Writing on my bow.

Crooked Stic · February 13, 2026, 07:13:51 PM

I have tried all sorts of pens the kind you dip roller balls Signos etc. They all seem to work for awhile. But I need a no fail works everything pen. What do you guys use??

Kirkll · February 14, 2026, 12:42:40 AM

https://www.amazon.com/Uchida-America-1234-3C-DecoColor-Silver/dp/B00A6VVO1M/ref=sr_1_6_pp?adgrpid=184736496845&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EfhHvQfdtPx3Ij3dZLApzxJqloVOre_T8VQsfIl-ponPB1c9en3K2qwXbreGjtdTtllEnsIJDJCbWe9OwxYor1y7kOdBaAIa4rMd2tnzSwTNkdrfwVn7WoJ6nrOvK1jDP-CBpp5ygjL0pZ2HDAcCYXlqCSOKvTiJ0mzELOxRyOSplXRNNMYl6zYqH-GgmCU-GATXfVTQsJSWThWTsADO9dvYkc7JMkIbd-nQmzl_I2MhDLHKbRzt_1_UagD7AE6k_rK7gJKQGe1amThHSwcUAF2o7YnTgd8G5usbU_mMnvE.vWZ7Oh1jim66BCHgbBNbHSEggtqx7zk77bJOHPpjwxU&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779670265919&hvdev=t&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9052493&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=10213526942270010626--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10213526942270010626&hvtargid=kwd-2454455216136&hydadcr=6781_13535684_2076009&keywords=deco+color+extra+fine+tip+paint+pen&mcid=1f940817cf703abaa566494853081fd0&qid=1771047724&sr=8-6

Guster · February 14, 2026, 04:32:52 AM

A bit unorthodox but after so many issues with pen tips drying using Bombay India ink I started using bamboo skewers to write on my bows and it works remarkably well. Only a slight adjustment period for writing with a skewer.

Crooked Stic · February 14, 2026, 06:42:56 AM

Kirk I got one of those years ago that worked really well. Trying to find it local. But good ole Amazon shows up again.
Thanks

Kirkll · February 14, 2026, 01:10:59 PM

Quote from: Crooked Stic on February 14, 2026, 06:42:56 AMKirk I got one of those years ago that worked really well. Trying to find it local. But good ole Amazon shows up again.
Thanks

I played with calligraphy pens and different types of ink, and all sorts of felt type markers and never could get any consistency. These extra fine paint pens have worked best for me... The only down side is the tips do get clogged from time to time, and cleaning them is a waste of time. That, and they are a bit expensive. i typically use the black and the gold colors most, but silver works well too. I wish they had an extra/extra fine tip model. some of these pens are just have a bit to thick of lines for writing small.

Jeff tech · February 19, 2026, 05:03:24 PM

Email Roger down at BlackWidow and ask him what he uses that's what I've been using. I know Kirk will tried it he didn't like it but that's what the black widow uses and I was very impressed and that's what I use.

Kirkll · February 22, 2026, 11:27:47 AM

Quote from: Jeff tech on February 19, 2026, 05:03:24 PMEmail Roger done at BlackWidow and ask him what he uses that's what I've been using. I know Kirk will tried it he didn't like it but that's what the black buddy uses and I was very impressed and that's what I use.

Actually I would prefer the artistic look of the calligraphy pen, but it's very difficult getting consistency on fiberglass. Same thing with a fine tipped roller ball pen... they don't work on glass very well at all.

Gusd · February 26, 2026, 02:52:38 PM

I have always used a speedball quill pen (VERY SMALL) made of steel.
I also use a MICRON 005 Size

mmattockx · February 26, 2026, 07:00:37 PM

Quote from: Kirkll on February 22, 2026, 11:27:47 AMActually I would prefer the artistic look of the calligraphy pen, but it's very difficult getting consistency on fiberglass. Same thing with a fine tipped roller ball pen... they don't work on glass very well at all.

A couple thoughts:

1) Have you tried scuffing the glass with fine sandpaper before writing on it?
2) Have you tried one of the brush pens that give a similar result to calligraphy pens, but wet the surface of pretty much anything?

Mark

Kirkll · February 26, 2026, 11:47:45 PM

Quote from: mmattockx on February 26, 2026, 07:00:37 PM
Quote from: Kirkll on February 22, 2026, 11:27:47 AMActually I would prefer the artistic look of the calligraphy pen, but it's very difficult getting consistency on fiberglass. Same thing with a fine tipped roller ball pen... they don't work on glass very well at all.

A couple thoughts:

1) Have you tried scuffing the glass with fine sandpaper before writing on it?
2) Have you tried one of the brush pens that give a similar result to calligraphy pens, but wet the surface of pretty much anything?

Mark

What type of brush pen are you referring to? Ya got my curiosity going with that one.

I always preferred the looks of calligraphy better than a paint pen, but I really suck at it for consistency. I pulled my hair out trying to get good at it too. But the fiberglass surface, even lightly sanded with 220 was just to slick to keep the ink flowing. I'd love to up my game on the bow writing.

mmattockx · February 27, 2026, 10:39:38 AM

Quote from: Kirkll on February 26, 2026, 11:47:45 PMWhat type of brush pen are you referring to? Ya got my curiosity going with that one.

Just go on Amazon and search for 'brush pen', there are piles of them. You can probably find them local at office supply stores as well.

They don't have a hard tip, it is a fine point round brush with fine bristles. You can lightly touch it for a fine line or push harder and flare it out for heavier lines.

I just looked at YouTube and there are jillions of videos about them and how to use them for calligraphy and other artsy stuff. Have a look before you buy to see what they can do.

Mark

Kirkll · March 01, 2026, 08:57:03 PM

Well i tried the brush pens out, and they are very sensitive to pressure. you can definitely get some fine lines out of them, but it takes a really soft touch to pull it off. I suppose with some practice you could replicate a calligraphy pen quality, but my first experience was disappointing. they are more like a very fine point felt marker than a paint pen. So the jury is still out until my trial & error consistency improves, or i fail miserably.

Bryan Adolphe · March 24, 2026, 04:30:56 PM

This is a little off subject but any ideas on how to put a logo/ company name onto a bow limb are they sometimes screen printed? before finish gets sprayed Or decaled under the glass wanting it to look good and I certainly can't do it with my handwriting .Any ideas ?

Crooked Stic · March 24, 2026, 07:13:07 PM

Rose Oak now Homemage bowsstill does that. Look them up on FB Bradon may fill you in.

Noah70 · March 24, 2026, 10:52:59 PM

Bryan, I ordered some logo stickers in gold last year, from Amazon. Price was good, wait time was short and they looked great on arrival. But the image was so thin that on application it became basically transparent, and the clear plastic sticker border was unsightly. Back to the drawing board.
I did a google search for "gold foil logo transfer" and found multiple options. What I wanted was a transfer that only applied the image and lettering, and the plastic backing peels away. I placed an order through Etsy for a product made in Switzerland, for a logo in gold foil. Price was reasonable at under $1.00 each for 54 pieces. The reviews were all 5 stars, with applications onto glass, metal, etc.
I haven't received them yet, can let you know what I think when they arrive.
Cheers!