Thread: Anokther W&B , back from the brink.

What did you do to make the etch black again? I've got a couple I'd like to do that to.

I had the same question...and what was done to make it black at birth?

Originally Posted by maddafinga

What did you do to make the etch black again? I've got a couple I'd like to do that to.

A beautiful Job! I know many hours were spent. It truly looks better than new! Kudos

On some blades I have used acid to darken the scripts but on this piece I haven't done a thing to it. It may be just some build up of compounds etc. in addition to the natural 'patina' that was already there.

That's funny, when I try that it comes out in the exact. Reverse order of your pics...

Whoa... what acid are you using? LOL,, Yeah, that can happen. But bluing also works. Application can be a bit tricky but I've used it as well as mild acids used for antiquing metals. I have applied it using the finest brushes I can find but even then there is the chance of bleed out. I've played with applying waxes etc. to try and mask areas,,or gentle buffing of the surrounding areas after the application and this helps solve the problem. But here I just got lucky and they remained dark.
Also, as I'm sure you all well know, not all etches have nice deep shoulders and such. Many , if you examine them under magnification, are more like impressions with soft edges. These are difficult to handle accurately and may better be left as is. Usually if too much buffing is done or if some use a tumbler, the crisp edges roll over and you loose the ability to get the bluing/acids to just sit in the letter itself. That's why I limit my buffing and never use a tumbler.
Sorry,, I babble too much.

Wow.... really nice save. REALLY nice save. And you didn't even hit the printing on the blade face. Can't imagine how long it took you to do this one but kudos on a job well done.

Well the blade etch was pretty good to start with in all fairness. The makers mark though was a different story as it was missing in some spots already. But I saved what was there.
Thanks, glad you like it.

Beautiful job on that one. One of these days, I'll own one of those...

Wow, this puts my recent restoration to complete shame! haha, very nice work on the blade!! Love it!