Adding paint to etched lettering on wood.

[Pebbles]

Hi there,
I'm not very experienced -just begun making pens for friends and relations as a hobby. I bought a small Neje laser engraving machine for adding initials/names and it has been successful (see photos) esp on lighter woods but doesn't show so well on darker woods. (of course!!).
I have tried adding gold paint to emphasize the lettering by adding it with a pointed instrument but it's messy and either gets smeared on the wood if I wipe it still wet, or is all lumpy if I allow it to dry. Both involve more sanding as I do the lettering on finished pens. Has anyone got any advice as to how this can be made easier please ?? Would be much appreciated.

 

[Pebbles]

I meant sanding by hand as I can't put them back on the lathe!!

 

[leehljp]

I think most of the time, the engraving is done before adding the fittings - clip, nose cone etc. This does allow for consistency if re-sanding is needed.

For me personally, I long ago developed a fine touch with my scraper and can scrape off minuscule thickness/thinness of paint or finish and it leaves a super smooth feel to it all the way around and from end to end.

 

[woodwzrd]

Put 3-4 coats of CA on your pen barrel before you laser it. After you burn it you can apply your paint and the excess should wipe clean from the barrel.

 

[boatemp]

can you laser through masking tape? Maybe if you put the tape on first, laser, paint then remove the tape. Might work

 

[Pebbles]

Thanks for all your input- have tried the masking tape method but it didn't work very well- maybe my fault but also you can't check on the lettering before adding the paint. Had ÇA finish on the most/ all of the pens but when wiping off, the paint comes out of the depths of the lettering and looks incomplete. I'll keep practicing-they're for gifts anyway so no complaints expected (unless I ask for criticism)

 

[jttheclockman]

Scott has the answer. Put a finish on the pen first. Then paint as you want and wipe off excess leaving paint in grooves. Just like grouting a tub tiled wall.

 

[rherrell]

Put a clear finish on the blank, laser it, paint it, sand off excess paint, refinish. Trying to wipe off wet paint with such small lettering has never worked for me, I let it dry and sand it off.

 

[Pebbles]

Put a clear finish on the blank, laser it, paint it, sand off excess paint, refinish. Trying to wipe off wet paint with such small lettering has never worked for me, I let it dry and sand it off.

Thanks for your advice, Rick. Given my previous experience with wiping off and the masking tape, this seems a good compromise.