We use a ZIG Millennium pen. They can be ordered through several sources and Jo-Ann Fabrics also carries them in their scrapbooking area. I have had that problem if I don't use a paint layer between the base coat and top clear coat. If you are using the B-72 for both the base and top coat it may be the solvent is dissolving the base coat when you apply the top coat. With a paint layer (I use a light gray acrylic and the ZIG pen), I don't have any problems, unless my top coat is not thin enough and it sometimes bubbles as it dries. I use pencil on all paper items, of course. Sabrina Henneman Collections Registrar Genesee Country Museum _____ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Amanda Dyer Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 4:36 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] numbering in pencil? Hello All: I'm having trouble finding an archival black pen that won't smear when a top coat of clear B-72 is applied when numbering an artifact. Can anyone give any reasons why I shouldn't use a pencil to apply the number between the barrier layers? Thanks, Amanda Amanda Thompson Dyer Curator Bell County Museum 201 N. Main Street P.O. Box 1381 Belton, TX 76513 254.933.5244 (p) 254.933.5756 (f) www.bellcountymuseum.org ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).