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When people start learning about Bitcoin self-custody, they often focus on the big questions. What’s the best wallet? How do I keep my coins safe?
But once it sinks in that your wallet backup or seed phrase is your money, more practical questions start to come up. Where should I store it? Should I make many copies?
And recently, someone asked a surprisingly good one: Which one lasts longer, pencil or pen?
It may sound like a small detail, but a wallet backup has to survive not just weeks or months, but maybe decades. And when the time comes, those 12, 20, or 24 words need to be clear, complete, and usable.
If you’re new to backups, this quick guide explains the basics.
So I started looking into it. Pencil vs. pen turned out to be just the beginning.
How do you make a backup that really lasts?
What small choices today could spare you stress later?
And how do you leave behind something your future self can actually use?
Let’s walk through it.
Graphite isn’t ink — it’s a mineral. That makes it chemically stable and resistant to fading or chemical reactions. Conservation authorities still recommend soft graphite pencils for permanent notations because they outlast many common inks.
Civil War diaries and old field logs written in pencil are often still legible today — when stored properly — which shows its long-term potential. However, graphite can smudge easily and, in very humid or rough conditions, marks can fade from abrasion or wear. That’s why, if you use a pencil, it’s worth pressing firmly and storing the page carefully.
Ballpoint pens feel more permanent, but their dye-based ink can fade over time, especially with light, humidity, or heat. Ink can also bleed if exposed to water or spills. Archival pens avoid this. They use pigment-based ink, which bonds to the paper and resists fading, smudging, and UV. Artists and architects use them for a reason.
If you’re serious about backup durability, this archival-ink test compares pens under water, UV, and smudge stress. It offers a visual reminder that not all ink is created equal.
Either option can last decades if you choose well and store it right. For pencil, use firm strokes and stable paper. For pen, choose archival ink. And whatever you use, store it somewhere dry and safe.
But a good backup needs more than just durable ink. How you write and organize it matters too.
Before you write anything down, think about the paper itself.
Cheap paper can yellow, tear, or fade over time, especially in damp or hot places. Go for thick, acid-free stock that holds up over the years. Avoid glossy surfaces; they resist ink and smudge more easily.
To protect against water or friction, slip the page into an archival polyester sleeve (such as Mylar or Melinex) or a waterproof zip pouch. Avoid heat-seal lamination; it can trap moisture, warp ink, and accelerate damage over time.
A clean setup makes things easier now and later.
Then tuck it away somewhere secure and out of the way.
Prefer something even tougher? Stamp your wallet backup words into stainless steel. Trezor Keep Metal is made for that. Metal survives fire and water, but it’s less discreet than paper and harder to update.
Recovering a wallet can be stressful, especially if you’ve never done it before.
If your seed phrase is written in two columns, it’s easy to lose track of the order. Are the words listed across or down? It’s a small detail, but it can cause a lot of confusion and slow everything down.
Numbering each word (1 to 12, 20, or 24) removes that guesswork.
If you haven’t checked your backup before, now’s a good time. Most hardware wallets offer the option to enter your backup words on the device to verify they match. It only takes a moment, and it makes recovery easier later.
Make sure your backup words are numbered and correct, and you will have one less thing to worry about when you need to recover your wallet.
Before storing your backup for good, take a moment to add a few helpful notes.
Write the name of the wallet you used, the date you created it, and whether a passphrase was part of the setup. If it was, make sure you’ve written down the passphrase too: if it is lost, you will lose your funds!
Store your backup in a secure, memorable spot — and write down extra notes while it’s still fresh. Future you will thank you.
If your wallet uses a multi-share backup, multisig, or holds multiple coins or accounts, make a note of those details too. For multi-share backups, note the total number of shares and how many are needed to recover, at least for the shares you keep for yourself.
These small reminders can make a big difference. Months or years from now, they’ll help you (or someone you trust) recover without guessing.
A few notes today, while those details are fresh, can prevent confusion down the line.
Clear writing, good materials, and safe storage are what make a wallet backup reliable. You don’t need perfection. Just care, consistency, and a few smart choices.
If it’s been a while since you checked your backup, this week might be the perfect time.
Satoshi Labs
