Question: Engraver's "INK"

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14 May 2012, 00:16

MacD37

Question: Engraver's "INK"

Does anyone here know exactly what the so called “INK” is that is used by engravers to darken the background in engraving? Some have suggested it is plain old INDIA INK but it don’t think that would be permanent enough. What say you!

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....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1
DRSS Charter member
"If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982

Hands of Old Elmer Keith

14 May 2012, 01:24

mete

Dykem Steel Blue
Available in different types , liquid , spray from different stores , Grainger , etc

14 May 2012, 02:40

Maximus Brutus

Interesting? So how does it stand up to cleaning? Any precautions required?

Hunting and Fishing World

14 May 2012, 04:22

mete

Sorry, I think I misread that . Dykem is a layout paint used to lay out the intial engraving.
What Mac is looking for is something to darken the backgraund after engraving is finished .
That would be something to form an oxide coating like some of the chemicals used to etch a damascus knife blade. Ferric chloride would probably work.