Plate Lettering

[Tom Servinsky]

Jon
Thanks for this tip. Just ordered the pen.
Actually I've been using a set up similar to this but not as nice. I'll let 
you know the results.
Incidentally, I had put out a query about finding rub-on transfer numbers 
for string scale markings. I've struck out at all of the hobby and art 
stores online.  There's plenty of lettering, but the transfer numbers seem 
to be a thing of the past. If anyone has a specific store which is handling 
the transfer numbers, I'd me mighty appreciative.
Tom Servinsky
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jon Page" <jonpage at comcast.net>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, August 01, 2008 7:15 PM
Subject: Plate Lettering


> Felt tip markers do not work well in the long run, they fade and shrink in 
> from the edges.
>
> I have been using a fluid writing pen:
> http://www.dickblick.com/zz649/11/
>
> with water-based black acrylic paint, thin size for outline, thick for 
> fill-in.
>
> Gild the plate and spray clear finish coat, touching the plate will cause 
> oxidation
> down the line. It is not advisable to apply a lacquer topcoat over water 
> based
> products, they are not compatible. It might lift them off or cause them to 
> crackle,
> been there, done that.
>
> Applying to clear coat, the water based material can be wiped off if a 
> mistake is made
> without compromising the gilded surface. I used to use black lacquer and 
> there was no
> such thing as a small mistake. The gloss black acrylic does not need a top 
> coat.
>
> Application is a bit pains-taking for a primo job. Outline first. Apply 
> the left edge on all characters and the top. Go back and do the right edge 
> and the bottom. Go back and fill in.
> If you try to do the entire character all at once it can pool too thick 
> and run. A neater, faster job is accomplished with outlining first. Heck, 
> if you have a real steady hand you can leave
> the treble logo on S&S's as outline characters just as original.  I can't 
> :-(
>
> These fluid writing pens produce sharp, clean characters, better than a 
> brush;
> especially for us untrained calligraphers.
> -- 
>
> Regards,
>
> Jon Page
>