Signing aluminum prints: I was wondering what others have done when wanting to inscribe a larger (poster size) aluminum print (the dye-sub on metal variety, not 'aluminized' paper...

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

I was wondering what others have done when wanting to inscribe a larger (poster size) aluminum print (the dye-sub on metal variety, not 'aluminized' paper etc.). I would only sign the back of the print.

Sharpie marker? One of those electric inscribing pens? Something else altogether?

TIA for any answers from those experienced in this.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

If I bought an aluminum print I would only want the back signature. I would fear that something like a sharpie would fade after a little time and then it would look bad.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

f8lee wrote:

I was wondering what others have done when wanting to inscribe a larger (poster size) aluminum print (the dye-sub on metal variety, not 'aluminized' paper etc.). I would only sign the back of the print.

Sharpie marker? One of those electric inscribing pens? Something else altogether?

TIA for any answers from those experienced in this.

Unless you engrave or etch it, you can’t get much more permanence than with a Sharpie.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Scribing pen with a carbide tip is one possibility - resulting marks could be followed with a razor tip sharpie. Practice on some aluminum scrap would be essential. Note: On the back of the print.

Tjohn Loc: Inverness, FL formerly Arivaca, AZ

Over a long time and without exposure to light Sharpies will fade.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Tjohn wrote:

Over a long time and without exposure to light Sharpies will fade.

Do photos not do the same?
I thought, no matter what over time, photos in color fade.

Brian S. Loc: Oak Park, MI

What good is a signature on the back of the print?

If you want it to be a signed print then why not include your signature in the actual photograph?

Tjohn Loc: Inverness, FL formerly Arivaca, AZ

Architect1776 wrote:

Do photos not do the same?
I thought, no matter what over time, photos in color fade.

True for the older processes but pictures made on printers with pigment based inks will likely last as long or longer than the paper they are on.

Quixdraw Loc: x

In former (film) days, a caligraphy pen and India ink for B&W prints. I have no experience with that and modern papers.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Brian S. wrote:

What good is a signature on the back of the print?

If you want it to be a signed print then why not include your signature in the actual photograph?

It establishes the artist/photographer even if on the back and that adds to value. I hang a photo to show the scene not to show who took it.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

I sign *all* my work on the back...I don't like *anything* distracting from the image. Just me, and I didn't start out this way either...<shrug>

Bananapuppy Loc: Sunny Tucson, AZ

f8lee wrote:

I was wondering what others have done when wanting to inscribe a larger (poster size) aluminum print (the dye-sub on metal variety, not 'aluminized' paper etc.). I would only sign the back of the print.

Sharpie marker? One of those electric inscribing pens? Something else altogether?

TIA for any answers from those experienced in this.

I use an extra fine DecoColor oil base paint marker on the back of all my prints. It works great. Costs about $6 on Amazon. Also doesn't bleed through on photo print paper. Bp

Toment Loc: FL, IL

f8lee wrote:

I was wondering what others have done when wanting to inscribe a larger (poster size) aluminum print (the dye-sub on metal variety, not 'aluminized' paper etc.). I would only sign the back of the print.

Sharpie marker? One of those electric inscribing pens? Something else altogether?

TIA for any answers from those experienced in this.

Sign your work electronically then get it printed

jayluber Loc: Phoenix, AZ

RWR wrote:

Unless you engrave or etch it, you can’t get much more permanence than with a Sharpie.

Sharpie "ink" comes right off with GoofOff, Alcohol and several other solvents. Definitely not "Permanent".

WaM_Photo Loc: Sandia Park, New Mexico

I agree. I too sign all of my prints (exhibition photo paper or metal) on the back. I don't like a signature distracting from my image.