Signing the bow

[Exiled_Archer]

So I just finished my first bow and need some help from all you experienced bowyers!

What do you use to sign and Mark the weights on the bow limb? I'm finished staining and about to wipe on my first coat of poly tomorrow. Is it just a fine tipped sharpie? Felt pen? I would hate to write in this thing and have it turn into a black blob on this thing.

Thanks for the help!

[mikkekeswick]

Get some Indian ink and a calligraphy pen. You won't regret it. Beautiful sharp,fine lines.
Sharpies leave an ugly fat line and fade over time.

[mikkekeswick]

If you are writing on wood with an open grain then rub some superglue over the area to fill the grain first.

[Pat B]

I agree with Mike. You can buy India ink in black, white and maybe other colors.

[Bowjunkie]

I agree that India ink is the way to go. Fine lines and lots of pigment.

In addition to calligraphy pens, you can get India ink in fountain pens with variously sized and shaped tips.

Faber-Castell sells them from superfine to large solid 'nibs', flat points that mimic calligraphy pens, and also in 'soft brush' points. They also offer them in many different colors. Lots of them on ****.

[Exiled_Archer]

Well that settles it...thanks guys!

[Pat B]

I've even made my own "quill" pen with a feather quill and with small diameter bamboo. Lots of info on line about making your own.

[Eric Krewson]

I completely finish the area to be lettered, I use Tru-Oil on my bows. I letter over the finish then put a a few coats of Tru-Oil over the lettering. Over coating locks the lettering in for life, it will never chip off.

One more thing, buy the finest point nib for your pen you can find, smaller lines look better.

[Mark R]

Eric have you ever had trouble with the India Ink drying.

[Wolftrail]

If she dont dry try a heat gun.  I then spray a coat of poly on the bow without it running.

[Mo_coon-catcher]

I do the same as the others. I give the ink a minimum of 24 hours before putting finish over the ink. And if it’s humid I’ll give it 48 hours. If it’s not fully dry you run the risk of smearing the ink.

Kyle