What Kind of Pen Should You Use for Baseball Autographs?

Whether you're having a game winning baseball or a glossy 8-by-10 inch portrait signed by your favorite baseball player, you want to make sure that moment lasts a lifetime. To preserve the precious autograph, be sure you use an archival pen that is safe for the type of material you're having signed, such as paper or leather. The right kind of marking pen will resist fading and prevent the autograph from disappearing altogether.

  1. Identification

    • Look for a pen that is labeled acid-free, lignin-free and archival. These types of marking pens are commonly sold at photo finishing retailers and scrapbook supply stores. They can also be found in large department stores that offer a craft section. Check the label to make sure it can mark on the type of surface that will be signed.

    Features

    • Acid-free marking pens are designed to not smear, and to resist fading over time. Since they don't contain harmful alcohol-based chemicals, they won't gradually lighten and disappear. These pens come in a variety of colors, thickness and even tip styles. Some are labeled for calligraphy, and some for regular writing. When you want a baseball or a glossy photo of a baseball player signed, choose a narrow point, with a bold color that will stand out against the object being signed. Thick pens make it difficult to fit the autograph in a small space.

    Types

    • Since a variety of surfaces can be autographed, choosing the correct pen for the surface is important. When signing a photograph, select an acid-free archival photo-safe marker or pen. When writing on a leather or fabric covered baseball, choose an archival pen specifically made to mark on cloth. which can be found at most fabric stores. Read the label to be sure the type of fabric is included in the list of safe surfaces for marking. Each specialty pen will come with a list of safe writing surfaces on the packaging. Common writing surfaces that are safe for these pens include fabric, plastic, wood, photo paper, regular paper and vellum.

    Benefits

    • Acid-free archival marking pens will ensure the baseball autograph will last for a long time. Some inks are rated at over 100 years, and with proper storage, even longer. When framed under nonglare glass and stored in a climate controlled environment, away from sunlight, an autograph with an acid-free archival pen can last longer than 100 years.

    Considerations

    • When compared to an ink pen, or permanent marker, an acid-free archival marking pen can be costly. Expect to pay at least $2 for each pen. Also, they are not as readily available as ink pens. You will need to shop ahead of time for this type of pen, because you won't find it in a local convenience store on the way to a baseball game.