Roll Mark Highlighting: How to Do/Undo

[tftech1]

More often than I would like, I come across good S&Ws that have their roll marks and logos "enhanced" or "highlighted" by filling them with white (or silver or gold) material that I believe is paint. Some say that the white material can be chalk. All of this is apparently done by rubbing the material over/into the indented area to be highlighted and then quickly wiping the surrounding surface clean.

I guess I could understand that some people might want to do this highlighting for, say, ease of photography. What is the best way to do it and get a uniform quality result?

More importantly, how can this highlighting be removed? My local gunsmith suggests a copper brush with oil (not solvent) and says to go easy on the brushing. Are there other ideas?

I believe I have seen this issue partially discussed in the Forum, but I am not turning up anything with the 'Search' function. I would appreciate a comprehensive review of the topic. Thank you for your advice.

 

[s&wchad]

How to:
LACQUER-STIK - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools_

I bought a K-22 Combat Masterpiece from the early 1950's that had all the lettering gold filled.

I used a stiff nylon brush with some solvent and got it out. I first tried Hoppe's and started brushing. It removed some of the fill but it was too slow for me. I can't remember if I switched to goo-gone, nail polish remover or mineral spirits, but it came out without damaging the finish. I wouldn't be afraid to try any of them on a blued steel gun. Oil it after you're done.

This was before I cleaned it.

 

[fat tom]

I use acetone (nail polish remover). Removes it quickly.
f.t.

 

[Marksman]

I have used the lacquer stick to highlight lettering in the past, it is a semi-solid paint with the consistency of a Crayola crayon. Its durability can only be considered moderate at best, it does not withstand the heat from firing the gun very well. Forster's Bonanza Gold (or Silver) is much more durable, it will withstand heat and most gun oils and cleaning solvents. Soaking with acetone and a gentle brushing with a bronze brush will remove it. Years ago I worked in Browning Arms Company's Arnold. MO Gunsmithing Shop, we highlighted the engraving on the trigger guard and floorplate of Safari rifles using two part epoxy and bronze pigment powder (obtained from a paint store). The bronze powder was exceedingly fine almost like graphite powder, we mixed it into the epoxy and applied to the engraving/lettering. When the epoxy was just starting to become tacky it was wiped with a shop rag damp with rubbing alcohol, this leveled the fill with the surface of the surrounding metal. This epoxy fill was about as durable a filling for lettering as can be had.

 

[tomcatt51]

I use acetone (nail polish remover). Removes it quickly.f.t.

+1 acetone and a wood toothpick

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

That's how I removed the white paint from my 547 when I got it..
Acetone & Toothpic, Then toothbrush..
Worked great..
Gary

 

[kennyb]

That's how I removed the white paint from my 547 when I got it..
Acetone & Toothpic, Then toothbrush..
Worked great..
Gary

+1 exactly what has worked for me (gold paint)..

 

[tftech1]

To all who have posted to this thread:

Thank you for your helpful information. It will be useful the next time I come across a "highlighted" S&W.

tftech1