Engraveing Black

[old dog]

I have always been of the opinion that the black in the engraving in the old guns was from black powder residue and handling.  I am about to find out the facts.  What do you contemporary builders and engravers use.  I have John Schipper's book, but I don't see any reference to it.
A fantastic book.
Old Dog
Scottsdale, Az.

[Curtis]

Flat black Rustoleum oil base paint in a pint can.  Apply with a q-tip or brush and wipe it off with a finger or thumb.  A pint will last a lifetime if that is all you use it for!





Curtis

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I used to leave engraving cuts bright, but now, I prefer the dark side.  So I fill engraving with Birchwood Casey's Super Blue...cold bluing solution.  Appply with a soft art brush, when dry, polish gently with a hard rubber blocker and 600 grit abrasive.

[old dog]

Both beautiful works of engraving.  I believe I like the more subtle look.  Hope to be able to engrave to a level where I won't be embarrassed to highlight it in some manner.  Does anyone use lamp black or carbon of any sort?
Thanks Gentlemmen

[Gaeckle]

I use a black sharpie marker, find them at work by the handful

[davec2]

What Taylor said !