How to sign a painting?

[Chris Saper]

Mikael,

I have unfortunately never figured out how to sign my oils in the script I use for works on paper (which I really like, as did one of my teachers who kindly made no comment about my painting, but at least liked the signature.

Actually the only way I would know to do this is by laying the final colors over a dry contrasting color, then sign in (scratch in) script with a pencil or other thin writing tool while the top layer of paint is wet. The only problems with this approach is that you have to be sure about where you want to place the signature and that the top layer is the final layer.

I've also played with the gold/silver pens, but the final varnish removed the ink.

Finally I rather compulsive about not signing the painting until I've placed it in its frame (or matboard), so that I can consider the location, size and color of the signature. Then I place the framed piece on the floor and hover over it so I can better control the brush.