[R-390] Paint/Lacquer Sticks?

[nryan at mchsi.com]

I recently repainted a set of knobs, using acrylic paint for the stripes.  I suspect this paint also will work fine for front panel engravings, too.

The paint is found in Walmart's craft department, cheap and readily available.  It's marketed by Plaid Enterprises, Inc., and branded FolkArt Outdoor Opaque #1610 Wicker White Acrylic Paint.  A two fluid ounce bottle is plenty to work with.

Some quotes from the label:
"UV and weather resistant.  Permanent outdoors.  Waterbase, non-toxic.  Satin sheen.  Self sealing.  Cure: 48 hours.  Clean while wet with soap and water.  Made in  USA."

What's not to like about this product?

My procedure for restriping knobs:
After painting, scraping the stripe to bare metal is fast and easy, using the back corner of a box cutter blade.  Stanley makes a small version with a 3/8" wide blade that fits the hand comfortably.  Brush away scrapings with an old toothbrush.

Cut some 2" wide strips from a sheet of blue "Shop Towels" that you find in the automotive section.  Cut strips into half lengths and fold.  Dampen two of them. Have some dry towel strips handy.

With a flat toothpick or suitable dental tool, dip and apply paint to the stripe on just the knob's top surface.  No need to fill completely.  Be sure paint reaches all the way into groove.  Working quickly, wipe off excess with finger tip along (not across) the stripe and off the edge of the knob.  Clean finger tip on first damp "towelette", grab a second damp one to wipe away remaining excess, then dab with a dry towelette if needed.  Do the same for the stripe along the side.  Paint sets up quickly, so working really, really fast eases clean-up effort.

Curious about how I repainted the knobs?

Spray paint primer is Krylon Epoxy Enamel #319 Gray Primer.  Top coat is Red Devil Appliance Epoxy #RDAE0902 Appliance Black.  Follow label instructions religiously.

1. Remove set screws, keeping them in a safe place.
2. Scrape and sand knobs, then degrease with lacquer thinner.  Scrape stripes with small box cutter as described above, then brush clean.
3. Cut 1/4" dowel stock into 3" pieces as needed.  Bore 5/16" holes 1/2" deep into a scrap 2 x 4.  Space holes two inches apart along two rows -- wider spacing for MC/KC change knobs.
4. Place knobs onto dowel pieces, hold by dowel tip and spray paint outdoors with wind at your back.  Set out to dry on the 2 x 4 board.  Consult instructions on can about recoating.
5. Dry overnight in garage, then bake in under 200 degree oven when XYL is out of town.
6. Use set screws to chase out threads by dabbing a trace of Mobil 90 synthetic oil.  Don't force so as to avoid stripping threads.
7. Follow above re-striping procedure.

Have fun!
Norman, KG4SWM

Any activity becomes creative when the doer cares about doing it right, or doing it better. -- John Updike