[NHCOLL-L:3386] Re: Labels for wet collection

[amsnyder at unm.edu]

Richard,

I am going to respond to you "on-list" because this question (cost 
effective wet collections labels) comes up almost annually on the SPNHC 
list.  Others on the list will have different recommendations, but the 
following is "my take" on the issue. (That is, I do not, never have, and 
never will endorse laser printed labels for wet collection application.)

The Epson LQ 870(ESC P2) impact printer works well to print Resistal and 
Tyvek paper labels (single sheet or tractor feed). I have successfully used 
this product, for almost 20 years, to produce labels for fluid-preserved 
collections (fishes and herps).  On an average, we produce 3000 jar and 
vial labels a year. (We archive large collections of fish eggs and larvae 
from annual monitoring projects for several NM river systems.)  This 
labeling system has been very reliable. FYI: I also produce Tyvek labels 
for use in genetic collections, stored in 95% ethanol and -80C ultracold 
freezer.  Epson pre-printed tissue labels (Tyvek) have been successfully 
used for field collections in liquid nitrogen.

Issues related to impact printers and the paper:
1.  The non-bleed, ethanol resistant permanent ink is no longer available 
(the last word I had from the distributor in Maryland) but you can still 
use the (fabric ribbon) regularly inked cartridges to produce wet labels. 
You will need to rinse the excess ink out of the labels before placing them 
in the jar of specimens.

2.  Resistal labeling paper is very acidic (due to the manufacturing 
process) and could very well be a problem in causing bone loss in larval 
fishes.  Definitely a problem for the jar fluid pH factor.

3. As with any fluid-preserved specimen labeling system, I recommend using 
a backup label, with the specimen catalog number, be placed in the jar or 
vial.  I currently use preprinted (Forbon tags)labels from Allen-Bailey Tag 
and Label, Inc. but a small wet strength paper label with the catalog 
number written on it using a technical pen and Higgins Eternal ink should 
work.

Anyway, I have often recommended this method of wet label production for 
small collections with limited budgets or agency biologists wishing to 
preprint their own field labels or field notes.  If you need specifics on 
the above information, contact me off list and I will be glad to provide 
you with details.

Best,  Lex



--On Sunday, April 15, 2007 7:34 PM -0400 Richard Rego 
<mummichog at verizon.net> wrote:

>
> Good Day,
>
>     I am looking for information regarding printers used for making
> labels for wet collections (ETOH and IPA).  I am currently using
> Resistall paper and hand writing with alcohol resistant ink pens.  I'd
> like to change over to computerized labels and would like to know if
> anyone is using a specific printer (which brand, model # and ink
> cartridge).
>
>     I have information regarding DataMax Thermal Transfer poly labels,
> but too cost prohibitive for a small collection.  Any information would
> be appreciated.
>
>     Thank you.
>
> R.J. Rego


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alexandra M. Snyder
Collections Manager-Fishes
Museum of Southwestern Biology
University of New Mexico MSC03-2020
Albuquerque NM 87131 USA
505.277.6005  Tele/Fax
amsnyder at unm.edu