Micron pens are better known as Sakura Pigma Micron and they are pigmented fine liner pens. They are popular in the art community and personally I love them for their precision and variety of colors. But are they permanent? Here is a quick guide to help you understand if micron pens are right for your project.
Are micron pens permanent?
Yes, micron pens are permanent but it depends on the surface you are writing on. Micron pens are permanent when used on paper or board.
Sakura Pigma Micron pens use a pigment suspended in a water-based solution and the ink itself is considered permanent.
The ink will not bleed through most papers and is resistant to fading. Unlike alcohol-based fine liner pens, micron pens will not run, damage, or discolor most surfaces.
But what about micron pens’ permanency on other types of surfaces? We answer those questions below.
Are micron pens permanent on fabric?
The ink from a micron pen can be made permanent on fabric by heat setting. Heat setting is when you apply heat to the fabric after the ink has dried. This can be done with an iron (covered with transfer paper) or by putting the fabric in the dryer on high for 30 minutes.
Are micron pens permanent on prints?
Yes, assuming that the print is paper-based then micron pens are considered permanent on prints. The pigmented ink in micron pens is water-resistant and will not bleed through most papers. Micron pens will dry to a consistent, matte finish on prints. They take about 24 hours to fully cure but are dry within minutes.
Are micron pens permanent on primed canvas?
Yes, micron pens are considered permanent on primed canvas. Primed canvas is still quite porous so there is enough tooth on the surface to make the micron pigment stick and stay that way.
Are micron pens permanent on plastics or glass?
The ink in micron pens is not considered to be permanent on plastics or glass. The pigmented ink can be erased from these surfaces relatively easily with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
If you are looking for a pen to use on these surfaces, I recommend using something like a Sakura Microperm pen or Sharpie oil-based pen instead. While those are not 100% permanent on glass, they will last a little longer.
The next question you need to know the answer to is, are micron pens archival? If you do not know what is meant by archival then it is essentially another word for fade-resistant when exposed to air or hung up on a wall such as you would a print or drawing. As with any quality print or drawing, I do recommend framing with perspex or glass to protect the artwork from the elements.
Are micron pens fade resistant or archival?
The pigmented ink in Sakura Pigma Micron pens is fade resistant, meaning that it will not significantly fade over time when exposed to light. Micron pens are also considered to be archival, meaning that the ink will not degrade over time and is therefore ideal for use in scrapbooks or journals.
Do you need to seal micron pens?
If used on paper, board or other porous surfaces you do not need to use anything to seal the micron pens to make them permanent. On other types of surfaces such as glass you can apply a lacquer or a thin layer of resin over the top to give it that extra layer of protection.
Best use for Sakura Pigma Micron pens
Sakura Pigma Micron pens are ideal for use in journals, scrapbooks, and any other project where you want the ink to last a long time without fading.
While micron pens are generally permanent and fade-resistant, there are some things to keep in mind when using them. First, the pigmented ink in micron pens can be removed with nail polish remover or even scratched off when applied to a nonporous surface such as glass or stainless steel.
Second, while micron pens are considered to be archival, they may not last as long on glass or plastic surfaces. For these surfaces, I recommend using a Sharpie oil-based pen instead.
Are Micron Pens Permanent? Wrap up!
So, are micron pens permanent? The answer is yes, they are permanent on most surfaces, with the exception of glass. Micron pens are also fade resistant and archival, making them ideal for use in signing prints, artworks, scrapbooks or journals.
