Sign canvas before or after varnish?

[Ryan Mack]

Bought a “Deco Color Extra Fine Metallic Paint Marker” to sign canvas with. Should I sign before or after varnishing the print. My guess is after to optimize for the longevity of the artwork over the signature.

[I.T. Supplies]

In my opinion, it may be better to sign it before because the coating may not properly accept the marker easily.  I'd recommend testing on a small piece before attempting on an actual print to see which way works best.

[mkihne]

Bought a “Deco Color Extra Fine Metallic Paint Marker” to sign canvas with. Should I sign before or after varnishing the print. My guess is after to optimize for the longevity of the artwork over the signature.

I have used the Deco as well as prismacolor and similar “possibly archival” pigmented markers. I sign after varnishing without issue. I use lyve matte canvas finished with timeless satin.

I am still considering digital signing, adding a “signature” layer to my final image before printing which gives you a consistent signature and removes any archival issues. I have done this with metal prints I have printed elsewhere. I use a bamboo tablet and this also gives you the opportunity to use any color you desire for your sig. In some instances I pick an appropriate color from the image to use for signature.

[DougDolde]

These Deco Color pens are good but don't last. I had the tip fall out of a gold one after minimal use and a silver one start leaving blobs early on.  No problem signing a canvas print coated with Breathing Color Timeless Matte

[Peter McLennan]

I am still considering digital signing, adding a “signature” layer to my final image before printing which gives you a consistent signature and removes any archival issues.

That's what I do.  Easy, archival, consistent and artistically satisfying.  I did a few zillion signatures on my iPad in ProCreate, chose one, made the background transparent and put it on my desktop. I just drag it onto my image before printing.  It's a smart object, so it's easy to scale and position.  I have a black version and a white version and I can adjust opacity once it's placed. That's the other huge advantage of this approach.  You can precisely place your sig in the image, even hiding it if you choose.