In an attempt to solve some of the problems of data recording systems (file cards, labels, and catalogs) in natural history collections, such as the short life of standard typewriter or printer ribbon inks, the slowness of hand entries using indelible inks, the potential difficulty in interpreting handwritten data, and the poor legibility in fluids of labels embossed on synthetic paper without ink, the authors successfully experimented with an indelible printing system. Standard nylon ribbons were impregnated with Rotring® ink after eliminating the original ink with ethyl alcohol and hand soap. These ribbons can then be conserved by wrapping them in plastic film and storing then at 4°C. This system is inexpensive and produces high quality, rapid printing, which makes it very practical for use in museum collections.