Re: [ARSCLIST] CD-ROM marking pens

[John Bondurant <John_Bondurant@xxxxxxxxx>]

Here is a link to the Sharpie(R) site about their new "CD/DVD" pen:

http://www.sharpie.com/sanford/consumer/sharpie/productcatalog/tipfamily
detail.jhtml?attributeId=SNATT_SUP_9200035&currentType=SNTYPE004

FYI, they don't say what the ink/dye formulation is for this new pen;
just that it is "specially formulated for digital media surfaces..." 

The Sharpie (R) Twin-Tip Marker composition is "Dyes,
n-propanol(71-23-8), n-butanol(71-36-3), diacetone alcohol(123-42-2)." 
http://www.sharpie.com/sanford/consumer/sharpie/productcatalog/tipfamily
detail.jhtml?attributeId=SNATT_SUP_9200035&currentType=SNTYPE004

I'm no chemist, but that doesn't sound good for CDR media. We presently
use the Staedtler Lumocolor CD-R pen:
http://www.staedtler-usa.com/Lumocolor_cd_dvd_pen_us.Staedtler?ActiveID=
24387


John Bondurant
Sound Preservation & Access Assistant
Appalachian Sound Archive
Berea College
CPO LIB
Berea, KY 40404

-----Original Message-----
From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Mike Richter
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2005 8:22 PM
To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] CD-ROM marking pens

Jerome Hartke wrote:
> Solvent-based inks, such as used in the Sharpie, can penetrate the
> protective layer on the label surface of CD discs. The formulation of
this
> layer varies; some being more resistant to solvents than others. I am
glad
> that you have been lucky, but do not recommend use of such pens on
discs
> that are not easily replaceable.
> 
> Jerry
> Media Sciences, Inc.

Sanford, makers of the Sharpie, agree with you. They make pens with 
water-based inks which they recommend instead. I've not found them for 
sale and have not tried them.

There have been reports of failure due to the Sharpie and other 
unapproved pens. Note that not only the solvent but also the pigment may

be a problem. RCA discovered that when they had to replace thousands of 
copies of a set of CDs.

Mike
-- 
mrichter@xxxxxxx
http://www.mrichter.com/