Posted Sat Apr 21, 2012, 12:27pm Subject: Using a Sharpie to label jars/bags
I was browsing through some old threads via the "search" feature on the forum and saw that many people, like myself, are using a Sharpie to label their roasted coffee in the foil bags and also in the Mason jars. I was unable to find where anyone was erasing the Sharpie writing with rubbing alcohol... some actually just marked through the old labeling and re-labeled in a blank area on the bag (and on the jar, I presume)... so... I felt I would share my little old trick(?) with those who have not tried it. I keep a spray bottle next to my work area and use it for just about everything... bug bites, cat scratches, cleaning scuffs, etc. I don't use the 72% rubbing alcohol, I use the 91% because it is less "oily" and doesn't leave a mark if I use it on glass or plastic. When I roast, I store my beans in pint Mason jars and use a Sharpie to write the roast/bean info on the lid. When the jar is empty I just spray the lid with the alcohol and wipe it clean with a paper towel. Simple... and everybody here probably knows that this works... I just couldn't find it on the forum. Probably didn't search hard enough. Also... I find that using the Ultra-Fine Point Sharpie on a foil bag is a no-no. Maybe I am heavy-handed, but I have found the small tip to be prone to puncturing the thin foil bag. I have no problems when I use the larger "Fine Point." I just thought I'd throw this up for those who are tired of using labels that leave glue residue on the jars and/or bags... although the alcohol will easily remove "some" types of label glue pretty easily. As always, YMMV
Posted Sat Apr 21, 2012, 1:29pm Subject: Re: Using a Sharpie to label jars/bags
+1 on the thanks. Good tip. I've been using Scotch tape on my Ball jar lids (and writing on the tape with a Sharpie). Sometimes the tape comes off easily, sometimes not.
Posted Sat Apr 21, 2012, 6:38pm Subject: Re: Using a Sharpie to label jars/bags
I keep containers of rubbing alcohol in my shop, on my roasting table & on my coffeebar. It's a great "green" solvent that not only removes marker notes, mild adhesives but also comes in handy for removing pine sap if your daughter happens to park her car under the pine trees at work. I've found the 70% works fine. The only other ingredient besides alcohol is water so I don't see how it could be oily.
Posted Sun Apr 22, 2012, 5:12am Subject: Re: Using a Sharpie to label jars/bags
You are absolutely correct, John. I don't really know why I used the term "oily." I do prefer the stronger 91% though, and even bought a case of 99% a while back. I was using it for an industrial application and it worked better than the 72%, but in this application I am sure that the 72% is just fine.
yakster Senior Member Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Posts: 1,006 Location: San Jose, CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Factory / La Peppina... Grinder: Vario / Kyocera Vac Pot: Yama 8 + Pyrex Lox-in Rod Drip: Brazen / Kalita / Chemex /... Roaster: Behmor
Posted Tue Apr 24, 2012, 1:03pm Subject: Re: Using a Sharpie to label jars/bags
I used to use grease pencil on all my lids, but I now just print out the roasting label from RoasterThing and slip it in the canning jar before I fill it with beans.
dtlord Senior Member Joined: 13 Mar 2009 Posts: 99 Location: Wisconsin Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Bezzera BZ07sde Grinder: Super Jolly, Virtuoso Vac Pot: Silex Victory, Cory, Sunbeam... Drip: pour over w/ mesh or paper Roaster: A nice guy named Roy
Posted Sat Apr 28, 2012, 6:15pm Subject: Re: Using a Sharpie to label jars/bags
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