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We use these pens quite a bit at work, especially when trying to figure out difficult translations, a process that may call for a lot of revision. The pens are the same price as regular pens in Japanese stationers and come in a lot of colors. So I was curious when I saw that they were recommended by some for marking fabric.

I went to Pilot's Japanese website where there is a quite extensive history of their development of this "disappearing" ink and an explanation of how it works. <http://www.pilot.co.jp/frixion/info/index.html>

Basically, the colors of the ink are contained in microcapsules that are linked together in a configuration that makes them reflect certain wavelengths and thus makes then visible to the eye. When heated to a certain temperature (in this case, 65C or 149F), the bonds between the microcapsules change and the microcapsules no longer reflect visible light at the same frequency so the color seems to disappear. It is not actually gone but hidden. A return to color can be achieved by cooling the ink sufficiently (to -20C or 4F). Pilot calls it "metamorphic ink."

Nowhere in all the explanations on these pages did I find a recommendation for using this ink on fabric. Neither did I find an assurance that the ink would wash out. So, I would advise caution if using one on fabric. Perhaps some experimentation is advised before commitment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandra Henderson

Had NO idea or I'd not have even mentioned it.
I'm always so behind on everything. Should have known ya'll had already covered this... still kind of new here.

I am glad you mentioned it. I have never heard of it, and I have learned a lot from reading this thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Up North

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostrider

Everyone keeps citing "extreme cold" is what brings the marks back. Truth is, Pilot says temps of around 15ºF is all it has to be and in these parts, that's nowhere near "extreme". Some quilters claim they even came back at refrigerator temps...and that's a balmy 40-45º.

It does not have to be extreme cold just cold 40* will bring them back I can just see a kid doing his homework with it and the teacher puts it in a hot car during the early days of school, gets home to grade and the paper is blank. How do you explain that you have to put it in the freezer to read it?!! LOL

One of their selling points is that students can take notes in their textbooks, then in June iron the pages and sell them for a higher price. Imagine buying a 'clean' used textbook, driving to class up in Marquette and discovering you paid premium for a text full of someone else's scribbles! :shock:

Just saw the ad for them in my newest Quilting Mag. Use them with caution.

Got mine earlier this year and love it!!!!!

For those of us who live in Florida (and if the quilt is staying here) there would seam to be little risk.

They worked great for use with the iron. I used it for binding just in case it comes back you can't see it. However I should test it with water to see if it comes back. I was going to try to use it for embroidery . However I am going to do more test first.