Can we use labels on the backs of photographs?

[epmarshall]

Hi all,

We are having trouble writing on the backs of our photos. All of the pens we've tried either don't write well enough or smear and pencils haven't worked for us, either. And now there's a smeared spot on the back of one photo. We'd like to use labels to make it easier and also to cover up that spot, but the checklist says to write on the back.

Is it okay to use the labels or should we do something else? We also considered a felt tip pen.

Thanks for any advice, it's much appreciated.

 

[canadalover4987]

I would advise not use any labels. Mine is all hand writen just use a pen good for photo paper.

 

[us2017]

We tried several different pens before finding one that worked well. And even then, one of us was better able to handle the pen than the other. It might also help to try different types of paper if you have the option.

 

[wait_so_long]

Permanent felt markers should work fine, some of them will even let you write on glass. You can find ones with very fine tips. Sharpies are usually good, as are Staedtler. Give it time to air-dry before you touch or rub against it. Try it on a test photo first to make sure it doesn't spear or bleed through.

https://inkofpark.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/pens-for-the-backs-of-photographs/

US2017, above, has a good idea. Try printing on different photo paper, if you are able to.

 

[epmarshall]

Thanks, canadalover4987. Yeah, I guess it's better to just follow the checklist's instructions. But we did kind of mess up the back of one of the photos. I hope it doesn't look too strange if we scratch it out and write the description with a better pen.

We tried several different pens before finding one that worked well. And even then, one of us was better able to handle the pen than the other. It might also help to try different types of paper if you have the option.

Haha, we had the exact same issue with the pen working better with one of us. Glad to know it's not just us with these issues. Thanks for the input, us2017.

Permanent felt markers should work fine, some of them will even let you write on glass. You can find ones with very fine tips. Sharpies are usually good, as are Staedtler. Give it time to air-dry before you touch or rub against it. Try it on a test photo first to make sure it doesn't spear or bleed through.

https://inkofpark.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/pens-for-the-backs-of-photographs/

US2017, above, has a good idea. Try printing on different photo paper, if you are able to.

Awesome, thanks so much for the helpful info wait_so_long! I really appreciate the link as well. I think we'll try felt tip sharpies. I didn't know you could get them with fine tips.

 

[km9203]

CIC says labels are unacceptable. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/pdf/5445EB-e.pdf

Our photographer used a stamp with their details and date.

 

[epmarshall]

CIC says labels are unacceptable. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/pdf/5445EB-e.pdf

Our photographer used a stamp with their details and date.

Thanks for taking the time to inform me, km9203! I must have missed that part on the guide. Also, just for clarity, this is for the 20 photographs of us together for relationship proof, not the applicant photo. But that makes me want to avoid labels altogether, regardless. I appreciate the help!

 

[trikiliki]

CIC says labels are unacceptable. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/pdf/5445EB-e.pdf

Our photographer used a stamp with their details and date.

I think they are referring to relationship proof personal photos, not passport pics taken by a photographer

 

[avatarkyoshi]

I used a fine-tip Sharpie and it worked okay. I did try with a gel pen first but that didn't go too well!! Also, I did have to scratch out a word or two here or there, but I don't think it's a big deal. I didn't get SA yet but still, I don't think they'll fuss about one word being crossed out here and there.

 

[wait_so_long]

I used a fine-tip Sharpie and it worked okay. I did try with a gel pen first but that didn't go too well!! Also, I did have to scratch out a word or two here or there, but I don't think it's a big deal. I didn't get SA yet but still, I don't think they'll fuss about one word being crossed out here and there.

Yes, I agree. The dual-tip ultra-fine Sharpies are the cat's pyjamas! They write on anything.

https://www.amazon.ca/Sharpie-Marker-Permanent-1-Carded-32111CPP/dp/B007Z7JGAQ/ref=pd_sbs_229_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AZJ290WF5J2Z3DKQP17R
https://www.amazon.ca/Sharpie-Marker-Permanent-Ultra-32001/dp/B00006IFEZ/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1487459281&sr=8-14&keywords=sharpie+ultra+fine

Haven't tried these, but they say that they won't bleed through paper, are fast-drying, and smear-proof:

https://www.amazon.ca/Sharpie-1742659-Fine-Point-Black/dp/B0027ACOIM/ref=pd_sbs_229_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AZJ290WF5J2Z3DKQP17R

Scratch the above, they are pens. You want markers:

https://www.amazon.ca/Sharpie-Permanent-Markers-Ultra-Point/dp/B00144862U/ref=pd_cp_229_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PVZ65KD30SNE3H97BW97