How to Choose Tubes That Are Easy to Label
If you work in a lab, chances are you've written on hundreds (or thousands!) of tubes.
But have you ever had your marker smudge, fade, or completely disappear—especially after refrigeration?
If so, it's time to look closer at a simple but often overlooked feature: the frosted surface.
Let’s explore what it is, why it matters, and how to choose the right tube for your labeling needs.
What Is a Frosted Surface?
You may have seen tubes with a frosted or matte area—that slightly rough, translucent patch on the side.
That’s the frosted surface, a texture designed to improve ink adhesion from lab markers or pens.
Unlike glossy plastic, which tends to repel ink and smudge easily, frosted surfaces grab the ink and help it stay put, even in humid or cold environments.
Why Frosted Tubes Matter in Cold or Wet Conditions
When tubes are stored on ice or in refrigerators, condensation builds up quickly.
If you try to write on a smooth surface in that state, the ink can:
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Smear instantly
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Float on the moisture without setting
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Rub off the moment you close the cap
With a frosted area, the risk of smudging drops significantly—especially if you're working fast or wearing gloves.
Label or Handwriting? Know When to Use What
There’s more than one way to label your tubes, and both have pros and cons:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Handwriting | Quick, cost-effective | Risk of smudging, inconsistent legibility |
| Labeling | Clear, standardized, barcodes possible | Requires printer or stickers, can peel over time |
Best practice:
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Use handwriting for short-term experiments or temporary use
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Use labels for long-term storage, inventory tracking, or regulated environments
WATSON Tubes: Designed with Labeling in Mind
WATSON’s microtubes and centrifuge tubes are designed to make your work easier—literally.
Examples include:
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1332-015S: Equipped with a clearly defined frosted writing area, optimized for legibility
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1342 series (Screw Cap Tubes): Features embossed text areas and smooth yet writable textures
These enhancements improve both efficiency and traceability in daily lab work.
In Summary
Tubes are more than just containers—they’re data carriers. The ability to write clearly and permanently on them matters.
By choosing tubes with a frosted surface, you’re reducing labeling errors, saving time, and keeping your samples identifiable even in tough lab environments.
Next time you reorder tubes, ask yourself:
“Can I actually write on this?”