I am now trying this method for my permanent labels. My named Sempervivum collection is where I need them most. Scribing on aluminium labels with an old ballpoint pen and then going over with permanent marker. If the marker fades I should still be able to make out the scribed name. We shall see!!
“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
I've never managed to fiind a permanent marker that doesn't fade after just a few weeks in the sun and rain. I've tried all makes and nib thicknesses but always the same result ... ten minutes squinting at a few black dots wondering what they could possibly mean !
However, what does work are good old fashioned chinagraph pencils, also called wax pencils, which are available in several colours online from the usual major suppliers.
I wonder if children's wax crayons work ? Anyone able to test it out ?
When there's always biscuits in the tin, where's the fun in biscuits ?
I've used the pens that @Topbird recommended - bought the black labels to go with them - but I can't get them to stay viable for any length of time. They tell you to lie them flat, so I did that but it makes no difference. Back to chinagraph and sanding the old labels I have. It [chinagraph] also weathers and/or fades eventually too though.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
i've tried plastic labels, permanent marker. Let ink dry for a few days then used yacht varnish. i was convinced this would be fine, however after several years of rain, varnish peels off the labels. i dread to think what yachts look like !!! i've also had labels broken in half after fox/cat walked over them in border. i've now given up trying !!!
White plastic labels and pencil. Used to last for decades, I have dug up legible labels from 1992. However I think white plastic labels are now made with a different plastic which does not 'take' the pencil so well.?
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My named Sempervivum collection is where I need them most.
Scribing on aluminium labels with an old ballpoint pen and then going over with permanent marker.
If the marker fades I should still be able to make out the scribed name.
We shall see!!
Back to chinagraph and sanding the old labels I have. It [chinagraph] also weathers and/or fades eventually too though.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I was utterly non-plussed, and it got lost somewhere along the way, but I'd quite like one now.😁
I chose the Brother P-Touch GL-H105 Professional Garden Labeller.
It is absolutely great.