I have been using Gamblin's etchers ink for inking engravings but I would like to find something better. Especially for inking castings . Can I get some suggestions on that please.

Jerry Huddleston
8/23/2008 12:58:22 PM

Hi Jerry,
Maybe Mike Bissell will jump in on this as he is the guru of the FEGA castings.
Myself, I use Speedball Oil base Printers ink #3550 available at most art stores.
Mike may have a better idea as he does a lot more than me.
Best, John.

John Barraclough
8/23/2008 8:55:47 PM

Hi Jerry,

I am not sure what others use, but what I use is a black waterproof ink Sharpie pen. I just go over the cast with the Sharpie and then wipe off the excess ink with Flitz polish on a soft cloth or paper towel.

Bill Gamradt
8/24/2008 1:00:51 PM

Hey Bill
I just tried your Sharpie and Flitz technique. It works just great. Up to now I have been using fingerprint ink and paste wax. Your method is faster and cleaner to do. I tried it on a casting of some fine script lettering. Next i'll try some animals. It should work out just fine
Marty

Martin Rabeno
8/24/2008 6:39:47 PM

Hi Jerry

I use the Speedball Block Printing Ink for the FEGA castings that I make. Same as John B. Use the oil based ink and not the water based.

Mike

Robert Bissell
8/25/2008 9:52:49 AM

Thanks for the help From all of you. I'm off to find some Flitz and ink.

Jerry Huddleston
8/25/2008 10:40:52 AM

I tried a permanent black sharpy and the flicks polish. The sharpy seemed to stain the casting deeply. By the time I polished it off of the undesired part it rubbed away the detail on the portraits. This is a very fine bolino type engraving. I think I will try Mike's method.

Jerry Huddleston
8/26/2008 12:54:38 PM

You better show me these castings of yours in Reno Jerry.
What I have been usually using is black oil base printing ink. Rub it into the engraving and then take a little paste wax and mix it into the ink. Let it dry and then carefully wipe it off. Add a little more wax and do the same. The wax helps dry the ink and lift it off the surface. It is messy and time consuming though. I had the same thing as you happen with a very fine bulino style Jaguar head on a floor plate I just finished. Have to be carefulland don't over do the Flitz or you're sunk.
Marty

Martin Rabeno
8/26/2008 3:36:49 PM

Marty.
I think I will send you a casting.

Jerry Huddleston
8/27/2008 1:47:06 AM