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¤tType=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¤tType=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/