So my son had this shirt signed by the lead singer....

[Ellen]

My son went to an all day concert, and bought a really cool looking T-shirt. He then got it signed by the lead singer of one of the bands. The shirt is white with intricate black detail. The guy signed his initials in black fine marker, in the midst of the detail, so it''s like part of the design. So cool. However, we have no idea if it''s permanent marker. And he wants to wear it, which means it will get washed, and possibly ruined.

He took a wet cloth and rubbed a dot, which did nothing, no smearing. But is there any foolproof way to tell? Or do they always just use permanent markers?

Any help much appreciated.

 

[Miscka]

What band was it, Ellen?

Not that that affects the marker issue, just being nosey

I would maybe just soak the shirt in water and see, before risking the washing machine/soap test. I do this with anything when I am not sure the dye is set. No idea if it's accurate or not, but just a thought! I know you spot tested it, but I would try submerging/soaking next.

ETA: my guess would be that he used a permanent marker, if he was signing shirts.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/13/2009 5:59:57 PM
Author: Miscka
What band was it, Ellen?

Not that that affects the marker issue, just being nosey

I would maybe just soak the shirt in water and see, before risking the washing machine/soap test. I do this with anything when I am not sure the dye is set. No idea if it''s accurate or not, but just a thought! I know you spot tested it, but I would try submerging/soaking next.

ETA: my guess would be that he used a permanent marker, if he was signing shirts.

lol Bayside.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I''m affraid to immerse, in case it''s not permanent... Well, at least until there''s no other test/option.

 

[diamondringlover]

If he wears it and you wash it after time it will fade, my son has a shirt signed by a member of Tim McGraw's band and he insisted on wearing it.

 

[somethingshiny]

You can take straight rubbing alcohol to a tiny part of the writing (like the very end or a spot that got smudged) with a q-tip. If the alcohol smears it, DON''T wash it. If it stands up to alcohol, it should be fine.

If it isn''t permanent, you could consider dry-cleaning. Just make sure you tell the cleaners to preserve the signature.

 

[Ellen]

drl, thanks for the heads up! I will tell him, but I bet he''ll still want to wear it....


ss, will try your test, thanks!!

 

[whitby_2773]

ellen - make a paste of salt and cool water. smear it over the writing. let it sit over night.

that will set most things. dont know whether it will work for your marker, but will certainly help and i suspect that might be the most you can hope for.

he could always trace the signature with fabric paint and content himself with knowing that ''the real deal'' was underneath. that would seal the original writing in and preserve it.

 

[DiamanteBlu]

Very cool!

I have some band-type friends [Yes, I know, it is a stretch for you to imagine that I have friends like that - what can I say!]. They seem to sign stuff with Sharpies [which I think are H2O-proof]. You might want to call Sharpie to see what they suggest.

 

[Ellen]

Whitby, interesting about the salt paste, I''ll tell him. Also, I thought of going over it too, he wasn''t too keen on that. I understand, it''s not the "same" then. Thanks!



DB, lol. One is never too old for bands or band types. I still rock out every day. Granted, it''s older, and classic rock, but hey!

And I did wonder if they wouldn''t think to use permanent for this very reason. I would "think" they would, just didn''t want to risk it without trying to find out first. Thanks!

 

[somethingshiny]

Ditto on Blu''s post about most using Sharpies. Everything that I''ve had signed has stayed for years, well, except my "girls" but it did take a while to remove!

 

[Dannielle]

I don''t know anything about the marker, but I just wanted to say that I love that band

My favourite song is Winter, It was written in dedication to the bands drummer, who was killed in a car accident as the band left one of their shows. The lyrics are so moving, Whenever I listen to the song I always have a good cry.

 

[iheartscience]

I''d be willing to wager it was a permanent marker if the band guy was signing stuff at a show. I googled and found this link with tips on how to preserve permanent marker on a t-shirt. Hope this helps!

P.S. Love that you have a punk rock kid...watch out, he might turn out like me if he keeps going to shows!

 

[treefrog]

I agree with the alcohol thing... if any ink transfers... no washing.

Also, I know it''s not quite the same but get a good close-up photo of it. Even when the shirt finally gets worn out... he will still have a photo of the crisp signature.

Treefrog

 

[Miscka]

heehee, I had a feeling it was Warped! My Dh went as well

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/14/2009 1:05:19 AM
Author: Miscka
heehee, I had a feeling it was Warped! My Dh went as well

Ahhh! Makes sense now why you asked.

We tried the alcohol on the dot, and it smudged slightly, luckily not much as he was being careful. So I made the offer again to buy him another shirt and leave this one as a momento, and he accepted. Thanks for all your input on this though!!


Mrs. Thing, lol! I would have no problems if he turned out like you.

Danielle, I will have to listen to that song. I have to admit, I am totally unfamiliar with this band. Like I mentioned earlier, I am a total classic rock fan. We have a radio station here that plays only that, all day, every day. That's all I listen to.