How to restore wooden draw knob rank engraving?

[gtc]

As per the sample image below, the engraved rank names on the wooden draw knobs on a frequently-used organ that I'm familiar with have dulled over the years to the point where it is now hard to read them. This photo was taken more than 10 years ago. The engraving is much harder to read today.

I'm wondering how to bring them back to a better degree of readability without damaging the knobs.

If this were the engraved metal panel on a piece of electronic equipment, then I'd be using model maker's enamel paint, however I'm not proposing to do that with this organ unless those in the know suggest that it is the way to go.

[myorgan]

Check with a local engraving company (think awards, plaques, banners, etc.). My local guy charged next to nothing to make some new ones for me, and I'm sure any competent engraver would be able to figure out the process used on your organ.

Michael

[gtc]

Definitely not wanting to remove/replace them, just brighten up the 'printing'.

[myorgan]

GTC,

I'm not talking about replacing them. I was referring to having an engraver figure out how to refresh or repair the engraving/color on the knobs.

Sorry to mislead you.

Michael

[Larason2]

It's hard to tell how they were engraved. Are they cut into the stop face? Also, what makes them hard to read, are the characters losing definition, or is the light colour becoming dark or the dark colour becoming light? All that affects what recommendations we could make.

[gtc]

It's hard to tell how they were engraved. Are they cut into the stop face? Also, what makes them hard to read, are the characters losing definition, or is the light colour becoming dark or the dark colour becoming light? All that affects what recommendations we could make.

They are engraved and paint filled. The engraving is very shallow -- maybe 1 mm or less. The knob faces have become grubby from use over 40 years and the painted (or inked?) engravings are now almost the color of the knobs and difficult to read. On other stops the paint/ink has almost disappeared.

As I said at the top, if this were a metal panel I would use model maker's enamel paint as I have done a few times to restore engravings below controls and switches, However, it's wood and I don't want to make a mess of things. But maybe enamel is the answer.

[Larason2]

I'd use a very fine file (like a needle file) to roughen the surface of the characters, then add fresh white paint with a fine brush. Could be enamel paint. The roughening is necessary so the paint doesn't just flake off. You'll also remove some of the grime!

[gtc]

I'd use a very fine file (like a needle file) to roughen the surface of the characters, then add fresh white paint with a fine brush. Could be enamel paint. The roughening is necessary so the paint doesn't just flake off. You'll also remove some of the grime!

I'll likely clean the knob surface with a baby's toothbrush and some isopropyl.

Rather than a brush, I'm looking at this type of paint pen: https://www.posca.com/en/product/pc-1mr/

I'd need some practice sessions on another wooden surface with punched-in lettering.

[Larason2]

That might work, but I still think something is necessary to roughen the surface. Try it though, and see how it works!

[myorgan]

Would 0000ga. steel wool work?

Michael

[gtc]

Good thought. I've used 0000 on vintage radio cabinets between coats of lacquer.