Marking plastics

Pamela Langdown <plangdown [at] netscape__net> writes

>Can anyone advise me on the best method of labelling dark coloured
>plastic items, such as 'Melaware' plates and bowls, where tie on
>labels cannot be used?

I have found that laying down a barrier coat of Acryloid B-72 (white
or clear) works well.  I mark the number using an alcohol based
marker (A sharpie works well if you are careful).  Both are
reversible with alcohol solvent.  Do not top coat.  I don't use
India ink for logistical reasons and out of concern that the pin
will scratch the topcoat and/or artifact.

Make sure that the plastic does not react with the plastic.  I
haven't encountered that problem, but I suppose that it is possible.

Alan Hawk
Historical Collections
National Museum of Health and Medicine, AFIP
Bldg 54, Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Washington, DC  20306-6000
202-782-2205
Fax: 202-782-3573


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:65
                  Distributed: Tuesday, March 26, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-65-004
                                  ***