what ink to address envelopes?

[The Rockster]

Hi,

 

We have been using FP ink to address envelopes for years.

Using water based inks and then a dab of MicroGlaze.(Acid Free-All Purpose Paper Protection)

Never, ever had a problem.

Thanks for the tip--is that sold at craft stores such as Hobby Lobby? I've always used bulletproof ink, and I've received letters protected by the candle wax method before too, but it's always good to hear new ideas.

 

Edit to add: I've also used dip pens with a type of Sumi ink that has a waterproof additive. I did my wedding invitations like that. Using a dip pen is also nice when you want to use a bulletproof ink, but don't necessarily want to ink a fountain pen with that ink just for the purpose of addressing one envelope.

 

--Stephen

We found it online years ago, its not new.

It contains wax and petroleum, so its similar to using a candle. Use sparingly, we're still using the original jar. (5+ years)

Its suggested for fps, as well as other uses, (arts and crafts)

Not sure where to purchase it retail.

We called the phone number below and ordered it direct. Got the feeling it was a start up company. Seemed like really friendly folks! :clap1:

 

Made by Skycraft Design Inc

26395 S. Morgan Road,

Estagada,OR 97023

800-578-5608

www.microglaze.com

www.skycraft.com

Edited March 16, 2010 by The Rockster

[Rabbit]

Canada Post sells a tape called Transparent Mailing Tape (somewhat like 3M Scotch tape) for packages. I place it over the address. Works fine

 

I did that once here in the US, and the guy at the post office (seemingly in a bad mood) said, "You aren't supposed to put tape over the address." He took it anyway though. He didn't tell me why... maybe it makes it hard for the scanners to read the address and it has to be hand-sorted? That's the only thing I can think of. (it was glossy tape, not "magic tape" if that matters)

 

 

Rockster--thanks for the info!

 

--Stephen

[Rena]

Isn't it nice to have so many choices? Although using Micro-glaze and rubbing with wax are good options, they're not for me.

 

Occasionally I use bulletproof inks.

 

Most times I use water-resistant inks. A lot of inks have water resistance, which is often all you need. If the writing gets wet, it may smear and fade a little, but remains quite legible.

 

I'll often spray a fixative over the envelope for added precaution on decorated envelopes. (But fixatives should be used with caution — I always spray it outdoors.)

Edited March 16, 2010 by Rena

[Possum Hill]

Canada Post sells a tape called Transparent Mailing Tape (somewhat like 3M Scotch tape) for packages. I place it over the address. Works fine

 

I did that once here in the US, and the guy at the post office (seemingly in a bad mood) said, "You aren't supposed to put tape over the address." He took it anyway though. He didn't tell me why... maybe it makes it hard for the scanners to read the address and it has to be hand-sorted? That's the only thing I can think of. (it was glossy tape, not "magic tape" if that matters)

 

 

Rockster--thanks for the info!

 

--Stephen

I always put tape over the address of packages and our local postmaster has never complained.

[gkterry]

Currently I am using Pilot Blue-Black for addressing. Although I have used many kinds, but I would avoid inks like Waterman that melt away at the hint of water.

[tfwall]

I was just wondering if anyone uses non-permanent ink to address envelopes?

 

I do as a matter of routine. Only rarely do I have an iron gall or nano carbon ink loaded up.

 

I would like to use them to address envelopes, but am worried about the ink smearing in wet weather. Other than rubbing candlewax on the envelope, does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on the issue?

 

Go for it. Envelopes getting wet while in the custody of the the postal service is only a slightly larger problem than "check washing", which is to say, not a problem at all. The mail has somehow muddled on for over 100 yrs with people addressing letters with water based writing implements, the mail services have a solid system worked out.

 

Use whatever ink pleases you and leave the worrying and paranoia to those who enjoy that sort of thing.

[Ada]

I use iron gall inks on envelopes (usually Diamine Registrar's ink or Rohrer & Klingner Scabiosa). Water-resistant inks would probably be sufficient, but I have and like iron gall inks, so I use them.

[haziz]

I was just wondering if anyone uses non-permanent ink to address envelopes?

 

I do as a matter of routine. Only rarely do I have an iron gall or nano carbon ink loaded up.

 

I would like to use them to address envelopes, but am worried about the ink smearing in wet weather. Other than rubbing candlewax on the envelope, does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on the issue?

