Figured out a solution for a problem we all have

[tankdriver]

Well, we all have problems with our switch knobs losing the white lettering over time, and we buy new ones. Either repo metal or plastic. But I wanted to use my original real ones. So here is what I did.....

 

I cleaned the knobs really well.

 

Let them dry overnight.

I used a white paint stick, liquid, not one that has a paste.

 

I let it dry just a couple of minutes, then lightly wiped it off. Which smeared the whole knob with a light coat of white, and looks really bad.

 

I did not let it set, but I lightly sprayed some Brake cleaner on a rag, and start wiping around the parts of the knob but rub real lightly on the part with the lettering.

 

It turns out pretty well.

 

I wish I had taken before photos, but I really did not think it would work as well as it did.

 

 

 

[Lauren Child]

That looks great - well done!

[tankdriver]

Thanks.

 

To buy repo would have cost 30 bucks up, plus 10 bucks shipping. The knobs were good just looked tired, and I'm a poor boy.....:undecided:

[fv1609]

I wonder what is the size of the tip on that marker?

 

I've used a fine brush on this one. I did about 5 years ago & it has lasted quite well so far.

 

[tankdriver]

It is very large, it over fills the letters, and covers parts of the knob. that is why I go through how to clean it up. But also only takes about 5 minutes a knob to do, not counting the cleaning, and drying well overnight. If you look close, you can see some of the white around the edge, where I still need to clean it a little better.

[fv1609]

Ok thanks. Even with a very fine brush there was some overflow that needed some wiping.

The marker looks handy.

[Maurice]

Another way is to spray the knobs with a 2 pac paint , and fill the white letters in with white spirrit based paint afterwards , whipe off eccessive paint , and when almost fully dry whipe off remaining paint , works always good .

[tankdriver]

Ok thanks. Even with a very fine brush there was some overflow that needed some wiping.

The marker looks handy.

 

I'm too old and do not have a steady enough hand to use a brush. So I went with sloppy way.....:-)

 

Here is how large the point is.....