Fade resistant labels?

[dlewan]

For a few years I've been using a Brother P-Touch label maker for my plants' labels. However, They fade terribly after about 2 years and entirely after 3. Yes, when the printing is clear, they are much easier to read than my handwriting, but they fade far too fast to be truly useful.

I grow on a windowsill facing SW, at about 32°N, and would love to know how you keep your labels legible with such sunlight.

Thanks.

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After I posted this, the board included this thread as related. It has lots of good information, notable paint pens, which is a new word for me.

I will buy a few of the recommendations that I see there and conduct experiments. If I'm good, I'll let you know the results.

[Selmo]

#2 Pencil has done well for me on plastic labels. Just make sure you write on the ‘matte’ side of the label, not on the ‘shiny’ side.

[Keysguy]

Interesting. I have been using a p-touch for over 10 years and have never had to re-do a single tag. And I grow outdoors year round.

[Ray]

Which Brother P-Touch labels are you using?

I have some that are still unfaded after 15 years, even being outdoors 7-8 months a year over the last 8.

[Bayard]

Same here - with UV resistant plastic labels they will last until eternity.

[dlewan]

Originally Posted by Ray

Which Brother P-Touch labels are you using?

I have some that are still unfaded after 15 years, even being outdoors 7-8 months a year over the last 8.

I'm really not sure. They are not from the brand Brother P-Touch. I went cheap and bought some "compatible" tapes.

There's no doubt that that could very well be the problem.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by dlewan

I'm really not sure. They are not from the brand Brother P-Touch. I went cheap and bought some "compatible" tapes.

There's no doubt that that could very well be the problem.

I’d bet on it.

The Brother “TZ” or “TZe” tapes - black text on white - are the best.