Clock Project with Engraving Issue

berry · Post by **berry** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 8:58 am

I just finished a clock project. This is an anniversary gift. I purchased the movement and an engraved plaque, with an anniversary message. Reading the message is really difficult. The text is quite small and there is no contrast for the letters.

What can I do to the plaque to increase contrast so the message is easier to read???

This was a scroll saw project. I cut the numbers from 1/8" BB ply. The clock is supposed to be a "A" and a "C". Can you see the letters?

Thanks for reading and any help would be appreciated.

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anmius · Post by **anmius** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 9:12 am

The easiest way I have used to increase contrast on engraved brass plaques is to rub a mild acid across the face. Brass plaques are coated with lacquer from the manufacturer and the engraving is just a "scratch" through that coating into the brass itself. So the lacquer will prevent the acid from discoloring everything but the "scratch." You probably don't have too many acids in your workshop so before you go out and purchase some, try vinegar to see if that is strong enough to discolor the brass. If you need a stronger acid, you can get a diluted Muriatic acid from your local hardware store. If you don't like working with acids (don't forget all of the cautions!), time will discolor the scratched brass as the brass naturally oxides. The acids just speed things up a bunch.

reible · Post by **reible** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 10:11 am

How about removing that plaque and getting one in a better contrast, while it would not likely be brass it could be a lot easier to read. They have those two layer plastic one which is what I was thinking of. You may have to reduce the amount of text... The brass could then be mounted to the backside as a keepsake.

I normally find those shiny brass ones with the fine line text hard to read unless it is something you can hand hold and move to catch the right point to do so.

The whole clock could be mounted to a larger piece and the brass moved lower so it is clear of the hands and well lower.

Interesting idea anyway, thanks for sharing.

Ed

algale · Post by **algale** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:00 am

Rub some black shoe polish wax in there.

newportcycle · Post by **newportcycle** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 5:15 pm

Nice project, thanks for posting.

idcook · Post by **idcook** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 5:24 pm

I see the c and the a readily enough. Strong colors.

I’m sure the recipients will greatly appreciate this.

wrmnfzy · Post by **wrmnfzy** » Thu Mar 06, 2014 8:29 pm

Fill in the letters with whatever contrasting color crayon you like then wipe off un-engraved portion. Use to do this with the initials on bowling balls, worked well.

kaynyne · Post by **kaynyne** » Fri Mar 21, 2014 7:33 am

I have a brass clock from the Navy, and I spray painted the face flat black then took lacquer thinner, and cleaned off to face of the clock leaving the numbers black. you can read my clock across the room.

dgreen810 · Post by **dgreen810** » Sun Mar 23, 2014 10:35 am

The C is blue and the A is pink.

Don G