Plate Lettering

[Tom Servinsky]

Up until last year I was able to purchase 4 full sheets of numerals ( 8, 10, 
12, and 14 font size) for about $4 a pack. Those packets have disappeared 
from the likes of Office Depot, Staples, and most hobby stores. Apparently 
the rub on numbers packets were aimed at the architects doing blueprint 
prep. Most blueprint work is ( now) done digitally, thus the demand for 
number transfers has shrunk.
Decals Unlimited carries the numbers for about $20 for one set of number 
transfers which is outrageous. I understand the need for them to recoup 
their cost due to the cost of ordering for x amt. of specialty transfers. 
I'm just amazed that the supply of generic rub on numbers has disappeared 
from the shelves as quickly as they have.
What are the rest of you using for string scale markings? I'm thinking of 
going to a series of rubber stamps but would prefer the clean lines of the 
rub on transfers. Any thoughts?
Tom Servinsky
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Will Truitt" <surfdog at metrocast.net>
To: "'Pianotech List'" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, August 02, 2008 7:02 AM
Subject: RE: Plate Lettering


> Hi Tom:
>
> If my memory serves me correctly (which it does not always), Decals
> Unlimited sells (or at least did sell) a sheet with the whole and half 
> size
> stringing gauges.  I have used them in the past and they do look very 
> nice.
>
>
> Will Truitt
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On 
> Behalf
> Of Tom Servinsky
> Sent: Saturday, August 02, 2008 5:23 AM
> To: Pianotech List
> Subject: Re: Plate Lettering
>
> 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
>>
>
>
>
>
>