What to use to refill-in engravings?

IloveTLRs · Jul 20, 2015

Sorry about the awkward thread title. I have a photo here of my Minox, note how the paint has come out of the focus scale & shutter speed engravings. I filled it in with a marker but I'm not sure how long it will last. Does anyone have a suggestion for something better? I found a website a long time ago where a gentleman used something on a Canonette, but of course I can't find the site anymore ..

Truzi · Jul 20, 2015

The idea of "antiquing" a finish on ceramics comes to mind. Perhaps a search on that may help.

This is also a common concern for people on classic automotive sites, though they are usually filling in larger areas on emblems - but it might help and give a few ideas, at least for a paint that is durable.

Similar to antiquing, my grandfather had filled marks on some tools (scales and micrometers) by applying an ink or other substance, and rubbing it off. It stayed in the engraved areas quite well. Unfortunately, I don't know how this may affect the finish on your camera, as the cosmetics are more important than simply being able to read the markings on a machinists scale.

zanxion72 · Jul 20, 2015

I have been doing this with enamel paint. I dissolve it enough so that it can flow through the engravings. I apply the first small dose with the tip of a thin brush and let it dry. Then I apply a second and sometimes a third to get what I like. Once it gets completely dried I scrape off the areas that should not had any paint with a bamboo stick.

AgX · Jul 20, 2015

Basically any paint can be used thast adheres to the base material, but which is not affected by the solvent of the paint.
After partially hardening of the paint excess paint is removed by tissue paper etc. damp with that solvent.

Thee also are special paints offered that are paste like or so.

summicron1 · Jul 20, 2015

IloveTLRs said:
Sorry about the awkward thread title. I have a photo here of my Minox, note how the paint has come out of the focus scale & shutter speed engravings. I filled it in with a marker but I'm not sure how long it will last. Does anyone have a suggestion for something better? I found a website a long time ago where a gentleman used something on a Canonette, but of course I can't find the site anymore ..

camera repair shops use lacquer stick that the second guy has a link to. I've been looking for that too.

paul ron · Jul 20, 2015

laquer sticks can be bought from engraving suppliers and art supply stores. perhaps if you went to an engraver, they may do it for a couple bucks?

i think the sticks used to hide the brad nail heads in wood panneling are the same laquer sticks.

IloveTLRs · Jul 21, 2015

Thank you everyone! I'll start looking on the bay for a lacquer stick.

Nodda Duma · Jul 21, 2015

I use white crayons that I steal from my kids. The wax is solvent resistant enough to hold up to cleaning.

rjbuzzclick · Jul 21, 2015

I've used grease pencils (china markers).

What to use to refill-in engravings?

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