JazzFlute Posted January 23 Posted January 23 I currently label our student devices using different coloured Dymo labels. Some of them stick quite well depending on the laptop’s surface, but others are very easy for students to peel off, or they simply lose their stickiness over time. I also add a label on the bottom of the device so we can still identify it when the top label comes off — but I’m wondering if anyone has found a better, longer‑lasting solution than standard Dymo labels? What do you use that stays on securely?
BOOT Posted January 23 Posted January 23 Permanent marker ...and an invisible security marker pen for asset id.
JazzFlute Posted January 23 Author Posted January 23 4 minutes ago, BOOT3988 said: Permanent marker ...and an invisible security marker pen for asset id. Already asset ID etc. the labels I'm talking about are just for visual purposes so students know where to put them back in the trolley and which trolley as their are a few. It's more for housekeeping purposes as everything else is sorted 👍
drutt Posted January 23 Posted January 23 (edited) I asset our devices with this printer: https://www.zebra.com/gb/en/support-downloads/printers/desktop/gc420t.html and these labels: https://www.feedyourzebra.co.uk/zebra-labels/880269-025D.html I create the labels using Snipe-IT or, in the case of more generic labels like a persons name I'll use the zebra designer essentials software. I've been doing it this way since 2015 at least and while the students can still pick off the labels with enough effort, I find the adhesive is good enough after 24hrs that you really need to dig at it. Edit: Also, these labels don't rip, they can be cut and you'd think the lack of being able to rip them makes it easier to pull them off but it doesn't. The combined bond of material and adhesive works really well and I use them so much we get asked to print them for our science department to use. Edited January 23 by drutt 1
JazzFlute Posted January 23 Author Posted January 23 4 minutes ago, drutt said: I asset our devices with this printer: https://www.zebra.com/gb/en/support-downloads/printers/desktop/gc420t.html and these labels: https://www.feedyourzebra.co.uk/zebra-labels/880269-025D.html I create the labels using Snipe-IT or, in the case of more generic labels like a persons name I'll use the zebra designer essentials software. I've been doing it this way since 2015 at least and while the students can still pick off the labels with enough effort, I find the adhesive is good enough after 24hrs that you really need to dig at it. Edit: Also, these labels don't rip, they can be cut and you'd think the lack of being able to rip them makes it easier to pull them off but it doesn't. The combined bond of material and adhesive works really well and I use them so much we get asked to print them for our science department to use. Thanks for reply and yes seems like a good option but I'm trying to do it on the cheap and that printer or similar is around £150. Think i might stop with what I'm doing but resigned to the fact i replace them frequently as the Dymo label option is cheap and cheerful, shame they don't do "premium" labels with better adhesive.
Jawloms Posted January 23 Posted January 23 We use a dot of nail varnish. Green = Trolley 1, Blue = Trolley 2, etc. Very cheap, doesn't come off easily, can be removed with nail varnish remover when actually required. It did raise a couple of questions when I put the order in though.......
JazzFlute Posted January 23 Author Posted January 23 I should have used Copilot before i started this thread 😂 as Dymo do "Permanent" or "Extra Strong" labels, a little more expensive but worth it if they stay on longer or forever. Thanks for all replies 👍 Dymo D1 Labels - Dymo Label Printers from The Dymo Shop
flipthebit Posted January 23 Posted January 23 Permanent UV pen and a UV torch. No one can see it to fiddle with it. But it depends on who you want to see the marking. We have asset tags that stick well, and if put in a less visible place (underneath) tend to stay on longer.
jthompson Posted January 23 Posted January 23 We just use regular Dymo labels (well, Brother P-Touch) if our original branded asset tag labels are picked off. Our computers are named for the life of the device with their asset tag, so the hostname or serial number will always be a route for us to identify them.
aydee Posted January 23 Posted January 23 Also, incase anyone didnt realise, Alt + V on the Chromebook login window will bring up the asset id. very useful for me when reapplying labels the kids have scraped off. Any sticker we put on gets defaced pretty quick so its not something i really keep up with, as google has all the details for asset registers etc via all the variables: Asset id, SN, model, location etc.
dhicks Posted January 23 Posted January 23 2 hours ago, JazzFlute said: What do you use that stays on securely? We found the self-advesive version of Ricoh's printable plastic A4/A3 "paper" actually stayed on quite well. For our first batch of Chromebooks we had each different room have a different image and had that on the front of the Chromebook and on the storage buckets they were meant to match up with. Worked okay with some of the junior classes, but by the time it got to about Year 6 they were just jumbled together. The stickers stayed on quite well, though, and indeed were quite tricky to remove if we wanted to switch devices around - which of course we did, which made the whole thing a bit more bother than we would have liked.
