The Search for the perfect plant tag continues: Slate tags?? - Orchid Board

peeweelovesbooks · #1 08-09-2009, 06:11 PM

Hi guys.

For some reason, the tags that I buy (which are 6 x 1) and are printed on both sides) become brittle quite fast. I've been looking for some tags that are 1) durable, 2) attractive and 3) not too costly.

So, in going through the listing on Etsy.com, I came across this listing for tags made out of old slate roofs:

slate garden or plant marker, set of 3 by jburlette on Etsy

What do you all think? Is slate inert enough not to damage my plants? I plan to print a transparent label with black lettering so that it will blend better.

Your comments/opinion is welcome.

WhiteRabbit · #2 08-09-2009, 06:13 PM

m - I am not sure how well the label tape would adhere to this

peeweelovesbooks · #3 08-09-2009, 06:17 PM

That's a good point!!!

He's going to send me a sample and I will try it out and see. I plan on using the industrial brother PT tape though. I'll let you know.

WhiteRabbit · #4 08-09-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peeweelovesbooks

That's a good point!!!

He's going to send me a sample and I will try it out and see. I plan on using the industrial brother PT tape though. I'll let you know.

was going to suggest maybe just trying a few

EdinAZ · #5 08-09-2009, 08:48 PM

I use plastic tags/ marker stakes I got from Calwest supplies. Some of these have been in my plants for about 10 years with no loss of color or flexibility. I use white for my species, yellow for hybrids, but they have a couple of other colors too. I use a Brady "I D pal" label maker with vinyl tape. probably similar to the what you were talking about. This tape comes in several colors too, including transparent, but I just use the white and yellow. The tape I've put on the marker stakes has also lasted without any problems.

Hope this helps.

Ed

cloudswinger · #6 08-10-2009, 09:52 AM

The brittleness comes from too much UV. I've found different plastics have differing rates of decay. I have some that are fine 2 years, and some that are all cracked up after 6 months. But I also have a problem with some critters stealing the tags, so I've taken to labeling the pots.

Ray · #7 08-10-2009, 10:32 AM

If you shove the label down in the medium so only the top is there to grab, the label will not be blasted with UV.

or...

Try the Brother label on aluminum. Most folks cut up beer cans, but you can get "flashing" material from the Home Despot or Lowes.

I don't know if I'd bother with the extra expense of the "industrial" labels though. If I remember correctly, the only difference with the "normal" one is the adhesive, and that doesn't seem to be an issue at all! I put name tags on some Corningware casserole dishes before gong to a party about 15 years ago. They have been used a great deal, and run through the dishwasher many, many times since then, and they're still attached.

Gin · #8 08-10-2009, 03:57 PM

I am a cheap skate with bad penmanship I use venetian blind slats and a No.2 pencil some have been in use for a very long time .. Gin

Junebug · #9 08-10-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gin

I am a cheap skate with bad penmanship I use venetian blind slats and a No. pencil some have been in use for a very long time .. Gin

I do the same thing as Gin. You can pick blinds up for a dime a dozen at thrift stores and they provide enough material to make a ton of recycled tags. I would be concerned about the slate getting knocked out and broken by foraging critters. This wouldn't be a problem if the Chids were grown indoors though.

jrhennek · #10 08-10-2009, 09:38 PM

I have used the blinds also. I will print out the information I want on the tag on a clear 1" x 2-5/8" Avery label on my ink-jet printer and then spray it with a clear spray. (Hair spray, Clear spray paint, Spray varnish) or something similar and they last for years.

Jayme