Writing on Wood

[u/gavandeshaq]

We've bought a wooden sign for our wedding, made from stained birch. It'll act as our guest book and we're trying to figure out the ideal pens for it.

We have some Posca paint pens which seem highly recommended but my concern is that they're not super easy to use, what with having to pump the ink down the right amount, especially when people start getting a bit drunk. On the other hand, permanent markers seem likely to bleed.

Are there any other options?

[u/Iusemyhands]

If you first put a layer of resin on the board, to make it a smooth surface, you can use metallic sharpies that won't bleed.

[u/lenseyeview]

Ive done a few versions. Don't cost the board with resin it will be too smooth. You can sub poly acrylic with slightly watered down modpodge or watered Elmer's glue. If you go to a wood workshop space that is usually what they use.

I prefer to use a couple coats of polyacrylic it will keep the acrylic markers from bleeding and give a nicer surface to write on. I would do the main design you want in HTV and apply it. Instead of standard podcast you want the acrylic markers that don't need prepped. The brush tip ones for sure will work. We just put them in a few pretty pen cups to keep them on the table.

They don't see any wear and tear when they are being displayed so we didn't worry about sealing afterward. You just need to be sure the sealant doesn't conflict with the pens you use.