Replies

1. 
   Elcoholic | Dec 13, 2006 02:44am | #1

   1) Sharpie on top of the finish

   2) Spray super blond de-waxed shellac if you have spray equip.  I'm not sure if it comes in a rattle can, but if so, Zinser would make it if anybody does.  Krylon has spray acrylic and there's the Deft spray lacquer that has the best nozzle on a spray can.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   The more things change ...

   We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized.  I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.

   Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC

1. 
   douglas2cats | Dec 13, 2006 03:30am | #3

   Doesn't the shellac make the ink run? I used denatured alcohol to remove magic marker lines a few months ago. I would think the alcohol in the shellac would have the same effect ???

    If you build it he will come.

1. 
   Elcoholic | Dec 13, 2006 07:13pm | #4

   Start with a very light, dry spray first coat and let it set up before a wet coat.  A seal coat before the ink might also work.  Another idea that may work is Krylon fixative from the art store.  It's specifically made for this type of use.  I don't know what top coats would be compatible.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   The more things change ...

   We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized.  I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.

   Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC

2. 
   Jimma | Dec 14, 2006 01:16am | #5

   Ditto on Deft and Sharpie, especially the fine point ones.

2. 
   9619 | Dec 13, 2006 02:59am | #2

   Dave,
   I bought a simple wood burning pen. Works great. Looks great.
   Mel

   Measure your output in smiles per board foot. 

3. 
   BilljustBill | Dec 14, 2006 04:26am | #6

        Dave,

      Once, I built an archery recurve bow.  On the laminated handle I placed my name and date it was built.  It stayed.

      I smooth sanded the walnut and maple and sealed it with about 4 coats of lacquer.  Then took drafting ink pens with India ink and wrote my name and the completion date.  Very lightly, I gave the surface a "dust coat" of lacquer, and let it dry.   The next spray coat was a little heavier.  Letting those two coats dry fully, then I added 3 more coats of sprayed lacquer.  

     The light dust coating and next slightly heavier coat is the key in trapping the writing in between the layers of finish.  I'd think that Deft in a spray can would be a great choice to do what you want.

      Bill

4. 
   BruceS | Dec 14, 2006 04:47am | #7

   I just finished a project and did a little experimenting on scraps before I came up with using a Gell pen on the bare wood and coated the piece with CrystalLac water base finish.  Both shellac,  deft(lacquer) and urethane caused the pen to run.  Experimenting is a good thing.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Dec 14, 2006 08:08pm | #8

   Thanks for all the replies.

   I only have six of these little signs to get right. I have made up about 15 of them from resawn wp. Next stop is the craft/art supply store and Woodcraft.

   After my weekend opf experimenting, I'll post what meets DW approval.

    

   Dave