thanks for being our watchdog, Ken. Is the tz-131 the weatherproof type? 2-3 years ago, I was using the Brother labels and I thought they faded too quickly so I started engraving the hosta names on those aluminum labels/stakes and then I write over the top of my engraving with a Painty pen. We'll see how they last.
Peggy

I USE black letters on clear tape.. UV proof ... weather resistant ..

i have some going on 15 years old..

the zinc plate and standards are mangled beyond belief.. but the ptouch tz-131 tape is just perfect ...

i have some tags turned orange red from the well water.. but the clear still shows a perfect zinc label behind ..

ken

P-touch labels-
My biggest complaint is that these labels are TOO GOOD! Those crazy things stick so well that I can't peel them off when I want to change the name on my plant tags. Anyone ever figure out if there's a solvent out there that will cut the glue? Don

I've gotten the same labels at databazaar.com for $11.28 with free shipping! It's no wonder OD and OM and other office supply chains are struggling.

Mark

i usually just throw out the used label ...

if its not too old.. you can lift a corner with a razor blade and peel it off... but often that leads to scraping of the zinc plate ...

frankly ... buy your labels in bulk ... and they are pretty cheap ... is it really worth an hour of label peeling and chemical exposure for a 25 cent label????

ken

Hi Ken,
I've made up my own personal plant stakes, using aluminum flat stock. They're extremely nice and durable, so I don't want to throw them out. I just want to get the old label off to use the stake for a new plant. Right now, I either take it off with a wire brush which is mounted on my grinder, or just stick another label overtop the old one.
Don

Don, burn it before you apply the brush. Just don't anneal (sp) the aluminum.

Thanks for the idea, Butch. I'll give it a try next time I do a new one. Don

labels can be removed with xylene .... bad stuff... found in goof off .. splatter remover .. etc ...

but you still have to scrape or damage the plastic label.. so the stuff gets to the adhesive ...

chemical rubber gloves might be good

ken

I've tried soaking them in mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, and acetone for days, all to no avail. Like Ken said, these chemcals can't penetrate through the top surface of the label in order to dissolve the glue. Don

Alright! Bought some! I have a nice quality P-touch printer, now I just need a source for some nice quality bronze or silvery looking plant markers. I'd prefer something like 4-6" above the ground, 6" under should be fine with a 45 degree angle so they can be viewed easily.

Anyone have a good source or want to post a link? I'm looking for about 100 for starters.

Thanks!

Will

Will, you might try lusterleaf.com. If you can buy them in bulk, they're pretty reasonable. As I recall, you can't order on-line, but have to make a phone call. You can also buy their products on Amazon or at other on-line retailers. Lois

Don, Maybe try Acetane or fingernail polish remover? It's the same thing, or another thought would be peanut butter, that gets the nasty price tags off of flo. bulbs

Paul

I like PawPaw Everlast for markers- American Made- Great quality- inexpensive- and free shipping on such HEAVY packages really is a boost in savings- all adding up to a great value!
I will be buying more from them this year-

Julie

Here is a link that might be useful: Paw Paw Everlast Garden Markers

Ken, thanks for the link, I've been paying way to much for them. I haven't been on this forum for awhile, I'm glad I did check it out. Jim King

"I like PawPaw Everlast for markers"
julie

Buy clear polypropalene labels and cover the description and they last much longer. If you use a regular pencil and do the same on the back they last even longer as a backup.

You can also print on these labels with a laser printer that last a long time also, again use a second label over the print to cover the printing.

This one is over 10 years old.

Here is a link that might be useful: Clear cover for labels

i forgot to mention ...

santa brought me 500 new labels...

god is great
god is good ...

thank you for the labels to brighten my mood

.. sorry no better rhyme comes to mind.. lol ...

its getting to that time where label making is coming to mind.. thought i would kick this back to the top ...

ken

When my husband bought me my P-touch labeler, he got the extra-strength laminated labels.
Is it necessary to have the extra-strength or will the regular laminated labels hold up on the Eon or Everlast labels (metal)?
Thanks for your input
Jakki

Jakki- The oldest I have are 4 years in the garden and the labels still look great. A couple near the sidewalk are exposed to salt in winter and the metal shows some effects but labels look good. TZ 131 labels.

Paul

the oldest i have are about 12 years old ...

as i think i said .... the steel standards rust into the ground or are twisted beyond repair.. LONG BEFORE THE PTOUCH PART EVER SHOWS ANY SIGNS OF WEAR ...

IMHO .. if the extra strength costs any significant amount of money more.. its not worthwhile ... again .. IMHO ....

if the price is the same.. or close.. whichever ...

ken

Thanks! I'll go for the cheaper one! More money for hostas!
Jakki

bingo .. it really should always come down to that .. lol ..

ken

I always order my labels from Ecom Office Supplies. If you order at least 10, they are only $9.95 each. And the shipping cost on 10 is only $3.45. If you factor in the shipping cost, this may be a better deal.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ecom Office Supplies

And they are even CHEAPER from Ecom if you order the 2-packs instead of the singles.

A 2-pack is $19.40 ($9.70 each).

Here is a link that might be useful: Ecom Office Supplies, TZ131 2-packs