7 Best Scrapbooking Pens Archival Safe (Best Reviewed)
Choosing the right scrapbooking pens is important if you want your writing to standout.
There are various scrapbooking pens to choose from, depending on the color, tip size, and pigmentation. You may also want to consider the cost of pens which you so choose. By investing in sufficient writing supplies you can guarantee the longevity of your projects. However, you do not have to break the bank to score a good set of pens.
In this review, I will go over the top ranked pens on the market, along with my personal favorites. Keep in mind your specific needs for how you plan to write, journal, or draw. This is ensure you pick the best option for you.
Mentioned Items:
- Pigma Micron Pens
- Precision Point Journaling Pen
- Gelly Roll
- Colorista Metallic Markers
- Paper Mate Felt Tips
- Millennium Pens
- Dual Tip Marker
What Are The Best Scrapbooking Pens That Are Archival Safe
What does archival quality mean?
Generally, archival quality is a term that specifies something will preserve or last over time. When working with old photographs, is it crucial for your materials to be archival safe. This means the subject will not cause damage to the items you are using them on.
An example of this is a regular marker may cause some discoloration or warping to a document. However, by using archival safe pens you can minimize the alterations on pictures or documents. To be more specific, an item is considered archival safe if the pH is between 7 and 8.5 and it is chemically stable. A stable pH also means the item is acid-free.
1. Sakura Pigma Micron Pens
Best Overall out of my top picks for scrapbooking pens
When looking for the right writing tool, black ink is standard. An easy glide with great pigmentation. Best of all, the micron pen does not bleed through the backside of the paper.
Many crafters and writers are equally impressed with the microns pens. For starters, each set includes multiple tips sizes from .2mm to .5mm. You can even find a thick brush size if you wish to color in designs. I find that the smaller tips are excellent for writing on scrapbook layouts and doodling. As they provide more precision and crisp lines.
These micron pens are acid-free, waterproof, fade resistant, bleed-free, and fast drying.
Likes:
- Variety of fine-point tips
- Creates uniform, crisp lines
- Pigmentation
- Bleed-free
Dislikes:
- Lack of color
- Longevity
Due to the fast drying nature of micron scrapbooking pens your work will be left without any smudges. As someone who is impatient at times, I rarely leave space for my writings to dry. I have been troubled with ink smudges due to my hand swiping across the page as I write quickly. With these micron pens there is no need to worry about dry-time.
Best offer for the Sukara Pigma black ink pen set that includes multiple tips.
2. Precision Point Journaling Pen
An effective fine point pen from Scrapbook.com that is affordable for beginners.
For beginners that may be looking for a cheap, multi-use writing utensil, the precision point journaling pen is a great option. It comes in the standard black ink that is useful for a multitude of projects. In addition to your scrapbooking, use this reliable pen for writing lists, labels, planning, and more!
A cheaper alternative to other fine-point pens that share the same great features. Which include no fading, waterproof, acid-free, archival ink, non-bleed, and does not smudge.
Likes:
- Cheap
- smudge free, no-bleed
- Works on variety of surfaces
- Made in USA
Dislikes:
- Lack of color and tip sizes
For left-handed writers this archival pen is one you can rely on. Successfully write without leaving any smudges if your hand touches the page. The ink is also suitable for a variety of surfaces, including glossy labels.
This basic, yet effective pen is a must-have if you are a beginner. A great first pen if you are slowly growing your writing supplies.
My top pick if you are looking for cheap scrapbooking pens that are archival sale.
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3. Sakura Gelly Roll Medium Point Pens
Ideal scrapbooking pens for creating highlights and doodling.
If you are looking for a satisfying glide that is “ice cream smooth” then the gelly roll pens are meant for you.
Choose from either black or white ink. These medium point pens are perfect for adding dimension or detail to your cards and layouts. Known for their smoothness of use, they certainly live up to the hype. It is easy to draw with these gelly roll pens with their seamless ink distribution.
Likes:
- Satisfying, smooth roll
- White ink will show on black paper
- Great for doodling
- Price
Dislikes:
- Dry time
- lack of tip sizes
Similarly to the Sakura micron pens above, these are also bleed-free, waterproof, archival, and fade resistant. Which means your scrapbook projects will last for many years.
