MADRED7 Posted June 11, 2007 Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 Hi guys, saw the Coffe and smoke thread and that reminds me on my own projects waiting to be finished. Currently I am looking for a method to brighten up the matte black color of PAM dials without damaging the white printed words on it???? I tried steam and quick-dry under a hot bulp to make the black fade to grey.....could take ages....I want to achieve a look like it has been worn 60 years under the bright italian sun. I tried the sandpaper method...but these damned dials are thinner than a bible-page....and the color does not fade but only disappear (and it disappears not equally on the whole dial)....the edges show their brass quicker than I wanted! Any clues and hints and help is greatly apreciated, thx. Theo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sssurfer Posted June 11, 2007 Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 I tried all sorts of chemical oxidizers, and they all ruined the dial. I just missed to try very diluted bleach and very diluted H2O2, but I doubt they are safe even when diluted. I am afraid that only physical means (i.e. prolonged exposure to light) may be safe. But, as you said, this could take ages (perhaps a little lesser with UV light?). Oh well, I think I'd better go and place my dial right under this bright sun... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MADRED7 Posted June 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 ....I do have one of these bulps for a terrarium...bought that in a pet-shop .....I will give it a try for some hours. All further info, links, helps, knowledge,....on that topic will be fine. Theo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sssurfer Posted June 11, 2007 Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 Well, some time ago I made quite a bit of search about the discoloring properties of light, and I got quite a bit frustrated. Looking at the sunlight effects on old newspapers left on the ground one would argue that the light discoloring effect is more effective on blue colors than red colors. This should discolor black into sort of brown. Or, at least, this was what I was thinking. Then I found a brown dial on sale and gave up with the whole thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MADRED7 Posted June 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 I am goona give a 75 WATT bulp "Terra Action" the chance.....steam on the dial and let it dry quick....lets see Theo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sssurfer Posted June 11, 2007 Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 Please let us (me) know the outcome of this. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madasboot Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 I would go for the soaking method. If its fading to gray effect you want try adding large amount of salt into some water (it reaches the point when as soon as you taste it it makes you puke!). Cover the dial with that solution and wait till a thin layer of salt forms over the dial. Expose it to sunlight for a week and then wash it carefully and let it dry in the sun again and you will have it done. Best, marco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MADRED7 Posted June 14, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2007 Thanks Marco I will try this method...sounds convincing! Theo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amplitude Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 Use a powerful UV lamp. It'll fade for sure. Only safe way to do it really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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