I have a metal crystal gauge that the black paint has worn off the graduation marks. Any ideas as to how I can restore the paint?
Thanks,
Brian C.

When I used to restore vintage tractors I would paint the vintage tag with a black lacquer paint. After the paint dried I would lightly sand off the paint until the numbers and letters were uncovered leaving the paint on the back ground.

Thanks Larry, but this metal gauge is like a ruller with the graduations stamped on it. I wouldn't want to sand it at all.
I remember someone on the boards had a way they painted movement plates to refinish, when the paint was washed from the markings, stamped on the plate. I forgot what type of paint they used and what they used for removing the excess paint.
Brian C.

Brian,
What I use to fill in worn markings on watch plates is good old "poster paint". Just brush it on, wait a minute for it to dry and then rub the surface with a toothpick. The paint will flake off the surface and remain in the grooves. However I do not know how long the paint will remain on a object that is handled frequently, but it is easy and fast to redo when the paint wears off.

Brian
I remember the post that you are refering to,although I can't remember on what board I saw it posted. I think the paint that was used in that particular topic was gold paint. If my memory serves me correctly,it was purchased from an arts & crafts store. I can't recall if the colors red or black where also mentioned, or the brand of the paint,sorry.

Frank

Well, I tried the paint as suggested. The gauge does look a little better but I think the graduation marks were not deep enough.
Thanks All,
Brian C.