Photos: Testing Pens on Plant Labels

[ysabetwordsmith]

I know there are a bunch of pen / ink / paint fans here. I figure some of you may be using them for practical labels or other recordkeeping in addition to arts and crafts.


I'm doing an experiment to see which of three pens will prove most durable for labels outdoors: the old Sharpie permanent marker (fine point), the new Sharpie oil paint pen (fine point), and the new Craft Smart paint pen (broad point). I have posted additional photos of the initial setup here. I plant to take and post more photos periodically to show whatever weathering happens.




If anyone else uses markers, paint pens, etc. for outdoor labels, I'd be interested in hearing about what you use.

Comments

Re: Thoughts

[spiralicious]

Beautiful territory though. - It is that indeed and luckily, I like the rain. It makes managing the 73+ inches of rain we get a year easier.

Have you tried covering it with tape?

- I haven't, but it's a good idea to try on the plastic stakes.

Look for anything with earth pigments. Ochres are as permanent as it gets. - That is a great idea for wood. I feel a little silly for not thinking of it, considering I'm pretty sure I still have some.

Nail polish - I know for a fact this will withstand the weather, I just really suck at doing detailed work (like writing) with it. We do frequently use it for weather proofing things and color coding things. Which just gave me the thought of putting clear polish over the writing, which I haven't tried either.

Re: Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Nail polish - I know for a fact this will withstand the weather,<<

Useful to know, thanks. My main concern is that it's likely to be brittle, thus more useful on labels that don't bend. But there might be another nail coat that would be more flexible.

>> I just really suck at doing detailed work (like writing) with it. <<

What about a stamp? A bit more work to set up but should make clear letters.

>>We do frequently use it for weather proofing things and color coding things. Which just gave me the thought of putting clear polish over the writing, which I haven't tried either.<<

Yeah, that's a thought. I'll have to keep that in mind.