Marking wood

[Archmike]

[blue]This is probably one for Conservators or Finds Specialists but all feedback is most welcome.

The site is a large warehouse containing substantial timber decking associated with former railway loading/unloading. Once recorded, at least the greater part of this decking will be removed to offsite storage. Realistically the storage could stretch into decades. The individual timbers must be precisely locatable to the overall records for the area, therefore, each timber will receive a number and letter(s). Due to the likely extensive period these timbers could remain under storage it would be unwise to mark them with things such as (removable) twine and tags, however durable. The best way is to 'paint' the reference number unobtrusively on an end of each timber. Here lies the query. Given that these timbers are dark hardwoods and probably originally treated to some degree (perhaps oil-based treatments) ... What is the best product to mark these timber ends, as near as dammit, permanently.

Naturally, if one went into the average paintstore for advice one would probably come out pronto with a can of Dulux Brilliant White Non-Drip Gloss. Just in case there is a better alternative to this albeit excellent product, I am hoping this site is a good starting point for finding the 'solution' to this problem.

Thank you for anyone taking the time to give experienced feedback. Remember, clarity, durability and longevity are paramount to the marking of the timbers. (Ease of application would help too). Sizewise, the timbers are substantial.

Mike Parker[blue]

[Digger]

As a finds person with nine years in the hardware game I suggest you forget about any paint. The timber is likley impregnated with something nasty (Copper naphalate for a possibility). They would have also absorbed a fair amount of oil and grease. Basically any product you try to put on will either wipe off, or react with any chemicals in the wood (they may take the codes initially but they will disolve or be absorbed themselves over a period of time). I think the only way you are going to get around this is flat headed nails and plastic tags. Not the best solution to your problem but I can't think of any paint or marker that, available generally, will do the job.

[Curator Kid]

Perhaps you could consider burning or branding the numbers into the ends. I presume since you want to mark them permanently the marks won't show when the floor is relaid. Not sure how this would react with the oil-based treatment of the wood though - perhaps a test first would be in order.

[Digger]

Curator- was thinking on those lines also but didn't want to be responsible for the lot going up in flames. Keep the extinquisher handy!

[Curator Kid]

quote:Originally posted by Digger

Curator- was thinking on those lines also but didn't want to be responsible for the lot going up in flames. Keep the extinquisher handy!

Yes - I'd actually be pretty wary of it myself - hence the test suggestion!

[leg11aug]

If you do try burning, be careful of the fumes, depending on what they're treated with these could be pretty nasty.

"Never put off 'till tomorrow that which you can put off 'till the day after tomorrow.."

[muiry]

there is two ways to mark this product, one there are inks designed for industrial applications in both pigmented white and yellow which would stay on, normally these would be applied by machine but they could be painted on, also there is label material available that would work

[muiry]

there is two ways to mark this product, one there are inks designed for industrial applications in both pigmented white and yellow which would stay on, normally these would be applied by machine but they could be painted on, also there is label material available that would work