Making signs: Can I use a sharpie?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjeDWdbj8T0

I've known artists who did use Sharpies on acrylic, and it seemed to work out fine. If the sign will be hung in direct sunlight and you're worried about fading, you could always use an acrylic marker: http://www.michaels.com/search?q=black%20acrylic%20marker

I have used Sharpie on Acrylic but never for outdoors. It did OK but I have switched to a ruling pen. It is used with acrylic paint thinned down for lining work. You load the pen using a brush across the side of its opening. It is available at your art supply store and comes in a straight pen or a compass kit. The compass kit helps to make perfect circles!

I started making signs a few months back and i tried the Sharpie idea early on. I used them on a piece of wood painted with satin paint which has a slight glossy finish. One problem I had was when I applied a clear coat to make it weatherproof. I held the sign up by the chain and sprayed. Immediately the lettering started to run. Another problem was when I was making the sign. If anything touched the letters it would smear. Lastly, it looks great when you first apply it but within a few minutes the color starts to bleed outside the lines. I made one with Sharpies in a rush for a gift but when I went back to look at it everything had bled. I had to go back and redo edges with real paint. This could be due to the shiny finish in the paint. I haven't tried it on a flat paint but I think I will try it. What I found that is even better than Sharpies is paint pens and markers. I found paint pens at Walmart but markers I had to get online. They come in every color you would want plus being alcohol based, they dry immediately. I think applying the clear coat with the sign on a flat surface instead of hanging is probably the best way. Hope this helps.

thanks everyone !! I think I may just paint the letters And the next time I'll try some of your ideas.

Getting permanent marker to stick to metal for the long haul can be tricky.

With Sharpie marks on wood, the ink of the marker gets embedded into the pores of the wood.

Metal that has been polished smooth has fewer “nooks and crannies” for the ink to get stuck.

Metals with rougher, textured surfaces will hold the ink better than smooth metals.

The tiny indentations will trap the ink and “protect” it from rubbing off.

To make Sharpie marks more permanent on smooth metal, I would recommend these steps:

1. Apply the Sharpie and allow it to dry completely.
2. Use a clear spray-on finish like Rustoleum Clear Coat over the top of the marking. This will add a protective layer.

Over time the spray-on coating will wear away a bit, but you can always apply another coat.

Sharpies are a good permanent marker, but it sometimes depends on the surface you're using them on. I recommend covering them with some kind of sealant or even Mod Podge to make the ink last.