Long-lasting labels
- Subject: Long-lasting labels
- From: Richard Dufresne s*@infi.net
- Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2003 20:37:50 -0400
To all:
I am cross-posting this information (from Alpine-L) on how small amounts of
truly durable and legible labels can be printed for small nurseries and
collectors, providing you have access to a laser printer.
My preference is to use a special laser label I buy from Specialty Tag &
Label . These are made by Economy Label Company (LPS1225SWH: $36.56 ea for
a box of 1000; 3 x 8 of 1.25" x 2.5" ).
After setting up the page in either MS Word or WordPerfect so that I get two
labels per cell, I cut the labels in half and stick them to a 4" pylon
label. At least on WordPerfect, I can make every cell (label) different,
since they define each cell as a separate page using their Subdivide Page
window (Format> Page> Page Setup> Divide Page). MS Word uses a modified
table for the same function, and I think only the most recent version allows
the cells to be different in content. Avery has a software package that
might be useful.
This system takes advantage of the fact that the laser toner is really a
very fine plastic resin. Normally melted onto place on paper, the the
printing is fused to a PVC film instead, forming a really permanent bond.
This results in a label that lasts up to 5 years and can stand sun,
moisture, and even dilute bleach (for cleaning and recycling). The labels
are readable at really fine point sizes as small as 6 point, allowing lots
of detail.
Disadvantages are that you need a laser printer, preferably one woth a
straight paper path. Use a high-quality toner, as cheap toners don't always
completely fuse to the label. Also, your laser printer should be able to
generate sufficient heat, since the sheets with the labels are on thick
stock (perhaps to hold the heat for a sufficiently long time - the sheets
come out rather hot). You can get a couple sample sheets to test your
system out The job is a bit labor intensive.
I like it because I produce small quantities of plants that are used for
stock plants by other nurseries or are sent out for trialling. A lot of
detail can be put on one label, and the printing is quite clear.
Specialty Tag & Label
P. O. Box 1500
Flowery Branch, GA 30542-0025
800-475-2040
Economy Label Company
P. O. Box 96893
Chicago, IL 60693
http://www.economylabel.com/home.html
800-874-4465
Richard F. Dufresne
313 Spur Road
Greensboro, North Carolina 27406 USA
336-674-3105
World of Salvias: http://www.eclectasy.com/gallery_of_salvias/index.htm
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