So I have a couple pairs of all-rubber bell boots. Every part, except for the underside of the strap where the velcro is, is rubber. The strap is enforced with a plasticky rubber type coating. I am having a hard time finding a successful way to label them that will last more than 3 days. Silver sharpie just rubs right off. Any suggestions?
Paint pen maybe? Or sharpie on super sticky gorilla tape?
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Wrap a thin strip of electrical tape around the base of the Velcro.
Otherwise, can you use one of those craft wood burners and melt/carve your initials in the rubber? It’s about the only permanent thing I can think of.
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I have used paint pens on a couple of tack items where a Sharpie didn’t last, and it worked. Try one of the better brands, though, like from the craft section at Michael’s.
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Wood craft burner. Use it for just a few seconds at first until you find how long to go for.
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I would worry about weakening the rubber and making it more likely to tear there.
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Do they really need to be labelled?
Are they coming off and on a lot?
Paint pen or a Tag Marker, like the kind use for cattle ear tags. Valley Vet carries them.
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I second the paint pens or rubbery fabric paint used for shirt decorations. I love the push-point paint pens, better quality ones, found in craft stores. They contrast well against the base color of item. One plastic bucket still has the horse name and I put that on 8 years ago!
The fabric paint is also very good, just let it dry long enough to harden well. It left a raised line of paint when applied. I used that on a pair of heavy rubbery plastic bell boots that got used hard with a couple horses. They outgrew the need for them with age and muscling up. Those boots must be over 30 years old!! Name of first horse is still clear white, very visible!!
I have never had much luck with any stick-on items for my boots.
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Yes, unfortunately it’s a requirement for the facility. Horses really only wear them in turnout and then they get taken off.
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It might be worth asking the barn manager or such at the facility how they have seen this type of boot marked by other people that has worked.
Since they require everything to be marked, I am betting they have some good ideas.
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Nail polish works for the difficult to label items. Either paint a streak and then write your name in sharpie on the streak, or write it with the nail polish.
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Can you have “a color” that everything for turnout that can’t be easily labeled would be, or could have a strip of tape added that color?
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This is genius. Thanks!
Also a great idea! Thank you!
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If you pick a hideous neon-y color 1) lost boots would be easier to find in turnout and 2) no one will EVER borrow your stuff. Ha!
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So true!!
