South African Hones....

**MichaelC** · 02-17-2013, 05:08 PM

Guys I've redesigned the label that I'm including with the Zulu Grey's, so if any of you would like new/additional labels I'm happy to post them off at the cost of the letter.

Then regarding the application of the labels: I really wouldn't fuss with nail varnish etc, it's just too 'imperfect' for my taste.. What I've done and what works well for me is first to wipe down the underside with methylated spirits to clean the surface, then mask off the sides of the hone - if you don't want them coated (using masking tape), place the masked-off hone lapped-side down on some newspaper. Then simply spray a first layer of clear lacquer down on the stone (light even strokes ). Let this coat fully dry - like give it a day to harden. Then verrry lightly roughen the surface with a small square of 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, wipe of dust with clean cloth. Now position and stick down the label where you'd like, making sure it's fully stuck down on all corners by using a clean cloth wrapped over your index finger and smooth the label down with firm pressure.

Finally, spray another coat of clear lacquer over the underside once again, using light even strokes. Now this way we have sealed the label between two layers of lacquer ensuring that water never gets to it from any side. I know it's a bit involved and is perhaps too much work for just a label, but I'm personally a fan of 'do it once, do it right'.

Cheers,
- Mike

**jpcwon** · 02-17-2013, 05:16 PM

^^^Wish I'd read this before I used the nail polish!!

IMO it came out Okay though, except for the smudged label...Oh well, live & learn!!

**CanonSterVa** · 02-17-2013, 05:34 PM

I was thinking of using a Krylon clear coat (more of an acrylic which should not yellow like a laquer) with the label sandwiched in between.
But will surely hope to see a new label with my ZG when it arrives.
About 3-4 weeks out.

Myron

**jpcwon** · 02-17-2013, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by CanonSterVa

I was thinking of using a Krylon clear coat (more of an acrylic which should not yellow like a laquer) with the label sandwiched in between.
But will surely hope to see a new label with my ZG when it arrives.
About 3-4 weeks out.

Trust us; it's well worth the wait!!

**gooser** · 02-17-2013, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by MichaelC

Guys I've redesigned the label that I'm including with the Zulu Grey's, so if any of you would like new/additional labels I'm happy to post them off at the cost of the letter.

Then regarding the application of the labels: I really wouldn't fuss with nail varnish etc, it's just too 'imperfect' for my taste.. What I've done and what works well for me is first to wipe down the underside with methylated spirits to clean the surface, then mask off the sides of the hone - if you don't want them coated (using masking tape), place the masked-off hone lapped-side down on some newspaper. Then simply spray a first layer of clear lacquer down on the stone (light even strokes ). Let this coat fully dry - like give it a day to harden. Then verrry lightly roughen the surface with a small square of 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, wipe of dust with clean cloth. Now position and stick down the label where you'd like, making sure it's fully stuck down on all corners by using a clean cloth wrapped over your index finger and smooth the label down with firm pressure.

Finally, spray another coat of clear lacquer over the underside once again, using light even strokes. Now this way we have sealed the label between two layers of lacquer ensuring that water never gets to it from any side. I know it's a bit involved and is perhaps too much work for just a label, but I'm personally a fan of 'do it once, do it right'.

Cheers,
- Mike

funny i was just thinking the same last night when i was picking up some stain and saw the aerosol cans of of lacquer on the shelf above ...

**larrybob** · 02-18-2013, 06:16 AM

i would use clear spray shellack .. bulls eye sells this in spray cans

**jpcwon** · 02-20-2013, 11:39 PM

Here's my new 8x1" "Mini-Zulu" that I picked up as a companion to my bigger 8x3"...My plan is to use it as sort of like a barber's hone, for doing touchups and the like. It came beautifully packaged just like the other one did!! I will post my experiences with the stone as I begin to use it..