Question: Chinese white or other layout medium

[basiecally]

Hello!

Forgive this question if it is a stupid one or one considered common knowledge. I'm very new to this but I have tried searching this forums and the tips section but have come up a bit short on info.

I'm looking for a practical layout paint or substance for drawing designs directly onto the work. I understand that Chinese white is a common go-to method. I'm having trouble finding that where I live (Sweden) and I'm wondering if it might go under a different name here. Would other paints or inks be able to substitute? Acrylic? Watercolours? I even considered liquid paper. The stuff you use for correcting mistakes on paper.

I've also read about people using tallow/beeswax mixes. I tried rubbing some tailors wax (basically beeswax with oils in it) on the coin that I was looking to engrave and got a residue enough to scribe through. The design was barely visible though. I understand that some people like to dust the wax with talcum powder. I assume this is to improve the contrast between scraped and unscraped areas?

I've come across lots of useful ideas for transferring designs via paper and from printers but so far I've not come across that many alternatives for Chinese white, at least not when it comes to something that will take pencil lead.

All help appreciated!

Best regards
Karl

 

[dogcatcher]

I have used the white shoe polish and the Mop N Glo combination without any problems. I cannot say it is as good as Chinese white, because I have never used Chinese white.

This link also has some good info. http://www.engraverscafe.com/showthread.php?15997-layout-white

 

[maako]

It is basically white water color paint, it can come in hard block form to a paiste. I use the paiste because it is easy for me to buy here in Japan.

 

[Brian Marshall]

Easiest thing to use - if the piece will survive cleaning in lacquer thinner - is flat white spray paint.

After drying thoroughly, you can even use an eraser on it - if you do it carefully.


Brian

 

[Mike Bissell]

I also use a flat white spray paint.

 

[jerrywh]

Chinese white is just plain white water color.

 

[Brian Marshall]

And way, way overpriced if you buy from engraving suppliers...

Plus it is water (or spit) based - and flakes off at the most inopportune times.

Belongs in the same category as oil of wintergreen.


B.

 

[tsterling]

White permanent marker is really easy and not messy. Pencils work fine on it.

 

[Joacim Jansson]

Hej Karl
In Sweden it has long been common for Engraves to use Gummi Gutti mixed with T-röd
It has been hard to find for many years, but I have found it now.
Send me a PM then you can buy from me

 

[Victorvile]

I succesfully mixed gummigut(gamboge) with dammar,diluted with a blend of zippofluid and cellulose laquer thinner.I iput a litle of White enamel paint in it.The result is an opaque layer,less sticky than dammar alone and more durable.You can draw on it with a HB pencil.

 

[Karlspinks]

Hi Karl, what a lovely name you have. As mentioned before Chinese white is just a block of water color, nothing special.

http://www.tradera.com/item/180301/222402926/akvarellfarg-winsor-newton-cotman

That will work fine.

 

[MoldyJim]

Ha, just woke up, had a , weird dream, got a call from a paint mfg and asked the same questions.
Can't remember if I read this post before I went to sleep or what he said.

 

[basiecally]

Thanks for all the great replies!

I got a white POSCA marker and have some water colour labled "Chinese white" coming in the mail. The POSCA marker was hit or miss. I'll let you know how the watercolour works.

Karl

 

[Karlspinks]

Thanks for all the great replies!

I got a white POSCA marker and have some water colour labled "Chinese white" coming in the mail. The POSCA marker was hit or miss. I'll let you know how the watercolour works.

Karl

When you use it dip your finger in some water and rub the block of paint. Then rub onto the metal. You don't need a lot of water or it thins too much to stay on the metal

 

[Dave London]

Saliva works better than water, MTC. YMMV