First dial silvering

[zedman]

I've done my first silvering of a dial of a Gustav Becker clock.
It was rusty at some places and had to rub on plenty of silver powder to cover the bumpy surface.

I am satisfied with the results tough I had to repaint all the numbers and the logo, but it was a nice thing to do.

Rate it please.

thanks,
Zedman

 

[harold bain]

Well done, Zedman. Looks like a very presentable dial.

 

[Robert Gary]

Zedman:

I think you have done an outstanding job! Congratulations.

RobertG

 

[Kevin W.]

Looks great Zedman, what did you use to repaint the numerals?

 

[zedman]

Thanks,

I used 0.3mm rotring Variant fountain pen and 0.2mm for the logo filled with black Indian ink.
It's cool because easily comes out even from the 0.2mm pen and dries quickly.

One thing hasn't been done is the protective covering which will be some acryl lacquer or something else.

The silvering manual suggests waxing but what is that?

thanks,
Zedman

 

[Thyme]

Thanks,

I used 0.3mm rotring Variant fountain pen and 0.2mm for the logo filled with black Indian ink.
It's cool because easily comes out even from the 0.2mm pen and dries quickly.

One thing hasn't been done is the protective covering which will be some acryl lacquer or something else.

The silvering manual suggests waxing but what is that?

thanks,
Zedman

Very nice results!

Waxing is done on numerals that are engraved (recessed). If the numerals are not engraved, you will need to seal the dial with either lacquer or acrylic. If you don't seal it, your inked details will be vulnerable to loss.

 

[soaringjoy]

Hello zedman,

a really good job on that dial.

I usually redo the numerals with enamel paint, using
a modeler's brush - no experiance with india ink.

What I can recommend to conserve silvered dials is a
micro-crystalline wax polish called "Renaissance".
It's mild and easily applied by wiping, no rubbing.
I don't know how it reacts with india ink, but I think it's worth a try.

Jurgen

 

[wilsonclocks]

What silver solution / powder did you use? I'm testing how the different types look and yours looks good.

Phil

 

[zedman]

I used Honiton Clock Clinic's silvering powder, I haven't tried any other yet.

Regarding the conservation I used a type of acrylic lacquer which is specially for metals like brass copper etc. It's shiny but works well.

I like this fountain pen, I've tried many methods to do the numerals and the concentrical circles (on other dials) and this was the only solution I was able to draw thin and equally thin lines with.
I do use 0000 brushes too.
Will try that Renaissance wax on some test sheet. Thanks.

Zedman

 

[sharukh]

The silvering manual suggests waxing but what is that?

What is the silvering manual ? And where can I get a copy ?

Great job btw.

Thanks,

Sharukh.

 

[Walesey]

Lovely job! I especially like the line work and lettering. I've never had a Rotring pen. My Dad had a few, working as a draftsman, but they never came my way. I might have to invest, although you obviously have a steadier hand than mine. That must help. Well done Zedman.

Walesey