marking pictures question

I tried to post, it's been a long time but it didn't seem to go through. What is the best way to ID a photo on the back?? I have some very old ones with pencil that are still legible, some not. Black soft pens semm to bleed through. What is longest lasting? Thanks so much for your help-

wanda in virginia

never miss a post, just lurking for the last year going to start scrapping again!!!!

Reply to
wanda in virginia
Loading thread data ...

Hmm....several of us replied to your post. It's those darn gremlins again. :-) But welcome to RCS Wanda! I simply use a permanent, archival pen. I've seen "photo pens" before, but it's been awhile. I also haven't looked for a photo pen lately. (Lots of help, aren't I? LOL)

Reply to
Deb in AR

Wanda...I wrote you a whole essay LOL I have pasted a copy below:

************************************************************ Welcome Wanda....glad that you de-lurked to ask your question and I hope that you will stay around :o) I am fairly new to scrapbooking, so don't have all the answers I'm afraid. I have heard some say that pencil-marked pics have not shown any deterioration over the years. I also read on another site that china-markers were best for details on the back of pics and I know that that is what some of the photographers use to mark their serial numbers.....so there is a lot of different views on the topic. Personally, I think that there is unlikely to be any hard and fast answer......as it will depend on many factors! Photo paper used, type of photo-processing, heat, humidity, all sorts of other things also!!!!! For example...if a photo has been handled regularly and the acid from skin has transferred to the photo it may deteriorate quicker than one that hasn't seen much handling. From the UK government National Archives they suggest writing lightly on the back with an HB pencil is the best way to go.
formatting link
I don't know if they US has an equivalent grading system but an HB is a mid range pencil...i.e. neither too hard or too soft. The more H's the harder the pencil and the pics you talk of showing the sharp point edges may have been written on with a hard pencil.....H or higher!!!!! Having many spoiled pictures from 60's/70's magnetic albums and dodgy processing methods I have chosen to scan an reprint my pics and leave the originals stored in photo-safe storage. Scanned pics are written to several CD's to avoid loss in the event of a CD breaking down. If they don't last....then to bad! I scrap for my pleasure and I try to take care but I am not obssessive about AF/LF This is one of the best sites I have ever visited
formatting link
and this is there answer to the pencil question
formatting link
So....if they are using "should" I would suggest that even they are hedging their bets LOL This site is the collaboration of many top archivers, scrapbooking companies, adhesive manufactures and imaging people. I hope this helps a little :o)
Reply to
Marilyn

Glad it wasn't just my post that went into the "black hole" Deb :o) I saw your post come through to the NG and mine.....but it obviously didn't hit Wanda's server! Oh well perhaps they will suceed this time.

Reply to
Marilyn

Wicked Wanda!!! We missed you!! Glad to see you back!!

Hugs, Sabrina

Reply to
Sabrina

Welcome back Wanda!

Reply to
Tabitha

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.