Amanda, your problem is that the top coat of B-72 is dissolving the bottom coat. This can be solved by using a different top coat. I have used both B-67, which is dissolved in naptha instead of acetone, and gloss acrylic varnish, which is water-based. I also use labels laser-printed onto acid-free paper, which are less likely to come unglued when you put on the top coat. Hope this is helpful to you - Anne Anne T. Lane Collections Manager 704.568.1774 x110 phone 704.566.1817 fax [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> The Charlotte Museum of History and Hezekiah Alexander Homesite Where History Has a Home 3500 Shamrock Drive Charlotte, NC 28215-3214 www.charlottemuseum.org Featured Exhibits: ToyTime: Larger-than-Life Folk Toys, September 8, 2007 to March 9, 2008 Flags Across The Nation: Quilts of Patriotism, September 11 to November 11, 2007 Charlotte Neighborhoods: Brooklyn to Biddleville, Now through January 25, 2008 ________________________________ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Amanda Dyer Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 4:36 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: numbering in pencil? Hello All: I'm having trouble finding an archival black pen that won't smear when a top coat of clear B-72 is applied when numbering an artifact. Can anyone give any reasons why I shouldn't use a pencil to apply the number between the barrier layers? Thanks, Amanda Amanda Thompson Dyer Curator Bell County Museum 201 N. Main Street P.O. Box 1381 Belton, TX 76513 254.933.5244 (p) 254.933.5756 (f) www.bellcountymuseum.org ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).