Martyd3 Posted August 5, 2010 Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 This started out as a "how to" thread. I was looking for the best way to age a set of FGD Pre-V hands to get that creamy tritium color. I was going to use a strong tea bath or pack the hands in coffee grinds, but decided to "toast" them as Freddy suggested. I posted the results below. Thanks. Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted August 5, 2010 Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 Bake them in middle of your oven at 500 degrees for (up to) 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the oven & remove the hands the second they reach the desired color (the line separating beautiful & burned is very thin). For a darker color, apply a bit of iodine to the backside of the lume before baking. This is art, not science. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoobyPanFan Posted August 5, 2010 Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 Hey Marty... I know many guy's have used Cigar smoke. I hate Cigar's so I have never tried it. I know you are most likely talking Pre-A and Pre-V but I used a short session in a toaster oven for these... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyd3 Posted August 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2010 Ok, the oven is cranked up. God please have mercy on my poor hands Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoobyPanFan Posted August 6, 2010 Report Share Posted August 6, 2010 I forgot to mention... Keep an eye on them as painted hands will begin to bubble if left in too long! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyd3 Posted August 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2010 Gee thanks, it would have been good to know that an hour ago Just kidding, all done and installed. Will post pics in a few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyd3 Posted August 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2010 Toasted and newly installed FGD hands on my 040 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted August 6, 2010 Report Share Posted August 6, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyd3 Posted August 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2010 I've gotten some questions about "toasting" the hands, so I thought it would be easier to reply here. First, let me say that although nerve wracking, it was easy to do. As Freddy advised, I preheated the oven to 500 degrees, put the hands in a pie pan lined with foil and popped them in the oven. 10 minutes later got the creamy tritium color that I was trying to achieve. I'm not sure how it would work on other hands (especially those with a greenish tint), but on the FGD's, which are very white , it worked perfectly. I would not use a toaster over, as the hands would be very close to the element and could scorch or burn easily. You will also get a more consistent temperature in a full size oven. Good luck and happy toasting Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxman Posted August 6, 2010 Report Share Posted August 6, 2010 Nice work,looking good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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