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 >
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