Ink for Bow Specs

[StrawHat]

What type of ink is used to note the specs on a selbow? I used Tru Oil as a finish. Should a finish coat be applied over the ink?

[superdav95]

That’s what I do.  I use paint pens.  Oil based.  I’m sure permanent markers fine tip could work too but my preference is the paint pens by “craft smart”. They come in variety of Colors.  Tru oil can be applied over this or a spray coat clear coat too.  They hold up pretty good without covering too.   

[Pat B]

I use Tru-Oil finish too. For writing on bows I use India ink and a quill pen or nib pen but first I spray satin poly where I write. When the poly dries and the ink dries I cover the writing with Tru-Oil first them spray the whole bow with satin poly to cut the shine of the Tru-Oil.

[CRCopland]

I have started using the Milwaukee brand Inkzall jobsite pen. They write well on wood and are bleed and resistant proof. I use the Ultra Fine Point model. They come 4 in a pack and are also great for general writing purposes around the home.

[Mo_coon-catcher]

I do the same as Pat B

Kyle

[Eric Krewson]

I use white archival ink and letter with an extra fine nib calligraphy pen, the ink is acrylic so if you goof up you can wipe it off with a wet paper towel and start over. The ink is a little hard to get to flow so I start on a piece of cardboard, when the pen is working right, I letter my bow.
I put a couple coats of Tru-oil over the lettering to lock it in place.

White stands out more as the wood darkens. I have already applied the finish to the rest of the bow before I do the lettering.

[wooddamon1]

I use white paint pens over Tru-Oil then spray matte over the entire bow. Sharpie makes a good one.

[SamH]

I use white archival ink and letter with an extra fine nib calligraphy pen, the ink is acrylic so if you goof up you can wipe it off with a wet paper towel and start over. The ink is a little hard to get to flow so I start on a piece of cardboard, when the pen is working right, I letter my bow.
I put a couple coats of Tru-oil over the lettering to lock it in place.

White stands out more as the wood darkens. I have already applied the finish to the rest of the bow before I do the lettering.

Where do you get your ink?  All I’ve been able to find online are ink pads. Thanks! -Sam

[Eric Krewson]

Hobby Lobby, they have a lot of calligraphy supplies.

This is what I use;

[Hamish]

I rarely ink my bows these days, as I use shellac for my preferred finish, which is not really compatible with acrylic, or alcohol based inks. Another option is using metal stamps to mark spec's.

This used to be the preferred method for manufactured wooden bows. It obviously doesn't work for bows with fibreglass on the limbs, I believe that increased the popularity with inking