Although you can get engraving materials with a wide variety of color, thickness and finishing options, you may find you want to experiment with the color of the engraving when using engraving equipment. There are a number of approaches you can take. The 3 most popular coloring methods for using engraving equipment include oxidizing, paint stick and paint filling.

Oxidizing

Oxidizing uses a mild acid to blacken the engraving on brass or aluminum. Since the oxidizing isn't selected on where it works on the engraving equipment, it can only be used on metals that already have some kind of coating that is already removed through the engraving process.

Brass has a lacquer coating or a similar finish. Aluminum is usually coated with lacquer, or it can be anodized. Remove these finishes with engraving equipment that has a diamond graver, burnishing or rotary cutter, and you can blacken the exposed areas with the oxidation solution without affecting the rest of the plate.

The oxidizing substance is best applied with cotton swabs, as opposed to a dauber. Remember to always keep the engraver free of any oil or fingerprints. Apply oxidizer soon after engraving so the full effect of the oxidizer can be applied.

Paint Stick

Applying a color fill to the work of engraving equipment can only be done on rotary engraved plates that have sufficient depth. This is usually done with paint through a paint stick that looks like a large crayon. They come in a variety of colors and are easy to use.

You start by shaving the end of the paint stick to remove any skin that has formed. Rub the stick back and forth across the engraving as if using a crayon until all the letters are filled, wiping off any excess paint with a paper towel. Alcohol and paint thinner work well to remove any excess film that doesn't wipe away easily, but you'll find it even easier to let the paint dry overnight and then wash it with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner.

Paint sticks are convenient and durable, but don't have that smooth gloss that you'll get from actual paint.

Paint Filling

Paint filling offers the best options for coloring the work of engraving equipment when it comes to materials, colors and applications. Metals and rigid plastics generally work best with a fast-drying, oil based enamel with mineral spirits for cleaning. Soft plastics and other materials may be damaged by caustic solvents, so latex or acrylic paints work best, with alcohol or water used for cleanup. Aside from the paint, you'll also need a brush, an old phone book or newspaper, and stiff pieces of thick paper about the size and weight of your average business card.

Make sure that the engraving is smooth, burr free, and have enough depth to hold the paint. Characters ¼" high generally take an engraving with a depth of .010" or .012".

When using engraving equipment, you'll want coloring options. The right method depends on the material and depth of the paint. Coloring gives the engraver more to work with when creating an attractive sign with eye catching lettering. It's always best to have options.