> Thinking about a paddle as going away gift for the "driving
> force" of our environmental organization (she's a kayaker). Would
> like to epoxy our signatures onto blades of kayak paddle. Any suggestions
> about type of paper, ink? How does epoxy work with ink, would it bleed?
> Has anyone done anything like this? Thanks in advance.

Any thin paper should work. Rice paper or tissue paper are fine. Architects use a plastic based material that accepts ink which should be good, too. The paper won't turn invisible like glass cloth does, but it does become very nearly unnoticeable.

The ink of choice is standard India Ink, available in small bottles at any art store, and many stationery stores. This ink is a mixture of solid carbon particles mixed with a binding lacquer. It dries waterproof and is very permanent. If you have never used India ink before, you can also buy cheap penpoints (Speedball is a popular brand) in a variety of sizes and shapes. A penholder costs about a dollar, but if you are really cheap you can make one from a cedar strip scrap.

Because of it's waterproof performance, India ink is also preferable for marking expedition maps.

With some thin papers the ink will bleed or wick into the paper fibers and give a rough-edged effect. this is frequently objectionable. Laser printing or photocopying onto these materials may be preferable as the laser printer/ photocopier toner won't bleed like water based inks.

Use a scissors and trim around your image to remove as much unnecessary paper as you can.

hope this helps.

Paul G. Jacobson