On-Card Autographs

[Buckeyes]

Does anyone know if research or data exists on how long it takes an 'on-card' autograph to become illegible, i.e., not clear enough to read? I would think two matters (possibly more) comes into play, the quality of the ink and amount of exposure to light.

Thanks to anyone who has some insight on this matter.

[Rraincock]

Some would say it takes one or two seasons…..

*cough* Sergei Samsonov *cough


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[WillyC]

I have a 1958 Johnny Bower card signed in 1958 with ball point pen... 60+ years and still looking good.

The pens they sign with today... who knows what 60 years will do?

[Cunnuc]

That is a reason why shadow boxes exist.

Also depends on the material they are writing on. I've noticed some of the old Trilogy plastic cards have faded autos after a few seasons. I have seen autos that have separated ink and kinds of blots up together as if the material was wet when they did the auto. I have noticed say 45 cards of a 50 card set have black ink (did UD provide the pen/marker?) and the other 5 were in blue. I have seen one-offs in red ink as if the player knew the pen/marker provided was crap and they chose their own in-which case that would be a big Kudos to the player for actually caring.

[comfortably9numb]

There are many variables such as the finish on the card (matte, glossy, extra gloss, etc.), the utensil used (Sharpie, felt pen, ball point pen), and environmental (exposure to UV rays, the type of glass it's behind, how it is stored).

If you are concerned and displaying something, museum quality glass is the best option. It's pricey (especially for just a card), but the safest option. I use it for my signed jerseys. My on card autos I usually just keep out of direct sunlight.