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License Plate Refurbishing

PostPosted: 12 Apr 2006 15:08
by Jon
Does anyone have know the easiest way to paint the raised portion of the numbers and letters of a license plate? The only way I can think of is to tape around each numeral and apply the contrasting color. The California stamping on the top portion has 10ea. 1/2" sized letters.
Very time consuming. :s008:

I don't think replacements are available as it is a law enforcement type issue and only DMV can issue plates??

Thanks

Jon

PostPosted: 12 Apr 2006 16:04
by dave-r
You can get them made to order over here in England. If you are interested I will dig out the details.

PostPosted: 13 Apr 2006 7:46
by fbernard
Other possibility would be to mask only what's neither foreground or background color, paint everything in foreground color, let dry, then paint everything background color, wipe immediately with a cloth on a flat surface.

This method works best if your plate is 2-color only.

That's the way to repaint lots of trim (with chrome raised parts and black background for example)


Now, the really easiest way to do this if you have a lot of small letters to repaint is to use a paint pen (with a flat tip) and paint the letters only. It gives a clean border even without masking.

If you can't find a paint pen in the right color, you can try with a small foam brush.
You should be able to find this at any crafts shop.

PostPosted: 13 Apr 2006 14:17
by Jon
Thanks Dave but the plates are in good shape just need some TLC and I have tags on the rear.

Fbernard you have some interesting solutions. I did a trial application in which I placed a piece of Wax paper on a flat surface, coated with test paint, then place the plate face down on top of it. Most numerals were covered evenly but the paint did not flow out to an acceptable finish. That is the way the inmates made them back in the day (well not exactly). Backgound overall, then foreground either rolled on or dipped. Very sloppy to say the least. I think I will try you ideas next.

Thanks

Jon

PostPosted: 13 Apr 2006 20:12
by dave-r
Jon wrote:Thanks Dave but the plates are in good shape just need some TLC and I have tags on the rear.


Oh well. Here are some samples just in case.