DavR Posted January 23 Posted January 23 We bought Parago asset labels a few years ago (we were thinking of buying into the asset management system, but we never did). They're the type that crumble before they'll pick off, so they never fully come off unless the picker is very determined. That does our asset tags. Anything else, I write on with permanent marker or paint pen. Rubs off a bit over time, but otherwise takes white spirit or similar solvent to remove. There are some areas I still use Dymo labels, but they do get picked at, or just fall off of their own accord, so they're not so reliable.
Chris_Cook Posted January 23 Posted January 23 I'd recommend wiping the device down with Isopropyl Alcohol (at least where the label is going), that should help it stick better. We use Brother TZE tapes and they stick reasonably. Paint pens can also work, but will eventually scratch off. I think this is something that kids will remove no matter what. I might see if we can get some of that Ricoh paper and try that. 1 1
6Foot2 Posted January 23 Posted January 23 We asked our technology department to experiment with their laser cutter to find what settings would be needed to "brand" our laptops with our school badge after a spate of thefts. We used (scrap) laptops, and it worked well, but we didn't proceed with it in the end because our Business Manager wasn't happy with us making permanent marks on our kit (resale value?)
dhicks Posted January 24 Posted January 24 On 23/01/2026 at 17:42, Chris_Cook said: I might see if we can get some of that Ricoh paper and try that. You can buy it direct from Ricoh supplies, although annoyingly it seems you need to log in to their site to actually browse through their products. The thing you're actually searching for is probably "Ricoh Pro Synthetic media" - it's available in A4 and A3, and both opaque white and clear and self-adhesive or plain. You can put it straight through a standard laser printer with good results.
steveg Posted January 24 Posted January 24 We use the Avery waterproof labels. I just print up pages at a time with the school details and a blank box which we fill in with a sharpie with the asset id. Some have another black space for name if they are going to be allocated to an individual. Just stick new labels over the top when we re-allocate them.
JazzFlute Posted January 26 Author Posted January 26 On 23/01/2026 at 17:42, Chris_Cook said: I'd recommend wiping the device down with Isopropyl Alcohol (at least where the label is going), that should help it stick better. We use Brother TZE tapes and they stick reasonably. Paint pens can also work, but will eventually scratch off. I think this is something that kids will remove no matter what. I might see if we can get some of that Ricoh paper and try that. Yeah think I'll do this. "I'd recommend wiping the device down with Isopropyl Alcohol (at least where the label is going), that should help it stick better."
robintech Posted January 26 Posted January 26 On 23/01/2026 at 10:50, drutt said: I asset our devices with this printer: https://www.zebra.com/gb/en/support-downloads/printers/desktop/gc420t.html and these labels: https://www.feedyourzebra.co.uk/zebra-labels/880269-025D.html Didn't know they made labels like this thanks Quote The label will remain readable and intact when subjected to moderate chemicals, such as alcohol, ammonia, IPA and bleach, making it the perfect choice for identifying assets that will require cleaning and disinfecting with chemicals, such as medical devices and food preparation equipment. Once applied, this label can withstand temperatures up to 302° F/150° C, making it a reliable choice to identify products which require high-heat processing during manufacturing and those that will be subjected to heat when in use, such as some food preparation equipment.
dhicks Posted January 26 Posted January 26 9 minutes ago, robintech said: Didn't know they made labels like this thanks Good point - we found that with the Ricoh synthetic media stuff it looked great (you can laser-print a full-colour A4 laptop cover label) but it did wipe off with some of the cleaning stuff we used.
TheHyperTechie Posted January 26 Posted January 26 Tamper proof asset labels which states "Property of ******" and damn, they really are tamper proof! I am learning this now (the hard way) - as we are looking at trading in some desktops. We also have a zebra label printer, that I sometimes use if a device needs to be more easily identifiable.
psydii Posted January 26 Posted January 26 Dymo labels, and reprint when ever one gets peeled off. If a device goes missing, we leverage network and 365 telemetry to locate it and if necessary send round "the boys"* to recover it. We've always avoided the tamper proof labels as finance have a tendency to suddenly want to lease things, and leasing companies have punitive clauses in the lease agreements about permeant markings, so for consistency we just dymo label everything. The absence of a Dymo label is evidence that the device needs a little attention from IT and is swiftly resolved. That IT are seen to be present and hands-on is in itself an encouragement for students (and staff) to treat equipment with the respect it needs. If a device actually goes missing, we have means to recover them, swiftly. *in blue. We still have a Police liaison officer, who is more than happy to pop round for a chat.
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