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+-- Thread: How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? (/showthread.php?tid=7329607)
How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? - yuri - 04-19-2017
I got a small ruler which I like and want use it. Here it is.
![[Image: ruler.jpg]](http://www.gvozdik.org/pics/Random/ruler.jpg)
As you can see the ruler has a low contrast and not that easy to use. I want to blacken etched marking on the rule. Anybody care to advise how to do it and what to use, if it possible at all?
[font="Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,sans-serif]Save[/font]
RE: How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? - jlanciani - 04-19-2017
Try shoe polish first, if the etch is deep enough it works well. Otherwise you need to use enamel paint; paint the whole ruler and wipe it off with a rag on a block of wood. It will leave the enamel in the etch and remove the rest.
RE: How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? - Robert Adams - 04-19-2017
Paint or paint pen and wipe off the excess. Do it to your sockets and wrenches as well.
RE: How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? - Phil S. - 04-19-2017
I was at a display of inlayed guitars at the MIM in Phoenix (https://mim.org/exhibits/special-exhibitions/dragons-and-vines-exhibition/ Check it out if you want to see some $300K+ guitars). One item that caught my eye (that I thought I could afford) was a marker they used to highlight etching on some of the inlay pieces. It was a Markal B Paintstik. Thought I'd like to try one for the same purpose you're proposing. MSC has them for about $1.50 each, but I imagine a minimum order is going to mess that up. Amazon has them, but in packs of 10.
Phil
RE: How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? - goaliedad - 04-19-2017
I have used a sharpie- smear it on, wipe it off. Do a small test first.
RE: How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? - Richard D. - 04-19-2017
Sharpie
RE: How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? - Lynden - 04-19-2017
Maybe a gun blacking touch-up pen.
gun black pen
RE: How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? - yuri - 04-20-2017
Guys,
thank you for suggestions.
I tried regular black sharpie, does not work well, quickly return to original condition due to handling.
Yesterday I was in Homedepot and bought Sharpie oil based paint pen. Did not work either. The paint does not adhere well to the ruler besides it is brittle and when I tried clean around etching whole thing just went off.
RE: How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? - Mr_Mike - 04-20-2017
I'd just use a black crayon and re-apply as required.
RE: How to blacken ther marking on a ruler? - Arlin Eastman - 04-20-2017
Put black ink over the whole thing and then lightly sand it down. The black ink will stay in the shallow areas and you will have a great ruler again