keeping photos labeled and safe (NWR)

Simply Fated

Does anyone know a good photo safe pencil, pen or marker to use on the back of a photograph?

I want to label the back of my photographs without causing them long term damage. From what I've read on the interwebs most pencils, pens, and markers aren't ideal. Either they bleed through the picture or rub off, fade or they can react badly to the acid... I dunno, but every scrapbooking site I look at says what I should look for in a writing implement, but when I go to the store, they don't have anything like what they're describing to me.

I've seen suggestions for something called a grease pencil, but Michaels, AC Moore and Jo Ann's doesn't carry it.

I'm frustrated. :(
 

Avion22

In Response to keeping photos labeled and safe (NWR):

Does anyone know a good photo safe pencil, pen or marker to use on the back of a photograph? I want to label the back of my photographs without causing them long term damage. From what I've read on the interwebs most pencils, pens, and markers aren't ideal. Either they bleed through the picture or rub off, fade or they can react badly to the acid... I dunno, but every scrapbooking site I look at says what I should look for in a writing implement, but when I go to the store, they don't have anything like what they're describing to me. I've seen suggestions for something called a grease pencil, but Michaels, AC Moore and Jo Ann's doesn't carry it. I'm frustrated. :(  
Posted by Simply Fated

Grease pencils are pretty common -- you should be able to find them at office supply stores.  It's like a really soft crayon, so it shoudn't bleed through but rather sit on top of the paper.  It might wipe off or smudge if you wipe really hard.

s-aries8990

You can get a grease pencil at home improvement/hardware stores.... I think.

They're those crayons with the string that you unwind and it peels off the paper.

Simply Fated

"office supply stores"
oooh, ok.

I googled grease pencils at Staples and got this...
http://www.staples.com/Markal-Crayon-Tip-Paper-Wrapped-China-Marker-Red/product_712491
Are these what they're talking about me using?

We used to use these at one of my old jobs. They don't write very well. It was like writing with a crayon. I can't imagine they'd hold up on the back of a photograph long term.

StephJean83

Have you looked at Creative Memories website? They are a home based scrapbook supplier. It has been awhile since I've really done anything with scrapbooking but I thought the pens they sell can be used on the back of photos and are fade proof and acid free.

staar987

If you have a local scrapbooking store, they should have something. Even if they don't have anything in store, generally they are pretty knowledgeable about that sort of thing and can point you in the right direction.

coopergirl15

This is an art supply chain that has stores in my area. I've been able to find photo-safe and acid-free products there before. They are wonderful for writing materials such as archival ink and pens. I would search their website; if you don't find anything by searching, I would call them.

I hope you find what you need!

Link: http://www.dickblick.com/

And this is the search query result for "acid free pen" on their site: http://www.dickblick.com/search/?q=acid+free+pen&x=0&y=0&sp_cs=UTF-8

Carson386

Do you have craft stores near you? I went to Michael's and told them what I was looking for, they showed me a bunch of photo safe markers. Side note- I used them before my grandfather passed so he could tell me who the family members were in each photo. 5 years have passed and the ink hasn't smeared or rubbed off.

Simply Fated

Thank you everyone for your replies!!


In Response to Re: keeping photos labeled and safe (NWR):

Do you have craft stores near you? I went to Michael's and told them what I was looking for, they showed me a bunch of photo safe markers. Side note- I used them before my grandfather passed so he could tell me who the family members were in each photo. 5 years have passed and the ink hasn't smeared or rubbed off.
Posted by Carson386

I went to AC Moore, Michaels and JoAnn's.
One of the managers at one of the stores (AC Moores, I think) showed me two possible brands, but I have read mixed reviews on them.
One of them was Le Plume and the other was prismacolor.

What kind of markers did you use?

Burtonbaby145

Prismacolor acid free markers. They are the way to go, and make them in ultrafine tips if you want it to look like its written with pen.

lauralaur

If you can't find a pen maybe put a label on the back of the photos and write on that? I have no advice for photo-safe pens though.

Carson386

I used Prismacolor. All they told me was to store the photos in a dry area which I kinda thought duh cause you wouldn't want to keep photos in a damp place anyways.

StageManager14

Ditto Prisma Color. China markers, aka grease pens, won't damage the photo, but it does rub off and after several years will actually dry to the point of flaking off.

gailpete

Check www.archivers.com they have a large selection available.

Simply Fated

Thank you all for your help and suggestions! I'll look into all those!