What kind of pen should I use for writing on glossy paper?

Question

I'm trying to find a pen that will write well on glossy paper without smudging. (The paper is like what you might find in a picture book or a yearbook.) Any suggestions for what type of pen to use?

Answer 1

Actually, it's pretty hard to find a marker for slick surfaces that won't smear at all just after it's applied.

There are special pen markers that are sold for writing on photographs that work very well though (look in photo depts, or go to photo stores)--they usually sell for about $1-2.

And art supply or craft/hobby stores will sometimes have permanent pens especially for slick surfaces too, and perhaps the drafting sections of some office supply stores. (make sure "permanent" is written on the label)

(And off course, pens made for dry-erase boards will write on slick surfaces, but they won't be permanent either.)

If I were you, I'd take some slick paper to any of those places, and try out each pen (try smearing the ink after only a second or two, then after about 10 seconds).

Ballpoint pen ink can be pretty good too, as long as it's not really thick and gloppy ink... and really cheap ballpoints may not flow on as readily.

HTH and good luck,

Diane B.

Answer 2

sharpie , or a gel pen

NO MARKERS , OR PENCILS !

Answer 3

Most cheap ballpoints like the Bic or Paper Mate ones that come in a 10-pack or more have thicker ink that, to me, seems to dry quicker than the nicer, more flowing ink of roller ball or gel pens.

Answer 4

One that works.

Answer 5

From  my experience, a regular ball point pen or a sharpie will work the best. Avoid gel pens or the kind that just have the ink in the see-through cartridges. Hope this is helpful!

Answer 6

A Sharpie..permanent marker.