Hi Marybeth,

We started experimenting with rice paper and B-72 about 2 years ago.  We have a huge collection of aluminum cookware (from a local producer) that I tried it on.  It has always been difficult to label with the traditional pen method because the B-72 would always tear when writing with a sharp pen on a hard surface or flake off easily.  So, our method was to put down a layer of B-72, while it is wet be layer on the paper, then another layer of B-72.  Make sure the edges are flat and well adhered or it will come off easily.

It has worked much better than the old method for this surface.  I have also found it better on more porous surfaces such as brick or wood where the labels would just soak in or it was too uneven to write on clearly.  One other perk is that not all my collection staff and volunteers can use an ink pen effectively.  We use the micron pens for the paper and that seems to be much easier for some.  So, in my experience it has worked well in certain situations, but I still like the old pen and ink method for most items.

Hope that helps.

Janean Mollet-Van Beckum

Curator of Collections and Exhibits
Washington County Historical Society
320 S 5th Avenue, West Bend, WI  53095-3333

 

(262) 335-4678  x121

www.historyisfun.com