"How to do Lettering?" Topic

I have some 28mm figures that have been waiting for me to finish them for a LONG time.

They have shoulderpads. One shoulderpad per figure has a scroll, obviously intended to be filled in with writing. The space is about 5/16" wide and 1/16" tall, and gently curved.

All I need to write is something simple, a short name ("Artur", for instance) in a vaguely medieval way.

How would you do it? Pen or brush? Paint or ink? How do you prepare the surface? Do you practice beforehand? Are rub-on letters practical? What about decals?

I am awaiting your helpful advice.

I have used an ultra fine tip pen from an art supply store…. careful though or you can mess up the tip.

I'm told that putting a good gloss coat on before using a micron type pen is helpful, but I've not yet tried it myself. I ruined a couple of them trying to do detail work before I heard that.

Doug

Paint pen, or decals.

Gloss coat before using a Micron pen? Hmmm… Thanks!

I use a micron pen to do helmet straps on 1/72 figs and they last a lot longer and apply easier over a gloss coat (Future). Clean up of any mistakes is also easier over a gloss coat

Yes! It works! THANK YOU!

Gloss coat, let it dry for a good time, then micron pen.

Let the gloss set otherwise you risk fouling the tip. Also don't grind the tip of the pen into the figure or folds in the figure. Let the tip of the pen work and be patient.

I've been using Microns of all size and colors for many years with very good results.

Good Luck!

Gloss coat is the key even for decals.

I once had micron run when I put a gloss coat on afterwards. Learn from my woe.

Good tip – thanks!

Another tip on using micron pens is to let any work you do with them sit for at least a day or two before you apply any top coat to minimize any possible bleeding. Like paint, dry to the touch may not be dry enough!

Once you've painted whatever on, with a pen, as mentioned, let it dry for several days.

Also, and very importantly, then just apply a very light coat of sealant over the writing, first, and again let dry. Otherwise, the solvent in the spray can cause the writing beneath to bleed.

You can always add on a second, thicker coat of sealant later – make sure to read and follow the directions on the can for doing so, though, to avoid heartache.