Paint markers are definitely a solid upgrade from sharpies—I switched to them myself after the labels on my hot water pipes became unreadable within a year (lesson learned the hard way...). One extra step I found helpful is lightly sanding the pipe surface with fine-grit sandpaper before writing. It gives the paint something to grip onto, and the markings seem to last even longer. Also, if you're worried about readability in dark or cramped spaces, try using white or bright yellow markers instead of black. Makes a huge difference when you're crawling around with a flashlight trying to find the shutoff valve at 2 AM (ask me how I know). Another trick I've seen is wrapping clear packing tape over the writing after it's fully dry—adds another layer of protection against moisture and grime.
The sanding tip makes sense, but I'm a bit skeptical about the packing tape idea. Wouldn't the adhesive eventually degrade from heat or moisture, leaving a sticky residue behind? I've seen tape get pretty nasty after a while, especially in humid areas. Has anyone tried clear spray sealants instead? Seems like it might hold up better long-term, but I'm curious if there's a downside I'm not thinking of...
"Has anyone tried clear spray sealants instead? Seems like it might hold up better long-term, but I'm curious if there's a downside I'm not thinking of..."
I've messed around with clear spray sealants on a few plumbing projects, and honestly, they're not a silver bullet either. Sure, they hold up better than tape in humid spots—no sticky gunk left behind—but they're not exactly foolproof. One issue I've run into is that some sealants can crack or peel over time, especially if there's any flex or movement in the pipes. Plus, if you ever need to get back in there for maintenance or repairs, scraping off hardened sealant can be a real pain.
I guess it depends on the specific situation—like how accessible the area is and whether you'll need to revisit it later. Maybe there's another alternative that's somewhere between tape and spray sealants? Something removable but moisture-resistant...anybody tried silicone tape or similar stuff?
I've used silicone tape a couple times, and honestly, it's pretty handy stuff. Easy to wrap around tricky spots, and it seals up tight without leaving a mess behind. Only downside is it can be a bit pricey compared to regular tape, and if you don't wrap it tight enough, it won't hold. Still beats scraping off hardened sealant later though... learned that lesson the hard way, lol.
Silicone tape definitely has its uses, but for quick fixes on a tight budget, I've found self-fusing rubber tape works just as well. It's cheaper, holds reliably even if you're not perfect with wrapping, and still peels off cleanly later—worth considering next time.
