what ink to address envelopes?

[dagnypup]

Hello.

 

I was just wondering if anyone uses non-permanent ink to address envelopes?

 

I have a few Noodler's Buttleproof inks, but most of my inks are non-permanent. I would like to use them to address envelopes, but am worried about the ink smearing in wet weather. Other than rubbing candlewax on the envelope, does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on the issue?

 

Thanks!

[jamesh]

Hello.

 

I was just wondering if anyone uses non-permanent ink to address envelopes?

 

I have a few Noodler's Buttleproof inks, but most of my inks are non-permanent. I would like to use them to address envelopes, but am worried about the ink smearing in wet weather. Other than rubbing candlewax on the envelope, does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on the issue?

 

Thanks!

 

I have wondered about this also.

[chud]

I do generally use bulletproof inks, probably FPN Galileo Brown most often, but an iron-gall ink would do too. Otherwise, candle-wax or some other way to seal the surface against smearing is probably a good idea (scotch tape will do in a pinch, if somewhat inelegant).

 

On the other hand, I've gotten many a letter addressed with <whatever> and nary a problem.

 

Of course, had there been a problem, I might not know, that letter having become undeliverable... :-)

 

Anyway. Some of the non-bulletproof inks are still pretty water-resistant, and may well be good enough against rain and puddles though not good enough against forgers. Test first.

[Randal6393]

Have used both bulletproof, waterproof, and regular fountain pen inks for envelopes for years with nary a problem. In conditions that might result in the smearing of the address, I usually use the candle-wax rub or a transparent tape over the address. But, then, I have occasionally used belt and suspenders at the same time. Guess it's pretty much a case-by-case basis. Mostly, one pays the money and takes the chances.

 

Glad to see you use the letter-exchange, keep up the good work.

 

Enjoy,

[KatrinaLouise1990]

I've never thought to address envelopes with my fountain pens. But I would love too. My envelopes would look so much neater rather than my scrawly sharpie writing.

[jleeper]

I don't really worry about it. I use whatever I used for the contents, if it's not a really light color, then I'd probably use Visconti Blue because I always have than in a close by pen.

[bwnewton]

Lamy Blue-Black (bottled) and Sheaffer Skrip Black (Slov) work great. Otherwise, I use the white candle rub technique with satisfaction.

[plistumi]

How does one do a candlerub?

[Blade Runner]

I dedicate a 149 broad nib with Montblanc iron gall blue black for this purpose.

The candle rub works, but it leaves an greasy film that I just don't like.

[Pengrump]

I usually have at least one of the following in a pen for addressing envelopes:

 

MB Blue-Black

Diamine Registrar's

Platinum Carbon Black

Sailor Kiwaguro Black

[bwnewton]

How does one do a candlerub?

 

Take an ordinary white candle and rub it over the lettering. It leaves a clear film over the ink which protects it from rain or spills. I don't mind the process and used it for our Christmas card envelopes.

[Possum Hill]

How does one do a candlerub?

Same as a plain waxrub. Both techniques are derived from the lardrub, which is seldom used today as it causes household pets to develop a possibly destructive interest in one's correspondence.

[The Rockster]

Hi,

 

We have been using FP ink to address envelopes for years.

Using water based inks and then a dab of MicroGlaze.(Acid Free-All Purpose Paper Protection)

Never, ever had a problem.

Edited March 16, 2010 by The Rockster

[Rabbit]

Hi,

 

We have been using FP ink to address envelopes for years.

Using water based inks and then a dab of MicroGlaze.(Acid Free-All Purpose Paper Protection)

Never, ever had a problem.

Thanks for the tip--is that sold at craft stores such as Hobby Lobby? I've always used bulletproof ink, and I've received letters protected by the candle wax method before too, but it's always good to hear new ideas.

 

Edit to add: I've also used dip pens with a type of Sumi ink that has a waterproof additive. I did my wedding invitations like that. Using a dip pen is also nice when you want to use a bulletproof ink, but don't necessarily want to ink a fountain pen with that ink just for the purpose of addressing one envelope.

 

--Stephen

Edited March 16, 2010 by Rabbit

[dagnypup]

Hi,

 

We have been using FP ink to address envelopes for years.

Using water based inks and then a dab of MicroGlaze.(Acid Free-All Purpose Paper Protection)

Never, ever had a problem.

 

Yea, I've heard of MicroGlaze and even thought of purchasing some....but I'm cheap and candle wax is freely available. Does the MicroGlaze leave a tactile presence? This is what I dislike so about the candle wax -- especially if I am going to be writing a letter that I am afraid might run on the page should it bring its reader to tears

 

I have been looking at some of the decorated envelopes on one of the blogs and saw that some were done in watercolors. I wonder if they also use candle wax or Microglaze to protect the artwork? Or do they just not worry about these things?

[jgrasty]

I always have one pen filled with Noodler's Black for the purpose of writing addresses on envelopes. Noodler's Black works on just about any (uncoated) paper.

[Pippin60]

I keep 2 pens that are filled with a Noodlers BP ink. Black, and blue, both bullet proof. I have used MB Blue -black also which is iron gall. If you have Noodlers bP inks then you should feel comfortable using them in the mail.

[hookem11]

Canada Post sells a tape called Transparent Mailing Tape (somewhat like 3M Scotch tape) for packages. I place it over the address. Works fine

[haziz]

Any pen and any ink. Whatever you have used for the letter itself.

 

Sincerely,

 

Hany.

[WendyNC]

I have one pen in which I keep Zhivago and will grab that if nothing else is handy. While not fully bulletproof, Zhivago will get the job done for the ordinary splash.