Restoring Knob Engraving - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

gary_crutchley · 21st Jul 2015, 11:46 pm

Hi,

I have a question please, how do you restore writing/engraving on knobs?

Regards,

Gary

joebog1 · 22nd Jul 2015, 4:20 am

If it really is engraving, its quite easy.
A good scrub with soap and water and a SOFT toothbrush or similar to clean the dirt and old "filler" from the engraved grooves. I gentle "pry" with a compass point can also help.
A good dry!! I then CAREFULLY paint as close as I can, the origional engraving.
I still use Humbrol model enamel, that still costs $1 per thimble sized tin.
To clean off the excess, use a GOOD quality piece of linen MOISTENED, NOT dripping, with Turpentine, and carefully stretch that over your index finger and "clean" off the excess paint, after its 3/4 dry, about 10 mins in my climate.
I dont have an exact figure on the number of colours, or finishes ( gloss, semi gloss, matt etc) but it must be thousands. Colour isnt a problem.
If what you are trying to replace was a "sticker" ( gum based clear stick on transfers)
you may not have too much option, apart from using a MODERN "Dymo" type lettering system. Once again there are numerous colours and finishes for the tape that is used and stuck on. Unless you spend LOTS of money there are not a lot of fonts going!!.

I have also read ( never tried it though) a few posts on making "transfers" that still use the old agar gum method. You will have to startpage.com that ( I dont use google anything)
Also if the surface that the "writing" came from is flat, you may be able to use a laser printer to make up an alternative. Its used for printed circuits for one off production, so once again, you will have to startpage.com the idea. The sky is the limit, AKA some lateral thinking ?.

Best regards, and best of luck
Joe

Restoration73 · 22nd Jul 2015, 12:45 pm

It is important to note that bakelite engraving should be slightly rough (not polished) for
oil based paint to adhere properly. I use coloured engraving wax instead as
it has better adhesion and the whole knob or panel can be polished afterwards.

stevehertz · 22nd Jul 2015, 1:23 pm

Can you provide a link to a source of engraving wax please? Thanks.

Restoration73 · 22nd Jul 2015, 4:11 pm

I have some old stock sticks "Taylor-Hobson" but there are a range of suppliers e.g.
http://www.suregrave.com/fillers.html

stevehertz · 22nd Jul 2015, 4:55 pm

Many thanks!

Mike Fulton · 22nd Jul 2015, 10:50 pm

I have some white and ivory wax and can send you some if the colour is suitable - you can blend it to achieve the required shade if it has to match.
PM me if you're interested...
Regards,
Mike

stevehertz · 23rd Jul 2015, 9:05 am

Would kid's wax crayons do the same thing or are the dedicated engraving crayons made of a 'special' type of soft wax or something?

lesmw0sec · 23rd Jul 2015, 9:10 am

I can recommend the company below for any bits for Taylor-Hobson machines or accessories including fillers. They are a wonderfully old-fashioned company which insists on sending an invoice for payment after the goods have been ordered.

Les.

http://www.pantograph.co.uk/index.htm

dseymo1 · 23rd Jul 2015, 8:54 pm

Wax crayons will work reasonably well if softened with gentle heat first.

21st Jul 2015, 11:46 pm	#1
gary_crutchley Heptode Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Bloxwich, West Midlands, UK Posts: 554	Restoring Knob Engraving Hi, I have a question please, how do you restore writing/engraving on knobs? Regards, Gary Last edited by AC/HL; 22nd Jul 2015 at 3:18 am. Reason: Thread split

22nd Jul 2015, 4:20 am	#2
joebog1 Banned Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Mareeba, North Queensland, Australia Posts: 2,704	Re: Restoring Knob Engraving If it really is engraving, its quite easy. A good scrub with soap and water and a SOFT toothbrush or similar to clean the dirt and old "filler" from the engraved grooves. I gentle "pry" with a compass point can also help. A good dry!! I then CAREFULLY paint as close as I can, the origional engraving. I still use Humbrol model enamel, that still costs $1 per thimble sized tin. To clean off the excess, use a GOOD quality piece of linen MOISTENED, NOT dripping, with Turpentine, and carefully stretch that over your index finger and "clean" off the excess paint, after its 3/4 dry, about 10 mins in my climate. I dont have an exact figure on the number of colours, or finishes ( gloss, semi gloss, matt etc) but it must be thousands. Colour isnt a problem. If what you are trying to replace was a "sticker" ( gum based clear stick on transfers) you may not have too much option, apart from using a MODERN "Dymo" type lettering system. Once again there are numerous colours and finishes for the tape that is used and stuck on. Unless you spend LOTS of money there are not a lot of fonts going!!. I have also read ( never tried it though) a few posts on making "transfers" that still use the old agar gum method. You will have to startpage.com that ( I dont use google anything) Also if the surface that the "writing" came from is flat, you may be able to use a laser printer to make up an alternative. Its used for printed circuits for one off production, so once again, you will have to startpage.com the idea. The sky is the limit, AKA some lateral thinking ?. Best regards, and best of luck Joe

22nd Jul 2015, 12:45 pm	#3
Restoration73 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Surbiton, SW London, UK. Posts: 2,801	Re: Restoring Knob Engraving It is important to note that bakelite engraving should be slightly rough (not polished) for oil based paint to adhere properly. I use coloured engraving wax instead as it has better adhesion and the whole knob or panel can be polished afterwards.

22nd Jul 2015, 1:23 pm	#4
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,835	Re: Restoring Knob Engraving Can you provide a link to a source of engraving wax please? Thanks. __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..

22nd Jul 2015, 4:11 pm	#5
Restoration73 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Surbiton, SW London, UK. Posts: 2,801	Re: Restoring Knob Engraving I have some old stock sticks "Taylor-Hobson" but there are a range of suppliers e.g. http://www.suregrave.com/fillers.html

22nd Jul 2015, 4:55 pm	#6
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,835	Re: Restoring Knob Engraving Many thanks! __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..

22nd Jul 2015, 10:50 pm	#7
Mike Fulton Pentode Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 7 Miles North of Durham, UK. Posts: 130	Re: Restoring Knob Engraving I have some white and ivory wax and can send you some if the colour is suitable - you can blend it to achieve the required shade if it has to match. PM me if you're interested... Regards, Mike

23rd Jul 2015, 9:05 am	#8
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,835	Re: Restoring Knob Engraving Would kid's wax crayons do the same thing or are the dedicated engraving crayons made of a 'special' type of soft wax or something? __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..

23rd Jul 2015, 9:10 am	#9
lesmw0sec Octode Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Carmel, Llannerchymedd, Anglesey, UK. Posts: 1,509	Re: Restoring Knob Engraving I can recommend the company below for any bits for Taylor-Hobson machines or accessories including fillers. They are a wonderfully old-fashioned company which insists on sending an invoice for payment after the goods have been ordered. Les. http://www.pantograph.co.uk/index.htm

23rd Jul 2015, 8:54 pm	#10
dseymo1 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK. Posts: 3,051	Re: Restoring Knob Engraving Wax crayons will work reasonably well if softened with gentle heat first.