Need some advice re wood treatment

[Coletti]

I have been asked to get some bits of timber prepped for a friend's wedding so they can be used instead of a messages book. My problem is I have no idea how to make the timber so it can be written on. Got some nice bits of elm to do it and wondered if anyone knew what I could do to it so that it can be written on?

[eagleye]

try a fine line permanent marker

get one and have a test run first

[Coletti]

Would you suggest sealing the timber first or just writing on it un treated?

[se7enthdevil]

do a few tests as some finishes don't like to be written on.

 

i'd be tempted to very finely sand and leave the wood bare so the ink will transfer easily.

[Ian Leach]

I would sand as smooth as you can, then get them to write on it with pencil nice and clear. Then get someone to burn over the writing .

 

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[devon TWiG]

Elm is not ideal as the porous growth rings make it awkward to write on , it deflects the pen whilst trying to go in a particular direction , I think beech or sycamore would be preferable , leave wood untreated and smooth sanded 320 grit should do .

[delabodge]

Elm is not ideal as the porous growth rings make it awkward to write on , it deflects the pen whilst trying to go in a particular direction , I think beech or sycamore would be preferable , leave wood untreated and smooth sanded 320 grit should do .

 

ditto the above!!!