How to Mark Mylar

Drawn on Mylar, architectural plans can be archived for extended periods.

Mylar is a trademark owned by Dupont Tejjin Films. A synthetic material--a film of polyester or polyethylene--it provides an archival medium for original architectural and engineering drawings. Mylar also forms the protective coating for computer screens, the glossy protective surface on playing cards, X-ray film, medical test strips and the clear wrapping on packaged food products. Marking on mylar isn't quite as difficult as opening a bag of potato chips--another package coated with a thin film of a this damage-resistant, durable plastic capable of withstanding temperatures of 440 degrees.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Drafting ink
• Mylar sheet

Instructions

1. Load a pen, either a drafting pen or a calligraphy pen, with drafting ink. Do not overload the bare nib of a calligraphy pen; rather, dip the point, wipe the point and dip the point again, allowing excess ink to run off the point.

2. Place the Mylar sheet on a flat, hard surface, such as a drawing board. Use the pen and drafting ink to write or draw on the matte side of the Mylar sheet, pressing only as much as necessary to transfer to the sheet.

3. Allow the ink to dry on the surface. Touching the ink before it has dried will cause the ink to smear.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the ink has dried on Mylar, it can be rolled up for storage.

• India ink will clog drafting pens, unless it's specifically formulated for drafting.

References

• Grafix Plastics: Products
• Dataprint: Drafting Mylar