4. Colorista Metallic Markers
Achieve a bright, metallic shine on with these metallic color markers.
A great choice if you want something bold that will also stand out against a dark colored background.
This set of eight metallic markers from Colorista comes in a variety of colors. The bold, 2mm point pens are great for drawing large titles that will shimmer. You may also use these pens for large lettering and coloring. My personal favorite way to use metallic markers is on Christmas cards. The gold and silver are particularly beautiful for making snow, bows, and sparkly ornaments.
Likes:
- Shows up on black paper
- Great for large titles
- shimmery opaque coverage in variety of colors
- easily blends
Dislikes:
- Can leave streaks when coloring in images
- One-size tip
- Slow to dry
While these metallic markers are more suitable for drawing as opposed to writing, there is no shortage of ways to use these pens. Color in stamps, write bold titles, and draw terrific doodles alongside your photos. As the ink dries you will be left with a brightly opaque color full of shimmer. Be cautious though to the thickness of these pens as they may bleed through certain materials.
For these reasons the Colorista metallic markers are the best scrapbooking pens for black paper.
5. Paper Mate Felt Tip Scrapbooking Pens
Best colored pen set for writing and drawing.
Wide assortment of vivid colors to enhance your artwork. It is worthwhile to have a multitude of colored pens in your supply stash. Writing in all black ink can be boring. Plus, if you are hoping to distinguish certain sections or add more color to a layout then you will need a variety of different colors.
I have been working with Paper Mate felt tip pens for many years. Not only do they provide a smooth and opaque finish, but they last a long time. The felt tip is sturdy and does not dry out quickly. Which is nice if you plan on investing in pens that will last you a while.
Likes:
- Color variety
- Longevity
- No-bleed
- Fine-tip for writing
Dislikes:
- One-size tip
- Scratchy, not great for coloring in images
- Not suitable for glossy material
It is often difficult to find a colored pen that does not bleed through on paper. Although the Paper mate felt tip is arguably the top choice for it’s color variety and features. There are dozens of different color packs to choose from.
To review each color I tested them on various paper material. From the thinnest planner pages to thick cardstock. Each color brightly stands out on white paper with opaque consistency. Even the darkest of colors does not show through the backside.
You can find your favorite colored pen set with Paper Mate.
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6. ZIG Memory System Millennium Pens
Ultra fine tip pens for scrapbooking, sketching, and technical drawing.
You will find a good variety of tip assortments with the ZIG memory system pens. The fine lines help make your writing crisp and clean. These scrapbooking pens are suitable for a wide range of materials, including photos. The acid-free, water based ink will ensure that your writing stays put if you need to jot down a date or description.
Likes:
- Odorless
- Photo safe
- Xylene Free
- Variety of fine-point tips
Dislikes:
- Lack of color
- Scratchy
If you tend to incorporate sketches into your artwork then this pen may be beneficial. This fine tip pen is straightforward, does not feather as you write or draw. Each line comes out crisp and is easy to achieve quick, short strokes. Not only will your writing look more eligible, but sketches will appear precise.
Having a variety of fine tips will provide you with plenty of options for your desired use. The smallest of tips is best for writing small, precise descriptions. Nor will you have to worry about smearing or bleeding through pages with the ink.
7. Kuretake Dual Tip Marker
Get the best of both worlds with this Kuretake dual tip marker.
At times it can be frustrating to sort through dozens of miscellaneous pens. With the dual tip scrapbooking pens you can have two suitable options for writing. Successfully downsize your writing tools as you will only need one pen that shares both a fine-tip and a thick tip.
Likes:
- Dual tip
- Odorless
- Longevity
- Cost effective
Dislike:
- Ink feathers on the thick tip
Use the fine tip for precise writing and then flip it around to use the thick tip for larger titles and bold highlights.
A game changer for those who wish to minimize their crafting stash. Furthermore, the cost is very attractive considering you get two pens in one. Just make sure you do not lose one of the caps. Considering the two sided tips, the ink lasts quite a while than most markers. Which makes it even more cost effective and a must-have for beginners.
There are countless ways to use the Kuretake dual tip writer marker.
This post is all about the best scrapbooking pens
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