I have used these on artifacts, glazed and unglazed ceramics and glass. They are usually sold through curation suppliers or even the Michaels chain of craft stores (very expensive there) as disposable permanent ink technical pens. They work OK, but the rough surface of the artifacts degrades the plastic or felt pen tip very quickly, rendering the pen unusable long before its ink supply runs out. Also, most of the inks used in these disposable pens react to acetone, so coating the accession number with nail polish after using such a pen is NOT recommended. I believe clear gesso, or some of the other, water-based clear coatings discussed in this thread may work with a disposable technical-style pen.
Or, get an old, as in yard sale, Rapidograph, and some india ink. Since many draftspeople use Autocad these days, there's plenty of those around.
D. Babson
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From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY on behalf of George Myers
Sent: Mon 9/8/2003 7:34 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Labels
Is, or has there ever been anything more simpler than the quill pen? I have
seen some new pens around, permanent fine tips for photos, claims to write
on glass, etc., and wonder if any of those new materials are used.
George Myers
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