Is permanent marker really "permanent"?

I just decorated one of my range viper heads...so is permanent marker permanent...will the paint fleck off if I touch the figure?

Depends truthfully on the type of permanent marker. Most permanent markers are sold as such, but in reality will fade over time and are not resilient to the salts and oils of the human hand. Archival quality markers that are rated for their lightfastness and permanence last longer, but recent art related studies have found that nearly most markers will fade over time, especially when exposed to constant direct sunlight.

Another alternative that I have been checking into are the use of acrylic inks. These usually have their lightfast and permanence information rated on the side with a series of "*" asterisks. They go on smoothly, and when seal well, but can be sealed even stronger with an acrylic sealer, either spray or brush on.

Hope that helps some.

For years I've used Rapidograph pens with Higgins Black Magic ink. Sealed with Dullcote, the results are fantastic.

Back in 89 or 90, I used a black Marks-a-lot on a spare Astro-Viper right arm to create a replacement arm for my Snake-Eyes v1.0 . What happened 15-20 years later is that long after this arm went in the spare parts bin, it looks more like a red Astro-Viper arm dyed black. Crevaces are still black, but most of it is a (formerly) bright red dulled by a (nearly) worn off black magic marker.
Eventually, I may attempt to clean the crevices and restore it to being a bright red arm with thinning silver detailing.

I've found that permanent markers tend to be absorbed into the plastic over long periods of time.

- JM