Labels in alcohol

[Mark O'Brien]

We have had varied success with laser-printed labels over the years, and
the Resistall paper definitely does not hold toner as well as the cotton
bond paper.   For best results, I have found that 24 -pin printers work
well for alcohol labels, since they are most similar to old typewriter
labels.  This also brings up the point that if you subject your pinned
specimen labels (if produced on a laser printer) to ethyl acetate, the
toner  will be removed from the paper.

If someone could adapt the ink used in the Pigma Pens to an inkjet
cartridge, then we would probably solve the problem of alcohol labels once
and for all.

About 10 years ago someone (probably published in one of the SPNHC
proceedings) tried immersing a 24-pin printer ribbon in Higgins Black ink,
and had decent results with permanence. However, other than a
demonstration, that method has limited usefulness and practicality.

If you have catalogued your specimens, make sure that the catalogue number
is printed in something "permanent."  Nothing beats printer's ink for
longevity!

Mark

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