Cels Forum

Dear Forum,

Hi, again.  Now, I know this topic was JUST discussed
recently, BUT there wasn't a clear answer on the topic at
the end!  I'm getting a cel signed at a convention, but
what type of marker should I use that WON'T damage the cel?
Here is what I found out by doing a little research (not very
scientific though) at my local art store after I read the
forum's discussion threads.

ALL the archival safe, fade proof, permanent, non-toxic
markers (used for scrap booking, calligraphy pens, or just
paint pens with this description) had problems =(.  Not only
did they take a LONG time to dry on acetate surfaces (the
store let me try them out on acetate samples in the store),
BUT they are also VERY sticky when dry PLUS you can easily
scratch off the marker with a fingernail or just the oil on
your finger, meaning that it can stick to a protective bag
and come off over time!  This group INLCUDES those non-toxic
paint pens that SAY they are non-toxic, safe, etc., that you
have to shake to use.

I also tried out the sharpies, and they too can take awhile
to dry PLUS with the earlier hints at fading, I didn't go
much further with them.  I tried them out on acetate too, and
I can still make them blend with my finger even when they
dried!

I tried INK (waterbased ink and india ink) markers, BUT they
have problems adhering to the actetate surface!  All they did
was lay atop the cel surface, and they could be easily wiped
away!

The store owner did suggest using acrylic paint, BUT those
only come in jars, and you need a brush to dipping pen to use
them! 8(

The only marker that stood up to my challenge was a TOXIC
paint marker with xylene in it (The marker really stinks and
is harmful if you keep breathing it!).  Not only did this
marker dry fast, BUT it was IMPOSSIBLE for me to scratch off
once it was dried on the surface!  I tested a yellow marker,
and because I had black marker on my fingers, the yellow
marks DID pick up the ink off my hands onto the marked area
(making a very smudgy yellow mark), BUT I still couldn't
scratch it off no matter how hard I tried!  HOWEVER, I
am concerned that the chemicals in the marker MIGHT over time
damage the cel/acetate itself due to its toxic nature and the
xylene.  I have no idea if it will or not!  I even asked my
sister the chemical engineering major, but she has no clue
either (some help!)!

So there you have it!  I'm stuck with no clue as what to do!
By the way, MOST of those metallic pens people use are the
TOXIC ones (part of the last group) for your reference =),
BUT they do make non-toxic, archival safe, fade proof,
permanent ones too which of course has all the properties
pertaining to that of course!

Yeesh!  It's either safe and non permanent or unsafe and
permanent!  WHAT IN THE HECK DO I USE?!  HELP!!!!


Sincerely,

Sonia 8(