How is this achieved?

[Nick Syrax]

My guess is it's etched white acrylic with color fill. Is that correct?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90972997...facet=handmade

[Steven Cox]

From the link you gave it tells how in the write up below the image. 3mm White acrylic with a black pigment applied....

[Mike Null]

Here's what the ad said: The detailed image is laser etched "into" the surface and coloured with black pigment which gives a totally waterproof image and is virtually impossible to remove.

[Nick Syrax]

Mainly I was wondering what the pigment might be and how to do color it properly

[Rodne Gold]

The same paint thats used on cars will do very well , most paints are waterproof....

[Bill Gailey]

Any suggestions on how the paint/pigment is being applied? How do you get the residue off the surface and how deep would it have to lasered to hold the paint/pigment?

[Michael Hunter]

The pigment in the tiny tins of oil-based paint for model kits is very fine and works well for this sort of application.
Since it dries quite slowly, you have plenty of time to clean up the excess.
Basically, work the paint into the engraving with a fairly stiff brush, then remove the excess by rubbing on a smooth cloth.

Suitable paints in the UK are -
Humbrol (modeller's paints - tiny cans)
Revelle (modeller's paints - tiny cans)
Japlac (small cans)
Rustin's "Small Job" 250ml cans

[Martin Boekers]

You may be able to lightly sand it similar to Corian, since you may not need a smooth surface.

[Rodne Gold]

Just google "paint filling engraved acrylic"

[Nick Syrax]

Thanks to all!!! :0)

[Frank Corker]

Straight black acrylic paint will give that result. Put a blob of black on the piece, work it in with your finger, as it dries the excess will dry, harden and drop off the surface. Very easy to do. Acrylic paint doesn't smell either and you can wash your hands with plain old soapy water!

[Michael Hunter]

Frank has that magic touch...

When I tried it with acrylic paint on a big expensive sign, the excess paint instantly dried to a rock-hard consistency and I scratched the acrylic trying to get it off.
Ever since, I have stuck to the oil-based stuff.

[Dee Gallo]

Michael,

For future reference, get yourself some plastic razor blades.... they work the best on any surface you don't want to scratch. Don't know where you get them in the UK, but here Lee Valley sells them. They are also used for auto detailing, removing stray paint from pinstriping jobs, etc. so try an auto paint store.


Nick,

You don't mention where you are in your sig. But I use Flo-Quil, a model paint made by Testors. It works really well for me on plastic.

cheers, dee

[Michael Hunter]

Thanks Dee.
I did a google and can get them for about £10 for 25, including a handle.
I think that they would be useful to have around, though I will stick to the oil-based paint for filling.

[Martin Boekers]

Dee I didn't know there was such a beast! Thanks! I have been using just the IPI or Rowmark
plastic albiet it carefully. I will add some of these blades to my tool kit!