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Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2021 9:52 am
by acorneau
Anybody know how to re-paint the markings on scope knobs?

The elevation adjustment knob on my Weaver T-24 has been used so much that all the yellow coloring is gone and it's hard for me to see the lines and numbers. At first I thought it was just hand-grime so I gave it a scrub with some soap and an old toothbrush, but that didn't do anything appreciable.

If not I may have to try to find a replacement or start carrying my reading glasses in my vest. :-B

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2021 10:20 am
by atomicbrh
I would try somebody that makes jewelry as a hobby first.
Second I would try a real jeweler or a antique clock/watch repair shop to get an estimate. It would probably be too expensive but you never know.
A real grandfather clock person can do some amazing things. Wayne Merrier comes to mind for these type things.

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2021 3:56 pm
by pdeal
Are the marks engraved (cuts in the metal) or just painted on the metal? If engraved, and I think they are, start with cleaning the knobs up real well with some solvent and a brush. Maybe a toothbrush. Then get some slow drying white paint and wipe it on. I’ve used oil based paint. Then take a paper towel barely dampened with paint thinner and gently wipe off the excess paint from the surface. I say gently because if you wipe too hard you’ll wipe it out of the engraving and be back where you started. I’ve done this a bunch with different things over the years.

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2021 4:51 pm
by acorneau
Thanks guys, you've given me some options to pursue.

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2021 6:38 am
by atomicbrh
If you diy as pdeal suggested, I have had better success taking away the excess of oil based paint with a dry cotton swab that has a wood shaft but I remove the excess paint before it starts to dry and use the swab parallel to the painted surface and not on end. A swab slightly moistened with mineral spirits would be something else to try after the paint is dry but I would guess the excess oil based paint would be much more difficult to remove after it is completely dry. I would still use the smallest point shaped artist brush you can find with good light and magnification. I have only used the cotton swabs with outdoor art projects not anything as detailed as a scope knob. I now seem to remember that there is some rub on gold or silver foil sold for applications where engraving needs to be filled. I do not know how durable that would be but it would be worth investigating.

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2021 6:54 am
by atomicbrh
Found a video about the gold rub on foil.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpmhW_2X5_Q

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pm
by psteiger
Can't you get a new one from Weaver? I did a few years back.....

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 2:21 pm
by acorneau
Finally got around to doing something about my situation.

Not a perfect job but 100 times better than before. I might have to go back and do a second coat to fill it in just a bit more.

:-??


Image

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2021 6:54 am
by atomicbrh
What method did you decide to use?

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2021 1:35 pm
by acorneau
atomicbrh wrote: Sun Dec 05, 2021 6:54 am What method did you decide to use?
I used a tiny brush to get it in the crevices and wiped the excess off with paper towels. I think a small rubber/silicone scrapper or squeegee for the first pass before coming in with a paper towel would yield a cleaner result. Probably just one of those things that takes a bit of practice and playing around with different techniques to get it dialed in.

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2021 7:48 pm
by atomicbrh
Paint or faux gold leaf?
Photo will not show for me.

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 5:04 am
by acorneau
atomicbrh wrote: Sun Dec 05, 2021 7:48 pm Paint or faux gold leaf?
Photo will not show for me.
Paint.

Here's the link: http://allencorneau.com/pictures/ScopeCap.MOV

Re: Re-coloring scope knobs?

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 8:09 am
by atomicbrh
That looks better than factory to me!
Much more brilliant and easier to see.