I cannot decide how and where to sign my oil paintings. Each option seems problematic in some way. I am seeking advice, comments, ideas.
I will sign them on the back, and most are on acrylic-primed linen. My paintings tend to be light in color and are frequently thinly painted. So to prevent show-through of any kind, I think I will sign the edge of the linen near the staples. Is this acceptable for long-term authentication? Or do you have other suggestions for almost-white paintings?
I have considered the following mediums, but each have drawbacks.
Pencil: is it permanent enough? Might it rub off onto another painting if they were ever leaning together unwrapped? is there a way to make pencil more permanent and less likely to rub off?
Acrylic paint markers: I have read that these may not adhere well to acrylic gesso, but I have not tried them.
Lightfast pens, such as Pigma micron: I have found these to smear on gesso sometimes, but maybe they are okay if allowed to dry thorougly. Are they permanent enough? Do they look okay?
I would rather not use a brush to sign, but I would if it is best option.
Are there other types of pens or pencils. People have used that work well?
I welcome any thoughts or ideas.
Hello there,
Signing there is a humble choice in my opinion too.
If you sign using your colours while painting, with a subtly different tone shift, it can be discreet and a solid part of the painting holding even under varnish. Something near invisible unless one knows where to look along the edges of the canvas or frame. From what you’re telling, I think that’s the best option.
If it’s on the back of a light cloth with thin colouring, pretty much anything will become a bit see through. So there too, best to sign along the folds of the canvas over the wooden frame. Acrylic markers can be of varying qualities, but the risks of bleeding through should be low. Lightfast pens use pigments but the binder can risk bleeding through a bit as well.
Avoid weird chemistries based on oil or wax.
Cheers,
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