So year after year I try different labeling methods. So far pencil seems to work the best, but it still fades quite a bit and gets smudgy after a long growing season. I was thinking about trying out one of those embossing label thigies and wondered what y'all thought? Has anyone tried it before with some success?
try a "china pencil" aka wax pencil or grease pencil. it will cost you a buck at an art supply store. they have the string you pull to peel of paper to expose more of the wax. i have one in red, green, & black for different surfaces.
This message was edited Apr 28, 2011 3:13 PM
Does it last best on a white plastic label or a wooden one? And does it smudge?
i use wax pencils on plastic. i have not tried them on wood but i expect they would be fine on wood as well.
editing to add that the wax pencil does not smudge or run. i haven't kept a label out for 12 months but they certainly seem to last a season, even in the sun.
This message was edited Apr 29, 2011 10:48 AM
That sounds much easier than a label maker, I'll give it a shot, thanks :)
I am a gardener in south alabama where it is very humid and I have also had trouble labeling plants. I finally found this great tape and metal markers. I have had them in my garden for over 2 years with NO fading or peeling and I have them in a garden in Virginia going on 8 years with no fading or peeling. It has a UV lamination on the tape. I recently started selling them online.Check it out...
http://www.nickiadkins.com/
Nicki Adkins
reporting back on my use of wax pencils on plastic. the writing was easily read 4-5 months later, and it looked like it had little or no fading during that time. in contrast, my "permament" marker had faded in 2 months to be unreadable.
even better, you can "erase" the wax markings from smooth plastic. i use plastic knives & spoons. i wipe the print on to my garden pants ( a little pressure is required), and voila! a blank "slate". i am definitely a proponent of the "china pencil" aka wax pencil or grease pencil. they now cost $2 each at my art supply store, but still worth it.
