Painting slide engravings

I watched a YouTube video on this and although I can't think of a downside thought I'd ask. Anyone done this and if so what did you use. I was considering doing it on my polymer frame pistols. Two methods I seen were model glue and fingernail polish.
 
I have used nail polish on my sights before. Works pretty well on them. Cheap, not permanent, easily to put on and take off
 
There is some stuff in the Midway Catalog (Gold Inlay Filling Kit, product # 720-160) for filling in engravings and lettering on firearms. The catalog price is $15.99.
 
Back in the days, I saw a lot of this, using everything from white out on blued revolvers, (would also work on slide roll stamps), to black, or red model paint on stainless. It never seemed to hold up very well in that time era, but I'm sure that there are better products available today, especially if a thorough cleaning was given to degrease, the area.
 
I've done it with Testors model paint. Apply it over the roll mark. Wrap a paper towel scrap over the edge of a credit card. Soak edge with paint thinner. Hold card at slight angle and drag thinner soaked edge over roll mark. Reposition scrap on card for clean edge and repeat until all excess paint is removed. Allow to dry over night.

Did the leading emblem on my 220 sport

220sport003.jpg


...and the brand stamp of an HK...

hks015.jpg


...couple more HKs

hksandclawsen015.jpg
 
I’ve never tried highlighting roll marks before, so take this for what it’s worth. I would degrease areas to be done using I.P.A., then using painters tape carefully mask the areas I did not want paint on. As with front site painting I would apply an undercoat of white then apply my color coat. As you don’t want to have to touch this up every or so months I would use a high quality paint.

Pleas post pictures when you get your project finished.
 
You can use Rub N Buff available in craft stores for a semi-durable job. It can be easily removed unless you want to seal it on with some type of clear urethane. It is the easiest stuff in the world to apply since it takes zero talent or even a steady hand in tracing the lines. Rub it on just like a mud smear and go over the area with denatured alcohol to remove the stuff outside the lettering or engraving.

Rub N Buff is available in numerous finishes. I use it all the time in antique clock restorations to restore filigree. Looks just like a professional did it vs. a mere inept amateur like myself. I have no desire to do it to any of my guns.
 
pics

Well I finally found time to paint the engravings. I ended up using nail polish and a diamond clear coat polish. This seemed like the logical decision seeing as my wife has like a million bottle of nail polish lol. I did my xd9, m&p45 and glock 26.
 

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