plastic labels..what ink?

[got ants]

Sounds like a silly question from someone who has been growing for 3 years now, but what type of pen or pencil do you use on the plastic labels?

I bought red stake labels (NFS) lol, and thought others used #2 pencil, because, uh, that's what it looked like. I tried and it was not legible. I then used a sharpie and besides being too fat, even with the pointy tip one, I know it will fade in the sun. So now I'm thinking either an "indian ink" type of pen, or a paint pen.

What do y'all use and what are my options?

[cneos]

Number 2 lead pencil ... and I use two labels per plant - one tucked in the bottom of pot, the other visible

[RosieC]

I use an ultra thin Sharpie, it's just a fraction of the thickness of their 'fine' version and I only found them available in one shop here in the UK. I too found their 'fine' one to be way too thick.

I have found the black Sharpie does not seem to fade but the other colours do.

I tried various other liquid ink or gel ink ones and they did not write very well on the tags.

[Triffid]

If you want a good fade and water resistant marker the best suggestion is check out your local art store (or an online variety).
They should have a variety of sizes and colours, as well as being able to tell you which ones are better for plastics and even glass.

just a thought.

[Cym Ladye]

I would agree with CNEOS on the use of a #2 lead pencil as the safest and also easiest to obtain.

Be wary of the Sharpie "permanent" pens in the US for non fading. At least here in CA they appear to have eliminated one of their setting agents and the pens fade quickly.

I use a Pilot ultra fine black permanent marker but can only get them on the internet. Replace the pen when you see it marking a little lighter than it did when you first opened it. I also do the bottom of the pot or down the inside of the pot system, just case.

CL

[Royal]

Pencil or paint pen. Everything else will fade eventually.

[peeweelovesbooks]

I use a label maker. Florida weather was murder on whatever else I used.

[Tropicgirl]

I agree with peewee, label maker works well. #2 lead pencil also works pretty good. Sharpie's fade quickly no matter what size tip, I've used the regular ones and the ultra fine point.

[JennS]

I found a few labels the were unreadable while repotting just the other day, and that was from the fine point and ultra fine point sharpie (lucikly I have them on file). I water heavily though. I think pencil works best and I agree about tucking one deep inside the pot too, incase the one sticking up got lost.

[dounoharm]

#2 pencil....its the only thing that works