Painting safe dial?

[rustythread]

As I have mentioned in other threads, my vision is somewhat less than perfect. One result is difficulty in seeing the dial settings on my safe; the dial is highly polished with the number marks stamped on, without any additional contrast. Glare off the polished surfaces makes guesswork of the effort to set the combination.

I am thinking of applying some sort of non-glare finish with contrast on the numbers. Maybe spray paint the whole dial, then polish off the surface leaving the paint in the recesses of the number markings? Drawback would be that most of the surface would still be shiny and producing glare.

Spray paint the whole dial with something like a dull black, then go back with a tiny brush and paint the individual markings with contrasting color? My vision isn't good enough to pull that off.

I'd very much appreciate any suggestions on methods and materials.

 

[taz666]

I wonder if a filler for the numbers/indents would be enough. Try a crayon.

 

[Bekeart]

Magnifying Glass

 

[ACORN]

Perhaps paint it black then use a white grease pencil to fill the numbers.
Duplicolor makes a spray epoxy that is pretty durable.
Many military gun collectors use them to fill in markings on weapons. Doesn’t harm them and easy to touch up.

 

[oldbrownhat]

I wonder if a filler for the numbers/indents would be enough. Try a crayon.

This might work, but may not be durable.


Spray painting the dial, then polishing off the surface is the best way to go.


You'd have to be very careful, as I'd guess the numbers and lines may be quite fine. Masking it off will be tedious, esp. around the dial. There is a v. low-tack translucent film called "frisket film" that artists use for masking when airbrushing, if you can find it. (Michael's might have it, if there is one near you.)

I feel your pain about seeing fine detail There's another thread, started by chief38, about the benefits of having a head-worn magnifier for fine work. I use one regularly but having to use one, or the magifier in your cell phone, to open a safe would be a real pain.

 

[NYlakesider]

Try running this by Kanewpadle He is the go-to man for safe type questions.

 

[sceva]

get some model paint in the color of your choice, dab it in with a toothpick and when it starts setting polish it with a paper towel. Should wipe it off the face leaving the paint in the indices. A little alcohol helps.

Here is a watch bezel I did that to. Before and after.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Google “Paint Stick”.

I’ve used it in the past. I never received any complaints from customers afterwards so I guess it works.

Clean the dial with a light cleaner that doesn’t leave any residue. I used to carry alcohol wipes.

I would go with neon green. The human eye sees green better.

I would paint the numbers only.

 

[dave1918a2]

You might try something like this. About $18 on Amaz.

 

[Golddollar]

Would it be possible just to replace the whole dial? I have the same problem with the first 4 safes I acquired, but the last safe has a black dial with white numbers and marks and it is a breeze to read.

 

[bdGreen]

You might consider this.
It is a Liberty product and works pretty good.

It is attached with a magnetic backing. Easy peasy.

Just push the button, lights up and it shuts off automatically.

I like it. It helps.

bdGreen

 

[SMSgt]

Sounds like my son's safe, a pain to open.

 

[rustythread]

I am, as I am so often, gratified by the thoughtful responses. When I decide which one(s) to implement, I'll post further. Thanks.

 

[chief38]

Clean dial with Isopropyl Alcohol first. Use Testor's model paint. Let dry for a couple of minutes and use a shotgun patch or rag with either Lighter Fluid or Mineral Spirits to wipe off excess. The paint will stay in the engraved lines and numbers.

 

[chief38]

In fact I just finished painting mine again 1/2 hour ago! I usually do so every 5 years or so but forgot to do so recently. I didn't realize that the majority of the paint had worn off or faded - happens slowly over time. Now it's nice, bright and clear once again. Thanks for the thread - reminder.

 

[CH4]

You only need to paint 3 or 4 marks.

 

[kamloops67]

I have the exact same problem with my eyes and opening my safe
I use a magnetic led Olight flexible base flash light ,it shines the light at just the right angle that I can see the grooves perfectly

 

[taz666]

You only need to paint 3 or 4 marks.

... or, just leave it open.

 

[Fishinfool]

I wonder if anyone makes replacement dials with large font numbers for those with poor eyesight?

Dial locks tend to be more reliable, but if you are really having a hard time with the dial, maybe a conversion to a large keypad electric?

Larry

 

[NYlakesider]

I have the exact same problem with my eyes and opening my safe
I use a magnetic led Olight flexible base flash light ,it shines the light at just the right angle that I can see the grooves perfectly

Well as a old guy I went old school. My safe for security reasons was built into a tight concrete corner. Its also in a rather dark part of the basement. I found a outside type small flood light and mounted it on the wall facing the safe.

Opening the safe it gives me plenty of light and with the door open its real easy to see inside well.

I did it more as a temporary measure and was going to do some wiring and run a couple more lights in the area.

Its worked so good that after 22 years its still there and working fine.