How to Blacken / Darken Faded Letters On Your Hand-Stamped & Engraved Jewelry

 How to Blacken / Darken Faded Letters On Your Hand-Stamped & Engraved Jewelry

How to Blacken / Darken Faded Letters On Your Hand-Stamped & Engraved Jewelry



When I make my pieces I use a jewelers guilders wax to darken the letters. This typically cures is a day and can last years before fading.

As hand-stamped jewelry is worn, especially the lettering is against your skin. if you are active or if you swim or bathe with it on, the black on the lettering may dull or wear off.

The following technique will work on any hand-stamped metal: silver, aluminum, copper, brass, or sterling. This process is especially great for hand-stamped rings, as they frequently have soap and water exposure.

Materials:

  • Black Industrial Sharpie (but any black Sharpie will do in a pinch)
  • Rubbing Alcohol
  • Paper Towels


Step 1- Use A Sharpie To Fill In The Faded Letters:

Use a Sharpie to fill in the faded letters


Make sure your piece is completely dry. Take a black Sharpie pen and color in the lettering. Work in small sections, as the sharpie will dry quickly, wiping away any excess marker as you go with a dry paper towel. You will probably have some marker left on your piece. We will take care of that in step 2.

Step 2 - Use Rubbing Alcohol To Remove Excess Marker:

Use a Sharpie to fill in the faded letters


After all of your letters have been coated and as much of the marker has been wiped off, place a small dap of rubbing alcohol on a paper towel or a Q-top and clean the excess marker off. Make sure your paper towel is damp but not soaking wet with alcohol. If you drop alcohol into the letter grooves you may need to touch up some of the letting.

If you find that you are having problems cleaning your bracelet with the rubbing alchol, you may want to try cleaning them with a PRO POLISHING PAD. These treated two-inch squares pads are the perfect way to quickly touch up, remove tarnish and polish your pieces.

Step 3 - Wash, Dry & Wear:

Use a Sharpie to fill in the faded letters


Once your piece has been wiped as clean as possible, you can clean it with a bit of liquid dish soap. Dry your piece completely, and it's now ready to wear.

Repeat this process as needed.



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