How to waterproof/seal end of wooden plant labels?

[vikkib]

I am hoping some super smart Grapes will be able to help me with this one!

I'm making some plant labels to go in the ground using a wooden Venetian blind I've picked up from Freecycle.

I sand the slats, cut them to lengths approx. 10-12" and I've tried varnishing them (clear, exterior varnish, couple of coats) and then writing on them with a 'permanent' marker pen but the pen faded.

I think I've sorted that as I can use a soldering iron to write on them and then varnish them.

The main problem I have yet to figure out how to overcome is how to seal / waterproof the ends of each label.

I've tried putting varnish on the ends with a brush which didn't work and then I tried standing them in varnish overnight but still no joy! The ends get soggy and they break.

I'd really love to be able to re-use them!

Can anyone think of something I could use to stop the water getting in?

[Paulieb]

Here's a complete guess, and I'm not sure they'd be 'hardy' enough, but....

how about dipping them in hot wax to create a seal on the end. That would protect them, but I'm not sure for how long especially if you wanted to use the labels outside over the winter.

Hope I've got the right end of the stick, IYSWIM.

[veggiechicken]

Hmmmm! I have a wooden blind, acquired on Freecycle with this thought in mind. However, you've put so much effort into these slats and I don't think I have the commitment
Time to find an alternative use for my blind, I think!

[Two_Sheds]

I've tried varnishing them ... and then writing on them with a 'permanent' marker pen but the pen faded.

I paint mine with white household paint, then write on them with pencil. It keeps for a season.

for more permanent labels, I paint with household paint, then pencil/paint on the plant name, then seal with yacht varnish

[veggiechicken]

I think I'll look out for an aluminium blind and scratch the seed name onto it; or a plastic one that'll not need painting.

[bearded bloke]

VC,I made a load from a plastic blind that I width trimmed when decorating "the room of gloom",work fine in compost but they buckle badly when pushed into soil

[veggiechicken]

I tend not to label outdoor rows, just put sticks in at each end of the row - the theory being that I'll recognise it when it comes up
Its pots I have the most problem with, like the multiple toms and squashes that get potted on and I think I'll remember what they are

[bearded bloke]

The plastic will be fine in pots trim to length with a sharp pair of scissors you wont even need to cut a point,I wrote on mine in pencil & it stayed on fine (even outdoors)

[veggiechicken]

Thanks BB! All I need to do now is scrounge a blind - the one I have is wood

[mrbadexample]

Can anyone think of something I could use to stop the water getting in?

Well, I'll give it my best shot. I think you need this, or similar made by someone else.

I can't be certain that it will work, but I'd be very surprised if it didn't.

Edit: Search Amazon for Everbuild WOODHARD2 Lumberjack Wet Rot Wood Hardener 250ml, best price I could find.

[Dusty Rhodes]

I am hoping some super smart Grapes will be able to help me with this one!

I'm making some plant labels to go in the ground using a wooden Venetian blind I've picked up from Freecycle.

I sand the slats, cut them to lengths approx. 10-12" and I've tried varnishing them (clear, exterior varnish, couple of coats) and then writing on them with a 'permanent' marker pen but the pen faded.

I think I've sorted that as I can use a soldering iron to write on them and then varnish them.

The main problem I have yet to figure out how to overcome is how to seal / waterproof the ends of each label.

I've tried putting varnish on the ends with a brush which didn't work and then I tried standing them in varnish overnight but still no joy! The ends get soggy and they break.

I'd really love to be able to re-use them!

Can anyone think of something I could use to stop the water getting in?

High gloss polyurethane wood finish or perhaps a smear of clear silicone caulking might work.

[vikkib]

Edit: Search Amazon for Everbuild WOODHARD2 Lumberjack Wet Rot Wood Hardener 250ml, best price I could find.

Aha!

Looking at this reminded me I had some 2 part epoxy resin knocking around somewhere!

I've stuck some on the end of a slat and will see if that works once it's dry!

I knew the Grapes would provide me with inspiration yet again!

Hmmmm! I have a wooden blind, acquired on Freecycle with this thought in mind. However, you've put so much effort into these slats and I don't think I have the commitment

VC - It doesn't take long at all! I cut the slats with a big pair of scissors (if the scissors are too small they tend to split) and then very roughly rub them sandpaper.

The only reason I'm using a soldering iron to write on them is because I got a gas powered one so that I could melt the edges of my plasticy type weed suppressant and as it's my new toy I'm determined to find more uses for it... whether or not they are sensible uses!

[zazen999]

Chalk pens. Sand - paint nice colour, then use the chalk pen to write the veg name on it. Let it dry then put next to plant.

Pentel Chalk Marker Wet Erase Chisel Tip - Markers - Ryman

[vikkib]

Righty!

The one I stuck in a glass of water an hour or so ago is still looking good but I guess the actual test will be taking these down to the plot today and seeing how they are doing when I dig up the garlic next year!



PS - "I x 4" means I realised I had not left enough room to write Iberian!

[Two_Sheds]

I had not left enough room to write Iberian!

ah, I used to do that. Try writing from the upper end towards the penny end next time