Coloring the engraving?

[dtalley]

So I've done this a few times and always have the same thing happen. Using Testors model paint when I wipe the excess off after it dries I get smear marks. I've look at every instruction and YouTube vid on the subject but still have a problem. Using acetone to wiper of excess and smears.

How do I get rid of the smears and what am I doing wrong to get them?

 

[Reloadron]

My best guess is you possibly aren't giving the paint inside the letters adequate drying time. Also, how much are you thinning the paint before you apply it. I thin the paint to a consistency a few clicks above water, pretty thin. I use a toothpick to apply and really squeegee it as I do it. Then I allow a long drying time till the paint in the lettering is well hardened before I wipe off the excess. Just a bit of Acetone on a rag wrapped around my finger tip.

Ron

 

[dtalley]

That may be my problem. I haven't been thinning it any. Thanks. I'll try that next time.

 

[MistWolf]

Stop doing it the hard way.

Use a Lacquer Stik instead
View attachment 730213

http://www.markal.com/solid-paint-markers/lacquer-stik/

 

[rcmodel]

China / glass marking grease pens work well too.

rc

 

[savetheclaypigeons]

It's an art

Let the milky film dry, then go back at it with a rag covered in rubbing alcohol in a buffering pattern.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

A product named "Rub n Buff" works well. It comes in a bunch of colors and is about $5 a tube at Hobby Lobby. Naphtha (lighter fluid) cleans it up nicely.

 

[dtalley]

Cool. Thanks. Been scratching my head trying to figure out how to get rid of the cloud.

 

[savetheclaypigeons]

Now that you mention it, I think I've used engine cleaner as well!

 

[Malamute]

I used straight fingernail polish. Brushed it on, waited about 15 minutes for it to start setting up, then used a Q-tip with acetone to clean up the excess. Worked very well for filling the range markings and index marks on A-2 sights.