TomBow Markers

[Dave Fritz]

We've been using a Tombow marker (red) and find that it's coming off in our hands as we work with the ornament. Does it eventually dry or do you have to seal it right away? I know it's been talked about a lot here. I was thinking of using it on tops but am now wondering if it's a good idea. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Bill Blasic]

On my test of light fastness of different dyes and such I included Tombow markers and in 2 days under the sun the Tombow markers colors were gone.

 

[Tom Gall]

I never had a problem with Tombow markers. Maybe you have a defective one but that would be strange. Have you tried other colors? Maybe an oily wood?

 

[Dave Fritz]

I'm using it on poplar. My wife is putting them together and came upstairs with red hands asking what I had used. Interesting study Bill, what did you find to be the most stable? I did try Artisan dye but found the poplar absorbed it with blotches and I didn't want to spend the time to use a sanding sealer or something like that as a prep coat before the dye. The marker did a nice job. My wife is going to try acrylic paints.

 

[Bill Blasic]

In my test the Tombow red and blue disappeared in two days under the sun (the test piece sat in the sun every day while the master board was kept in a box with no light). The yellow Tombow did last. The metal acid dyes are very light fast (like Trans-Tint dyes). If you want to see the article email me at piwtrnr@verizon.net and I'll send you the pdf of the article.

 

[Richard Dlugo]

Try Pitt pens. Very lightfast.

 

[Tom Lucas]

My readings point to india inks as the most color fast, long term. To fix what you have, try to overcoat with spray on lacquer or shellac.