Working with digital images

[fyrwmn]

I enjoy giving away many photos to family and friends. On the backs of the photos, I would like to stamp my name so they know where they came from ( for future reference, if they would like more copies, etc) I have been made a stamp from a kit- but what ink should I use? I know you shouldn't write on the back of a photo with ink, they say, but I intend to stamp the lower corner of each photo. Is there a quick drying - "safe" ink to use? ( The stamp I made is on one of those self inkers, that I can just refill as needed) Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Linda

[Deb]

Hi there fyrwmn, it kind of depends on the paper you are using for your prints. Is it porous, coated, etc.?

For proofs, I use a matte paper and print my logo/imprint on the back (after the photos have thoroughly dried) by running them back through the printer. The logo/imprint is not done with solid color but 30% black. Printing is done on an Epson 2200.

In your case, it sounds like you're using a stamping device. Hmmmm, I'd be concerned that any ink would either bleed through or smear. Sorry I'm not of more help.  :-/

[fyrwmn]

wow- I think I made things alot more complicated then need be... I use a commercial company to print my photos- but I do  have a Epson stylus Photo RX600 printer at home- I never thought of running the photos through the printer to do the backs- I will try that

thanks

[Deb]

I'd wait! You don't want to damage your printer (RX600).

I print both the image AND the logo/imprint on my printer. That's why it works so well.

Have you asked your commercial printer if they can just do this for you?

[Linda]

I just tried it on a few photos and it works great- but how/why would it ruin the printer- aren't printers designed to print on both sides of a paper? ( I'm looking for my manual to check on this)

I print at CVS etc, I can't imagine that they would have the capability of doing this custom item for me- but I can ask around for the future. For right now, I have several hundred prints that I need to distribute- which I want lettering on the reverse side. Some of these photos are up to 6 years old.

[Deb]

Yep, some printers are designed to print on both sides if the paper type is designed to be printed on both sides. If not, you could end up with the surface ink or finish of the photo coming off.

[fyrwmn]

wow- good point- well then I guess I am back to my origional question of what would be a good ink to use- then use my stamper

thanks
linda

[ShutterbugGail]

That's a very interesting question and it's not easy to find an answer to it. I found one reference on the subject:

"Do not write on the back of a print with a ballpoint pen or ordinary market (sic), as the ink will smear (and if you stack prints, it will come off on the face of the photo beneath). Use a permanent marker to number prints (and write small), or print off labels that include the number of the print and the caption information."

Source: http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/photos.shtml

From this it appears that permanent ink is the best. However, be careful. You should really, really experiment with a few photos to see how the ink takes to the back. If the back surface is glossy and/or non-porous, the ink may never dry. Or the ink would rub off when photos are stacked together.

Perhaps you can call a local camera shop to see what they recommend if your tests don't work out. If we find anything else about this subject, we'll let you know. Let us know how it goes for you.

btw, I have a bottle of ink to re-ink a stamp kit, but it doesn't say if it is permanent or not.

[Deb]

I've found archival ink pens ("Pigma Micron") in a variety of colors and nib sizes at a local arts supply store here in town. I use them for signing prints. They work well. I believe they are made by "Sakura". Here's a stretch ... maybe Fyrwmn can buy just the ink from the dealer. Check here: http://www.gellyroll.com/ .

[fyrwmn]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have been using a ball point- ( I know I shouldn't but I haven't had any problems yet) - But I didn't even think of using my archival pens that I have. I just emailed the company that Deb recommended to see about refill for my stamper. Interesting article  Shutterbuggail - thanks

[Deb]

Hi Fyrwmn, if that ink is available that would be great. Do let us know what they tell you.

[pip22]

I think the best, safest option is to print the details on sheets of adhesive labels designed for inkjet printers.
MS Word contains dozens of ready-made printing templates for these. Or simply buy the label sheets and write on them by hand before sticking on the back of the photo.

[Deb]

Good tip Pip22. I'd only add that you'd want to be sure the adhesive is archival. Otherwise it could yellow over time and possibly damage the image.