Oil Greasy Hydrophobics

LDPE Tape

For Labels That Contact Oils & Greasy, Hydrophobic Solvents

Majic Tag’s carbon black ink is engineered to withstand submersion in a range of hydrophilic solvents, including alcohols (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol), water, detergents, DMSO, acetone, oxidizers (bleach, hydrogen peroxide), and both acids and bases.

For labels that come into contact with oils or other greasy, hydrophobic solvents, we also provide a solution: Apply low-density polyethylene (LDPE) Tape over ink from Magic Tag Engineering Markers to produce durable labels that resist oils and greasy, hydrophobic solvents.

This combination of LDPE Tape with Magic Tag’s rich, easy-to-see ink is ideal for labeling containers, tools, and equipment exposed to fuels, lubricants, waxes, lotions, or other oil-based substances.

Use this combination for labels that contact:

  • Essential oils
  • Mineral and synthetic oils
  • Hexanes and heptanes
  • Ethers and alcohol blends
  • Gasoline and fuels
  • Lubricants and hydraulic fluids
  • Lotions and creams
  • Waxes and fats
  • Adhesives and resins
  • Paint thinners and varnishes

 

Figure 1. LDPE tape, made from low-density polyethylene and an adhesive, is semitransparent and pairs with the rich ink of the Magic Tag Engineering Marker to create durable labels that withstand the harshest solvents.

Figure 2. Labeling a microscope slide with a Magic Tag Engineering Marker and covering the ink with LDPE tape creates a durable label that can withstand submersion in almost any histology solvent, including alcohols, xylene, toluene, acetone, and formalin.

We often receive requests for a marker ink that withstands oils and greases. We are developing such an ink. The best solution, at this time, for labeling containers, tools, and equipment exposed to oils and greases is to cover the writing with high-quality LDPE tape. LDPE is highly resistant to oils and hydrophobic solvents. If the tape’s adhesive is reliable, it will seal and protect the ink beneath. 

LDPE is not fully transparent. However, Magic Tag Engineering Markers use a dense carbon-black pigment that remains clearly visible beneath LDPE tape. Do not waste time trying this combination with black markers that write in dull gray ink—you might strain to see the label underneath due to the combination of dull ink and the opacity of LDPE tape. The magic pairing of Magic Tag Engineering Markers and LDPE tape provides a practical, durable solution for most hard-surface labeling needs.