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What Pens to Use for Shirt Signing?
Posted by Marketing Department on
Shirt signing is a fun and memorable activity often seen at events like graduations, sports games, concerts, or special celebrations. Whether it’s friends commemorating a milestone, fans collecting autographs, or participants leaving messages at a corporate event, finding the right pen for shirt signing is essential to ensure that the signatures stay visible and don’t fade over time. While many pens serve different purposes, not all of them are ideal for fabric. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best pens to use for shirt signing, offering suggestions for permanent, vibrant, and long-lasting results. If you’re a business looking to promote your brand with promotional pens, we’ll also discuss which pens work best for giveaways at events like these.
1. Fabric Markers: The Go-To Option for Shirt Signing
Fabric markers are specifically designed for use on textiles. They contain non-toxic, permanent ink that adheres well to fabric, ensuring that the signatures won’t wash out or fade easily over time. Fabric markers come in a variety of colors, making them perfect for colorful and creative shirt signing.
Why Fabric Markers Are Ideal for Shirt Signing:
- Permanent Ink: Fabric markers are made with permanent ink that doesn’t bleed or wash out after laundering.
- Non-Toxic and Safe: These markers are safe to use on clothing since they are designed with non-toxic ink.
- Vibrant Colors: Fabric markers come in a wide range of colors, allowing for bright and bold signatures that stand out on shirts.
Recommended Use:
- Great for commemorative events like graduations, school celebrations, or charity runs.
- Ideal for signing shirts that will be worn multiple times and washed.
For businesses offering promotional pens for shirt signing at events, custom-branded fabric markers can be a unique and practical giveaway that participants will appreciate and use.
2. Permanent Markers: Bold and Long-Lasting
Permanent markers are a popular and widely available option for shirt signing. Their bold ink is designed to stay on various surfaces, including fabric. Permanent markers often offer intense black or colored ink that is highly visible on lighter fabrics. However, it’s important to note that while permanent markers work well on shirts, they are not specifically designed for fabric, so there is a small chance that the ink may fade slightly after multiple washes.
Why Permanent Markers Are a Good Choice:
- Bold Ink: Permanent markers offer a bold and vivid appearance that’s ideal for signatures meant to stand out.
- Readily Available: They are easy to find and come in a wide range of colors.
- Versatile: Permanent markers work on multiple surfaces, making them suitable for signing both clothing and other items at the same event.
Recommended Use:
- Best for short-term commemorative shirts or shirts that will be kept as mementos and not washed frequently.
- Ideal for darker fabrics where other pens might not be as visible.
For companies looking to provide promotional pens at events like sports games or fan meet-and-greets, branded permanent markers make a strong choice. They’re widely recognized and reliable for long-lasting signatures.
3. Oil-Based Paint Markers: Durable and Resistant
Oil-based paint markers offer another option for signing shirts, particularly when long-term durability is key. These markers use oil-based ink that adheres to fabric and dries to a permanent finish. Once dry, the ink is resistant to water and fading, making it ideal for shirts that may be washed. Paint markers are available in a range of colors, including metallics, which are particularly striking on dark fabrics.
Why Oil-Based Paint Markers Work Well for Shirt Signing:
- Permanent Finish: Oil-based markers dry to a permanent finish, making them resistant to washing and fading.
- Water-Resistant: Once the ink dries, it is highly resistant to water, ensuring that the signatures last even after washing.
- Bright and Metallic Colors: These markers come in a range of vibrant and metallic colors that stand out on both light and dark shirts.
Recommended Use:
- Best for signing shirts that will be washed and worn multiple times.
- Excellent for signing darker shirts where regular markers may not be as effective.
Businesses can consider offering oil-based paint markers as promotional pens at events like art festivals, DIY workshops, or creative conferences where attendees are encouraged to sign shirts or other fabric items.
4. Gel Pens: A Creative and Colorful Option
While gel pens are more commonly used for paper, there are certain gel pens specifically designed for fabric use. These pens typically contain thicker, pigment-based ink that adheres well to textiles. Gel pens are known for their vibrant colors, smooth writing experience, and the ability to offer more control when signing, making them a creative option for shirt signing.
Why Gel Pens Are a Nice Alternative:
- Vibrant and Creative Colors: Gel pens offer a wide range of bright, eye-catching colors that make signatures pop.
- Smooth Writing: Gel pens glide smoothly across fabric, making them easy to use for detailed signatures or small messages.
- Precise Control: Gel pens allow for finer details, which is helpful when signing smaller areas on shirts.
Recommended Use:
- Suitable for events where participants may want to write more detailed messages or add creative designs to their shirt.
- Best for shirts that will be kept as souvenirs rather than frequently washed.
For companies, promotional pens that include fabric-friendly gel pens can appeal to more creative audiences at art-related events, festivals, or craft workshops.
5. Sharpie Fabric Markers: A Reliable All-Rounder
Sharpie, a well-known brand in the marker world, offers specific fabric markers designed to work on textiles. These markers are a great all-rounder option for shirt signing because they combine the reliability of a trusted brand with the performance needed for fabric. Sharpie fabric markers feature fade-resistant and water-resistant ink that bonds to fabric fibers, making them perfect for long-lasting signatures.
Why Sharpie Fabric Markers Are a Good Choice:
- Trusted Brand: Sharpie is a trusted brand with a reputation for quality and longevity.
- Fabric-Specific Ink: Sharpie fabric markers are designed specifically for textiles, ensuring that the ink adheres well and withstands washing.
- Wide Availability: These markers are readily available and come in a variety of colors.
Recommended Use:
- Perfect for events like school graduations, sports team celebrations, or any large group gathering where shirt signing is a central activity.
- Ideal for shirts that will be worn and washed multiple times.
For corporate events or promotional opportunities, offering Sharpie fabric markers as promotional pens is a smart choice. They’re reliable, recognizable, and effective for both personal and professional settings.
Conclusion: The Best Pens for Shirt Signing
Choosing the right pen for shirt signing is key to ensuring that signatures remain visible, vibrant, and long-lasting. Whether you opt for fabric markers, permanent markers, oil-based paint pens, gel pens, or brand-specific options like Sharpie fabric markers, the choice ultimately depends on the event, the fabric, and the desired durability.
For businesses looking to make an impact with promotional pens, selecting fabric-specific markers or durable permanent markers can make your brand part of a memorable event. Whether you’re hosting a team-building event, sponsoring a concert, or giving away branded pens at a sports game, providing high-quality pens for shirt signing adds value to the experience and keeps your brand top of mind long after the event is over.
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