The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections has run a
number of studies on this perennial problem: "permanent ink" felt tip/roller
ball pens, laser/photocopiers, etc.
The Canadian Museum of Nature has been slowly working through a
20(30?) year old supply of the original "Resistal" paper (with its
formaldehyde stabilizer). We have gone through a large number of
photocopiers (government supply) and HP laser printers. Some of each
worked, some didn't.
Critical factors were identified as ink composition (pigment vs carbon),
paper type, and heat/pressure of the printer. Unfortunately, printers and
photocopiers are evolving almost as fast as computers, and the old stand-
by inks of yesteryear keep disappearing and changing formula (remember
the wonderful of Pelican No. 50 special black?).
If you find something that works, hang onto it as long as possible and stock
up with supplies. Ink, whether for pens, ink-jets or lasers, has a limited
shelf life. I agree with Dieter, write down the catalogue number in a more
permanent medium, ink or pencil.
Nothing worse than a blank label.
Judy Fournier
<110275.1004 at compuserve.com>
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