OK, but hardly long term (years). If you want colored lettering on the copper markers, you might fill the embossed writing with nail polish... » Read More I believe the purpose of the copper marker is to have the writing on the copper "actually EMBOSS" the information into the copper. This will happen if you support the marker on a few thicknesses of paper and use a pencil or med ball-point pen. I have found that EVEN a permanent Sharpie will fade in direct sun over time on plastic markers & some inks will wash off immediately; depending on the plastic marker surface, a soft lead pencil works OK, but hardly long term (years). If you want colored lettering on the copper markers, you might fill the embossed writing with nail polish and wipe away any excess. Hope this helps... I just leave my copper markers "plain embossed." « Show Less
1534151
I use a Brother P-touch label maker. It prints on laminated tape, and the 1-inch tape fits on the copper markers perfectly. I use the tape with the clear backing, so it looks like printing on copper. The labels do not weather off, and a decorative font dresses the markers up (you can even make a label for the back side of the marker with supplemental information about the plant).
1534152
I've tried a number of different things; ball point pens which indent the copper, magic marker etc. but what I like best is a label maker. I then apply the label to the copper and add 2 coats of outdoor varnish to protect it from the weather. It then is very easy to read and lasts longer. Good luck.
1520641
Hi Cynthia. At this point I'm still scribbling with them all. But from my estimate, I do believe they will last as long as a normal pen. Hope this helps.
597726
I have had the same problem. I now use "Smooth-writing Generic Refills for Livescribe Pens. Use this link: (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDY7ARA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2H42Z1WF2H2XG)
2175040
I haven't had any experiences with them clumping up, and they write exceptionally smooth. The ink does take a little time to fully dry, but what really good pen doesn't?
1274256
These pens generally work well. However, like most pens the tip can get clogged if I use a pen over some surfaces or media. I'm a mixed media artist, so sometimes I "draw" over acrylic or gesso or paper. Sometimes in those instances, I get a blob. However, it is due to the way I use them--not a problem with the pen itself. I have not had any problems with these pens leaking at all. They are top quality. And they only clog or make a blob because I use them on mixed media surfaces. I have had problems with "cheaper" pens clogging or leaking but haven't had that problem with these. Hope that helps.
1386135
I would go with Staedtler. I've have tried everything on the market, and Staedtler is the best. The tips hold up very well, and there is no bleeding on any of the papers I use. I just love them.
1997209
Prashant K., While these are the BEST pens I've ever used (I'm an editor and teacher and use pens ALL the time), unfortunately they can NOT be refilled (just disposed of). I buy them anyway---not because I'm rich, but because of the high quality of the pens. They're the best. Sorry for the bad news, but hope this information helps you in making your decision. Sincerely, David Kopp, St. Louis, MO
2147810
The pens writer really smoothly and don't bleed through regular paper. The Sharpie ultra fine markers produce bold permanent color with a fine writing tip. They will bleed through standard paper.
909656
Hi David, I recommend Pelikan 4001 Ink, which comes in a variety of colors. I've used their "Royal Blue" in this exact pen and had great results. It dries fast and doesn't blob or clog and I've used it on a variety of paper surfaces and textures. I got mine from Amazon seller " Pen Boutique Ltd."
1262252
I think the writing would stay one pretty well. It may depend on the marker you use. The ones I use take elbow-grease and alcohol to come clean, which means the writing is semi-permanent until I rub the daylights out of it.
1665098
Carol, just a quick note. Even though they do smear if you're not careful on smooth paper, I LOVE my pens. I'm on my second set. Just give them a minute or so to dry and cover your wrk and you'll love them and the way they look. Especially on dark paper, the silver and golds are great.
752261
Not any better than a regular sharpie, the ink is just resistant to higher temperatures is all. Engraving would be your best bet.
450090
I generally use Levenger, in this pen I used the Noodler's Heart of Darkness (one of their bulletproof black inks). Wrote well with both. As for the Noodler's ink, if you are sloppy when filling pens, don't try it, it is truly permanent.
908705
Yeah they worked great for me. I didn't get any duds. They write in black ink. You can see the tube of black ink in the middle of the pen that's like any other ball point pen.
41469
Try a bottled Waterman ink. Noted for quality, safety, and working well in almost any pen. Available at good prices and in several colors on Amazon. Sheaffer inks are pretty reliable, too. After that, I recommend Diamine brand, especialky in any shade of blue. The Asa blue very nice nice.
2046431
No, the ink in these pens is transparent. You want something opaque or chalky for fabric.
1168646
Not well. I think it's a water-based ink. It is kind of splotchy on most plastic - and ....I just tried wetting my finger after it dried for 5 minutes and could easily wipe the ink off the plastic. Then I tried a red and a blue "Sharpie" brand permanent marker - the most common type of permanent felt tip marker pen - and couldn't remove the mark after it dried for a minute. However, the calligraphic pen is permanent on paper - and the pens stay good for years - sometimes even surviving when they are left uncapped for a while. And their chisel points keep a nice shape too. Makes average handwriting - like mine - look fantastic. enjoy, Roger L. Not well. I think it's a water-based ink. It is kind of splotchy on most plastic - and ....I just tried wetting my finger after it dried for 5 minutes and could easily wipe the ink off the plastic. Then I tried a red and a blue "Sharpie" brand permanent marker - the most common type of permanent felt tip marker pen - and couldn't remove the mark after it dried for a minute. However, the calligraphic pen is permanent on paper - and the pens stay good for years - sometimes even surviving when they are left uncapped for a while. And their chisel points keep a nice shape too.... » Read More Not well. I think it's a water-based ink. It is kind of splotchy on most plastic - and ....I just tried wetting my finger after it dried for 5 minutes and could easily wipe the ink off the plastic. Then I tried a red and a blue "Sharpie" brand permanent marker - the most common type of permanent felt tip marker pen - and couldn't remove the mark after it dried for a minute. However, the calligraphic pen is permanent on paper - and the pens stay good for years - sometimes even surviving when they are left uncapped for a while. And their chisel points keep a nice shape too. Makes average handwriting - like mine - look fantastic. enjoy, Roger L. « Show Less