Mmmm, gold lettering...
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Mercenaries
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2008
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- 20
Interesting... mind to share how to do that?
I was hoping this in mind:
I was hoping this in mind:
I did the same technique some alot of firearms guys do, except I used Enamel hobby paint.
What I did was clean the surface with rubbing alcohol, got a small paintbrush and dabbed the paint in the letters. Dried it out with a hairdrier, and got some computer paper / regular sheet paper dabbed with some rubbing alcohol on it. Gently folded the sheet and rubbed off the excess. Took off the sides with a q-tip. Don't get it near the letters, it will take the gold out.
You have to use sheet paper as paper towels or a rag will wipe away the gold inside the lettering. I'm about to do the E3 and EXTREME INFINITY and so i'll take pics.
Here's the related thread on XDtalk - they use crayon or laquersticks but the general directions are the same.
What I did was clean the surface with rubbing alcohol, got a small paintbrush and dabbed the paint in the letters. Dried it out with a hairdrier, and got some computer paper / regular sheet paper dabbed with some rubbing alcohol on it. Gently folded the sheet and rubbed off the excess. Took off the sides with a q-tip. Don't get it near the letters, it will take the gold out.
You have to use sheet paper as paper towels or a rag will wipe away the gold inside the lettering. I'm about to do the E3 and EXTREME INFINITY and so i'll take pics.
Here's the related thread on XDtalk - they use crayon or laquersticks but the general directions are the same.
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greenlight
Flashlight Enthusiast
Great pics and examples.
Lite_me
Flashlight Enthusiast
That looks nice! 
Will it hold up?
Will it hold up?We'll see. I don't see why it wouldn't as enamel paint is fairly resilient and the letters are also recessed. It's had plenty of time to cure, and none has rubbed off on my fingers at all.
They hold up on firearms quite well, of which some are exposed to considerable abuse.
Rememember you guys can do any color, not just gold. I'm sure blacked out would look quite appealing as well!
They hold up on firearms quite well, of which some are exposed to considerable abuse.
Rememember you guys can do any color, not just gold. I'm sure blacked out would look quite appealing as well!
DM51
Flashaholic
That is an interesting technique, and it looks very effective.
There have been quite a few threads in the past where members have commented on the white lettering wearing off their lights. It seems to happen to all lights, irrespective of make.
This looks like a very good way to restore the white lettering - or even upgrade to gold!
There have been quite a few threads in the past where members have commented on the white lettering wearing off their lights. It seems to happen to all lights, irrespective of make.
This looks like a very good way to restore the white lettering - or even upgrade to gold!
ninjaboigt
Enlightened
- Joined
- May 8, 2008
- Messages
- 667
hmm very nice touch!
LED_Thrift
Flashlight Enthusiast
That looks great. I first thought you did it with a very fine point brush & magnifying glass. Thanks for the explanation/instructions and excellent illustrative pictures.
LLCoolBeans
Flashlight Enthusiast
There is an easier way...
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7778&title=LACQUER-STIK~
These are designed specifically for filling in recessed lettering. They come in several colors, including gold. I would stear clear of the red however, it's really closer to hot pink than red.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7778&title=LACQUER-STIK~
These are designed specifically for filling in recessed lettering. They come in several colors, including gold. I would stear clear of the red however, it's really closer to hot pink than red.
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kramer5150
Flashaholic
thats a nice little mod, thanks for sharing.
Does it only work on HAIII surfaces?
Do you think it will work with GITD paint?
Does it only work on HAIII surfaces?
Do you think it will work with GITD paint?
LLCoolBeans
Flashlight Enthusiast
Should work on any reasonably smooth surface.
That is, assuming that the paint you are using will stick to the recessed aria and the solvent you are using to remove the overspill will not damage the surface.
Just FYI, if you use the Lacquer Stiks there is no need to use a solvent to remove the overspill, just wipe it off.
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BabyDoc
Flashlight Enthusiast
I haven't tried these laquer stiks, but I have repainted the white lettering on my flashlights, using Auto Touch UP paint, that you get in small bottles at any auto part store. This paint is made to adhere to metal and works quite well with aluminum. I apply the paint with a toothpick. I spread the paint very thinly over the lettering. I let it dry for only 3 or 4 minutes, before I remove the excess with a clean round tooth pick. I remove most of it with the side of the toothpick, gently "sanding" the excess away. I then use the point of the toothpick to clean excess between the letters, if any remains. Solvents aren't necessary as long as you don't let the paint dry too long. If the results, don't look even enough, I just reapply paint until I get it right. Once, it looks right, I let the light sit for a couple of days to be sure the paint has hardened.
BTW, I have retouched my black anodizing using flat black auto touch up paint. Again I dip the toothpick in the paint and just apply it where it is needed. Any excess is easily picked off with another clean toothpick without damaging the black anodizing.
BTW, I have retouched my black anodizing using flat black auto touch up paint. Again I dip the toothpick in the paint and just apply it where it is needed. Any excess is easily picked off with another clean toothpick without damaging the black anodizing.
