I have had an enquiry from a client about the best kinds of pen to give to guests for signing the mount of the guest signature frame she has ordered from us for her wedding in May. It was an excellent question that I had neither been asked before and nor to which I knew the answer. So it was time for a spot of investigation. I have tested 8 different types of ink pen on high quality mount the same as that used in the finished guest signature frames and my findings are detailed below.
I suppose that you might also find this survey useful for planning any kind of guest message collection on your special day be they in a frame, a book or elsewhere.
1. Fountain Pen - prices start from around £5.00 from any stationer or department store
If you are upward of thirty, you will probably remember the days when all school children learned to write at school with this extremely messy tool...and you will also remember being told not to share fountain pens because they accustom themselves to the hand of the writer. Very true. I used my husband's extremely posh Mont Blanc special for this sample. Scratchy, dragging and not recommended.
Verdict: 2/10
2. UNI-BALL Signo £1.99 each from WHSmiths
Not bad although the ink has quite a dull finish once dried (which you might actually like). A soft, continuous flow and a good price if you want to buy a few spares.
Verdict: 7/10
3. BEROL Italic (fine) £1.70 from Paperchase
A little too heavy for my liking but the mountboard takes the ink very well (without bleeding) and it creates an extremely bold finish. The price is good but some guests might struggle with the sharp shape of the nib. Perhaps a regular felt tipped pen would be a better bet if this is the look you're after.
Verdict: 6/10
4. PENTEL EnerGEL Liquid Gel Pen 0.7 £3.99 (pack of two) from WHSmiths
My favourite by far. Inexpensive with smooth flowing ink, quick drying and a strong, clean finish.
Verdict: 9/10 - BEST OVERALL
5. PILOT V7 HI-TECPOINT 0.7 £2.99 from WHSmith
I've been using these pens since school; ever since I gave up bothering with ink cartridges and bottles. It's another very nice choice although a more expensive one. The ink flows well and dries quickly but the finish is more dull than the PENTEL above (which you may like) but overall the effect is very pleasing.
Verdict: 8/10
6. Generic Black Rollerball around £5.00 for a multipack of 10 from most supermarkets (mine were from Asda)
Very good quality for a mass-produced product. A teeny, tiny bit scratchy in places but this is barely noticeable. The ink is quick drying and dries to to a slightly dull but not apologetic finish. It gets the supreme value for money vote too.
Verdict: 7.5/10 - BEST VALUE
7. PILOT G-TEC-C4 £3.00 from Paperchase
A really good quality, fine writing pen...for anything but this job! Anyone trying to produce a flourish will find it scratchy and awkward. It just doesn't take to mountboard well and the result is faint and a bit weedy. Not recommended.
Verdict: 3/10
8. UNI-BALL VISION NEEDLE (fine) £2.25 from Paperchase
It has what it takes and is branded with the promise of being waterproof which might come in handy. Again, it dries to a slightly dull finish but flows well and dries quickly. The high price however means that it is not the best value for money if you're after a few.
Verdict: 7/10
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any experiences to share regarding the subject of this post or have any suggestions.
