Plant markers that don't fade

Help! I planted some things last year and the markers are all faded and unreadable now. Thankfully, I remember what some of them are, or I can recognize them. But, I need a method for a more permanent marker for the new plants I will soon put out, along with remarking the ones I remember. I've looked here for a permanent paint pen, but can't find one. I've been using the popsicle stick thingies since I ran out of venician blind markers, and a permanent marker. Not working. Suggestions?

JoanJ, I think Aimee might know where to get the paint markers at. I think she was the one talking about it on another thread. seems like it was her anyways. Have you tried Micheals? or searching in the craft dept at wal mart? seems like there is a thread somewhere about this same thing, but I just can't remember where??

Thanks Mollybee! I've searched the craft department at our Walmart. I've searched the craft store here, but it's mostly stamping/scrapbooking stuff, and nothing like I'm looking for. I don't have a Michaels anywhere close, but there is one in Fargo. That's about 350 miles away, and I don't know when I'll get there again.

Aimee? Was that you that knew how to mark plants so it doesn't fade? I would really like to know what you are using and where to get it.

Thanks,
Joan

Well, I did mention it in another thread but it bears repeating. I bought a paint pen at Hobby Lobby, painted "Test" and the date on a blind slat segment, and left it out in the direct sun and all elements for two years. It didn't fade at all! I have been searching for days for that pen, can't find it anywhere, so I am going to HL Monday, since they are closed on Sunday, and I will be buying several of them. The one I tested was purple, but I actually bought two and can't find them in either color. My memory loss is really a pain, people!

Aimee! If you find them, will you buy me one and I'll reimburse you and pay the postage? I live up here where there's none of them stores and would really appreciate it.

Sure, I am happy to. In case there are color choices, do you have a preference?

No, not really, but I think I'd like it to be a darker color so it shows up. Maybe black, dark purple, dark green, dark blue, brown or something else that's dark. I'm not fussy. I'm just so happy to have something that will last for a bit.

Thank you so much Aimee!

This message was edited Sunday, May 5th 1:01 AM

Are you on the address list Flowox keeps? If not, send me your addy. Mine is on her list, but I can email it to you.

Yes, I'm on that list. As soon as you let me know how much it is and postage, I'll get it right out. Thanks again Aimee! Me and my plants thank you so very much!

I will keep an eye on this thread until Monday afternoon, in case anyone else wants me to get pens for them. I don't recall the price, but I was surprised it was as low as it was. I pass a HL on my way to Austin several times a week, near the Krispy Kreme shop, so it's no problem stopping to pick up the pens.

Aimee, can you give us the name brand of it when you get back? I'd love to pick up one or two of these myself!!! thanks

Grease pencils work good too. The ones that have the string you pull to peel off the tip. I was really pleased how well they held up over the winter. I tried a paint marker on the mini-blinds.... "Uni" was the brand name and it faded ... not completely tho. I can still read them but I don't think they'll last another season. The grease pencils are cheap too. I got a box of a dozen or so at an office supply place for just a couple of bucks.

Joan, do you need some more mini blind slats? If so, let me know.

Found mine! It is made by Hunt Corporation, and is called "Painters Opaque Paint Marker". I have a fine tipped one. Apparently, this is actually some type of paint instead of ink. You have to shake it before you use it, then hold the tip down until it starts to flow. I also rechecked the test mark, and it has not faded one bit. July will be three years it has spent in the back yard in full sun, rain, all kinds of weather. I am still going to the store to get more, because with my luck, everytime I find something I like, they discontinue it.

I use a old green mini blind and ball point pen and press hard when I write and it shows threw the other side. its backwards but so am I at times

Aimee can you please get me one if I'm not too late!! Do you think one will be enough? Any colour - Hope this is not too much trouble and thanks a million!!

Hi! all, I use "painters" and "testers" paint pens for many projects. Use on outdoor deco-art for eyes on figures. outlining, and one pen goes a long way. I too, use the mini Plastic blinds for markers. I cut one end on a slant to make a point and make them different lengths. The pens work on most any surface. glass,wood, plastics,fabric, cardboard.I have spent about $30.00 at a time getting all the colors I need. They are in most of the stores that sell crafts. Walmart, hobby-lobby,Michael's etc.The hold up really well. Even the sun as hot as it gets here ,TX) doesn't fade them. worth the price.

Aimee Tim called round this afternoon and he showed me the marker he had and it works well. Please disregard my request for you to send me one, as I believe I can buy this one at Michaels. Thanks!!

....KMART! Martha Stewart...Under$4

Oops, too late! I went to Hobby Lobby and bought all they had this afternoon. I have black, $3.53, and red, $3.37. They were out of purple ones except for a pearlized one, which is not what I tested. I also found a different type, called Permapaque Opaque Paint Marker , a dual point, for $2.47. I bought a green one to test. Anyone who wants any of these should email me.

Joan, I received your email, and it's on the way.

Thank you so much Aimee! You're such a sweetheart. Now I need to know how much I owe you with shipping so I can send you some money.

mingsmimi, I was at K-Mart here but that didn't carry that pen you mentioned. I will keep an eye out. I do have a HL, and Michaels here...might have to make that trip. Take care,Kelly

DecoArt makes a craft paint called "Patio Paint".

About $2.00 a bottle at any craft store. I will try some markers and let you know how it works.

But you have two years on me already :*)

I didn't read throught all the suggestion, if I rep[eat one please forgive me. WE took a small old log and sliced it into 1/2" discs ans then wrote the names of the plants witha permant marker then sealed them with polyurethane for outdoor use, if you are really talented you could try woodburning, but that took a really long time and I wasn't patient enough, LOL. Another recycling idea I had was to use empty soda cans, cutting the bottoms off and folding over the edges so they wouldnt be sharp, and cutting a 'V' toward the bottom of the tallest section of the can to go into the ground the a rectangle shape one top...all being one piece, and either marking them with paint or posibly punching the names on them with a small nail, you could achieve the same affect with copper sheeting but it would be much more exspensive. Just some ideas. Anything that was going to be painted though needs to be sealed periodically.

Aimee I will take some off your hands. I tried to phone you this afternoon to tell you just that!!

Hi, Louisa, sorry to have missed you! I have red left, is that okay?

Sure Aimee!! Thanks!! I just mailed you :-)

My mail is really slow today, must be a busy web day. I guess it will come in sooner or later. The ISP page says I have 7 new ones, but they don't come through. If you don't need the marker, don't feel obligated to take it, it's not a problem. Several people have emailed me for them, so I was glad I picked up a supply.

I wondered again about your mail Aimee since I wasn't getting any returns from you!! If the markers are all taken then that's fine, I can pick them up at Michaels because I sure need them soon, especially after Tim's visit!! :-)

No, Louisa, my dear, I still have some, but I thought after you posted above, you had decided to get them there. So I just didn't want you to feel you had to take one. I'm okay either way. If you can get the one you need there, why should you pay postage for the same thing from here?

OK - I guess it's a question of loyalty since you went to the trouble of getting them before I posted. I may not even be able to find them at Michaels!! If I don't I will be in touch :-)

Silly goose! I could always take them back for an exchange or refund. But most of them are already gone.