"Labels for underneath the base - what is best?" Topic

Last night I ordered a small assortment of metal bases from Wargames Accessories. I'm looking forward to getting them in the mail and then using them to base some 6mm Napoleonic miniatures.

I have never used labels on the bottom of a flat base before. On my 28mm models, I simply write or paint numbers or descriptions on the underside of the "raised" GW style base. On my 1/72 grouped bases, I don't need to label anything (yet) as I can tell what is what straight from looking at them.

However, for my Napoleonics, I will need to write down what is what as I will not be able to quickly tell and will surely mix/match units on accident. I feel like an old standby (black sharpie permanent marker) will either not stay on the metal or will "rub off". Since the base is flat, any label printing might "raise" the base, right? Or am I overthinking this?

I'm looking for suggestions on how to label the flat metal bases on the underside with the minimal amount of fuss. All comments/suggestions appreciated!

Since the base is flat, any label printing might "raise" the base, right? Or am I overthinking this?

Yes, you are overthinking it. If the base is that small just make the label the same size as the base.

There are a couple of recommendations I can make

First, Avery makes reusable labels in a variety of sizes. The take permanent marker very well.

A more complicated method is to use clear plastic divider tabs for hanging files and attach them to the rear of the base. That way, you can change the bases' identity at a whim, and the information is visible without picking up the base.

I get a little fussy. Usually I print out a label, stick it under the base, cover it with white glue, and when the glue dries, hit it with clear nail polish. Obviously it needs to be done in bulk, but it's not prone to wearing off with use. (Ah. You need the white glue because otherwise the nail polish affects the ink.)

I have a Brother P-Touch label maker (not a handheld -- this one plugs into my PC via USB port) which prints thermal labels. The beauty is that there is no ink to wear off, and the outward face of the label is already laminated to survive handling.

link

Good information here.

Sounds like a label is the way to go. I like the idea of either a dedicated label maker or using some Avery labels (which I have used in the past at work). Glad to know it's not as fussy as I imagined!

I have used the permanent markers on the bottom of my bases for years and the information has not rubbed off. Can't get any quicker and easier than writing with permanent marker.

Price stickers from the office section of Walmart

Sharpie works fine.

I have wooden bases, so I used paper printed from the computer, cut to size and glued with white glue.

I use permanent markers on the bottom of my metal bases and have never had a problem with them rubbing off.

Same as above, permanent marker. I paint the bottom of the metal base a light colour and use a black pen/marker to label the base, including date completed. Allowing time to dry, a coat of gloss varnish is applied to preserve the label and allow the base to glide smoothly over the tabletop.

Permanent marker for me too.