[Milsurplus] Re-Black Data Plate

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Tue, Apr 17, 2012 at 4:59 PM, Mack McCormick <w4ax.mack at gmail.com> wrote:

>
> The data plate is metal with raised lettering. How do I make the plate
> black with a finish as close as possible to the original?
>

I've had excellent luck with the following:

Clean well and paint the tag with a good semi gloss black enamel. Not too
thin, not too thick. Let the paint dry until tacky.

Place the tag on a flat surface like a counter top. Using a thin, lint-free
rag (a piece of old T-shirt works well) damped[not wet] with paint thinner
stretched across a small block of wood, carefully wipe across the raised
lettering to remove the paint from that area only. Move the block around as
needed to expose clean cloth.

Repeat as necessary. I usually use a couple good coats wiping between. Once
you have the result you like, toss the tag in the oven at 150 degrees or so
for 15-20 minutes.

It's actually quite simple and does no harm to the underlying plating or
metal(many tags are brass with nickel plating). After you've done it a few
times you can use a finger inside the rag to do the same thing. I've done
numerous items from tags to knob skirts with great success (with a little
practice and a lot of patience).

Best part is - if you mess up, simply wipe the tag clean and start over.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4