I teach elementary music and I need name labels for recorders… ya know those plastic wind instrument things. Anyway, in the past I’ve used Avery mailing labels from Staples – smaller return address labels for the recorder and then regular sized labels (2.5” X 1”, I think) for the case. Anyway, it works out great ‘cause I can print up all the kids' names from a class list database but then the labels start falling off in a month or two. Both the recorder and the case are plastic and curved so the Avery labels don’t adhere well. Any label advice would be appreciated. The less time I spend making labels the more time I get to spend with my amazing 1 YO boy.
K.
Have you tried a little rubbing alcohol on the surface before adding the labels? Sometimes invisible surface oils keep the labels from sticking properly.
Instead of changing the label you use, you could try giving them a slightly rougher surface to stick to. Rough up a small spot on the recorders with some fine sand paper or emery paper. Like a 150 or 200 grit. I'd try it on one and see how it works.
I'm not sure if your school would buy one but we have a Brother P-Touch label maker. You can hook it up to the computer to print the labels from the screen (rather than typing them in on the v. funky QWERTY keyboard on the machine itself) and you can buy loads of different size and color label tapes. I got mine through Staples online store -- free delivery and all! Love it!!
white medical tape not the thin stuff the thicker white plastic like tape we use it at the preschool i work at to lable everything...pacifiers, bottles ect. they stay on through all our washing that should work for you.
My daughter's school just did a fundraiser for Mabel's Labels. They had all sorts of different labels for clothes, dishes etc. I would think if their labels could survive the dishwasher and laundry it might work for you. I'm not sure though if you could get a different name on each label, I think they are sold it packs. If it's just your school's name though it might work.
If you want labels that do not come off at all you need "Crack'n Peel". As a teacher, check with a local print shop to see if they'd be willing to donate a couple of sheets. It sticks to everything and does not come undone. If you do want to later take the labels off you'll most likely have to soak them in alcohol.