 

Go for it. Envelopes getting wet while in the custody of the the postal service is only a slightly larger problem than "check washing", which is to say, not a problem at all. The mail has somehow muddled on for over 100 yrs with people addressing letters with water based writing implements, the mail services have a solid system worked out.

 

Use whatever ink pleases you and leave the worrying and paranoia to those who enjoy that sort of thing.

 

I did reply earlier, but wanted to say very well put, I totally agree.

 

Sincerely,

 

Hany.

[Ondina]

I use any ink in the pen without a second thought. Wax rubbing does not leave any greasy trace; it just leaves a waxy shiny coat. That is derived from lard rubbing is utter nonsense. It is the oldest way to protect whatever was written on the envelope with the easiest available material on hand back when letters started to be written; candles lighting the desks. Lacquers and waxes were used as well to seal and "sign" said documents not only from the weather but from long trips on horseback, boats or chariots, when letters where rolls and they were carried in the inner shirts or waistcoat pockets of the messengers. Is cheap, effective, traditional, nice, and most important, it works. Alternatively I suggest clear tape, or fixative spray, or a permanent or wateresistant ink.

 

Well expressed, Chemyst, I agree, and with Haziz also. Don't worry too much about the ink used in addressing envelopes, just enjoy the ones you like.

Edited March 16, 2010 by Ondina

[Iranna]

I wrote a test sheet with most of my inks, then soaked it in water. I normally don't write envelopes with ink but when I do, I use the ones that best lived through the water test.

[Lorna Reed]

I'm afraid I dont use a fountain pen for addressing envelopes - I use a fine permanent marker, such as a Staedtler or Stabilo OHP pen, or a CD/DVD pen. To me its more important that the letter reaches its destination, than that it looks pretty.

[orangos]

This winter in the UK, as well as some true brass monkey weather, has seen more than its fair share of rain. A couple of envelopes I sent using non-water-resistant ink were only just legible enough to reach the addressees. A couple arrived here looking like a Victorian Gothic heroine had unloaded a full sob onto the ink. One or two others never arrived. Of course I'll never know why that happened!

 

To be fair this is from a unusually large sample for me: I've written and received a lot recently. But now everything leaves here with either a wax rub or iron gall ink on the envelope -- both methods are trivially easy and help the mail arrive.

[KatrinaLouise1990]

Because I was wondering about doing this I tested all of my lamy cartridges to see how they would hold up under water - I was also bored (home ill from college again ). I have black, blue, red, turquiose, purple and green. I used cheap note paper - not sure where it was brought but most likely a supermarket as it is a letter writing paper.

 

I was really surprised that they didn't all vanish and ruin under the water. There was a trail of colour which came off each one but after that came off they appeared to be dry. Once the paper was out of it's bath I ran my fingers over the words I had written and they didn't smudge or anything.

 

The green came off worse and was quite faded but still readable and the red and purple appeared to be the best ones with the red one barely doing anything at all.

 

I am pleased they resisted my bath but also a little disapointed I didn't get to see some amazing disapearing ink. I also wish my paper had stood up as well as my ink.

[Aunt Jill]

When I sold on eBay, I put clear tape over the address. If you're not sure of the ink and you have mailing tape (not scotch tape) this is an easy way to protect the writing.

 

—Jill

[Rabbit]

 

 

I did that once here in the US, and the guy at the post office (seemingly in a bad mood) said, "You aren't supposed to put tape over the address." He took it anyway though. He didn't tell me why... maybe it makes it hard for the scanners to read the address and it has to be hand-sorted? That's the only thing I can think of. (it was glossy tape, not "magic tape" if that matters)

 

 

Rockster--thanks for the info!

 

--Stephen

I always put tape over the address of packages and our local postmaster has never complained.

I think the guy was in a really bad mood or something. He just seemed irritated by everyone in line.

 

--Stephen

[Sandy1]

I'm afraid I dont use a fountain pen for addressing envelopes - I use a fine permanent marker, such as a Staedtler or Stabilo OHP pen, or a CD/DVD pen. To me its more important that the letter reaches its destination, than that it looks pretty.

+1

I keep a Sharpie around for labeling food going into the fridge & freezer. I also use it for the address on personal correspondence, but will often write the recipients' name in the same ink as I used for the enclosed letter.

At peak times, (Xmas, etc), I print labels with a machine-readable font for faster automated processing; once again with the recipients' name hand written.

S1