Want to write on limb, what to use?

wisconsinteacher · March 23, 2010, 10:31:00 AM

I know this sounds crazy, but I want to write on my upper limb on the belly side. I am wondering what to use that will stay on the smooth surface of my Grizzly and will not smear when touched or wet? Again I know it is crazy to some, but if I put a message on the limb and look at it every time I shoot, I know I will be a better shot from the reminder I put there.

metsastaja · March 23, 2010, 10:59:00 AM

A very thin sharpy pen or equivalent. Then spray with flat or semi gloss polyurethane.

Whip · March 23, 2010, 11:04:00 AM

A caligraphy pen with india ink works well too. As Les said, you will need to finish over the top of it to prevent it from fading and wearing off.

FerretWYO · March 23, 2010, 11:13:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by wisconsinteacher:
Again I know it is crazy to some, but if I put a message on the limb and look at it every time I shoot, I know I will be a better shot from the reminder I put there.

Not so crazy there are lots who do that. The most interesting that I have seen was a guy who had his elk license taped to his bow for the whole summer he said there was not a better reminder to shoot well.

You already got good advice as to what to write with from two that are far more experienced than I.

wisconsinteacher · March 23, 2010, 11:40:00 AM

If I use a sharpie and don't put something over it, will it stay on for a while or not?

FerretWYO · March 23, 2010, 12:02:00 PM

It will stay for a good while yes.

March 23, 2010, 12:12:00 PM

Ok--the reverse, how to get rid of writing on a bow, in this case a second hand BW with someone's name on it?

Rob DiStefano · March 23, 2010, 12:48:00 PM

writing on: ultra fine sharpie and pilot silver paint pen

writing off: depends on where during the build the writing was put on and if the current finish is matte satin or mirror gloss; if only under a few finishing layers then judicious use of 220 through 1200 grit will work, but if a mirror gloss finish is involved then a pro needs to intervene.

Raineman · March 23, 2010, 12:53:00 PM

Rob, which one do you think would be more durable and last longer if not covered with clear? The Sharpie or the Pilot?

Rob DiStefano · March 23, 2010, 12:54:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Raineman:
Rob, which one do you think would be more durable and last longer if not covered with clear? The Sharpie or the Pilot?

hand's down, the sharpie.

Ground Hunter · March 23, 2010, 06:46:00 PM

Be easy on the spray over the Sharpie - it might bleed (Sharpie) if not real dry. Stuff like this, I always try on a scrap piece first. H

J.Yates · March 23, 2010, 07:03:00 PM

I did this to my target bow a while back.I went to my local sign shop and had them make what I wanted in vinyl letters.Put it on like a decal.The nice thing is it's easily removed with a heat gun with no longterm damage.It's the same stuff they letter trucks with so it lasts a long time.

Mitch

joevan125 · March 23, 2010, 07:04:00 PM

I saw a thread on here several months ago where the guy had numbered every one of his kills and he had a bunch.

I thought that was pretty cool but i have no clue what kind of pen he was using.

metsastaja · March 23, 2010, 07:18:00 PM

These are the Pens I have used. You can find them in good stationary stores in multiple colors.
They use permanent archival ink. You can buy singles or they are available in packs of various colors.

Pigma Micron
Six sizes are available:

* Pen Size 005 = Point Size .20 mm
* Pen Size 01 = Point Size .25 mm
* Pen Size 02 = Point Size .30 mm
* Pen Size 03 = Point Size .35 mm
* Pen Size 05 = Point Size .45 mm
* Pen Size 08 = Point Size .50 mm

K. Mogensen · March 23, 2010, 07:27:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by FerretWYO: The most interesting that I have seen was a guy who had his elk license taped to his bow for the whole summer he said there was not a better reminder to shoot well.

I gotta try this with my Deer tag...

Jason R. Wesbrock · March 23, 2010, 07:30:00 PM

If you're going to spray a finish over the Sharpie, make sure you use the Industrial Sharpie, not the regular one. The industrial one won't fade under a clear finish.

bowmaster12 · March 23, 2010, 07:30:00 PM

check with bower on what finished was used some sprays can react with other finishes and may leed to problems with the finish a short call or email is well worth it

reddogge · March 23, 2010, 07:41:00 PM

Jim,
I have an idea of what you are driving at. Good heads up question.

Bent Rig · March 23, 2010, 08:09:00 PM

There's nothing better then signing a bow with GEL pens , and they come in a multitude of colors !