Restoring indicator dot on knobs

[audiodummy]

While trying to clean some metalized plastic knobs in a restoration attempt of a Heathkit stereo with some isopropanol to remove dirt on them, I didn't realize the alcohol also removed the black dot indicating position of the knob... Doh!

For now I just used an indelible marker and placed a dot back on them, but I wonder what people have been using to clean knobs (just soap and water?) and how to put that pointer dot/line back on volume controls.

 

[motorstereo]

Plain old household ammonia with a toothbrush gets the job done nicely and never had a problem. Not sure on the replacing the dots as I've never lost one. I would imagine a toothpick dipped in paint would work.

 

[Bob]

stencils and nail polish. have a girl do it if your hands shake.

 

[northpaw]

+1 on the nail polish. If you do it carefully with just the right amount of polish hanging on the tip, a single light touch (no contact of the brush itself) will give you a nice slightly raised dot.

If there is a line and it is recessed, lay some polish in there and then quickly wipe off any that got on the surface.

Lots of color choices available, including black, but I've added hot pink dots to some volume knobs so my older eyes can see the level in subdued lighting. Did the same for the knobs on the gas range, making it easy to verify when they are in the Off position.

 

[avionic]

Testors enamel and a tooth pick.

 

[ConradH]

The enamel is the safest bet. If you want something truly indestructable, use a small amount of Mixol dye (Woodcrafters and others) in epoxy.

 

[audiodummy]

Thanks, I think what I'm looking for is a stencil of some sort. The dot I made with a marker looks very lopsided, the stencil will make it look better. Black enamel or nail polish might be good as a more "touchy" dot...

I suppose I'll have to try ammonia next time.

 

[dennismiller]

Like Avionic I have the best luck with a toothpick and Testers paint.

The first picture I used the sticky part of a 3M Post-It to temporarily mark where the registration dot goes.

 

[audiodummy]

Oh that's going to be tough to do with a toothpick on the knobs I have, they're not textured, they're brushed circular aluminum... I suspect I might have "flow" to the sides with the brushed aluminum?

 

[jimbo2k]

Had a missing knob on a Sony ES preamp. found one the same dimensions on e-bay,but the pip was in the wrong spot and was black and could not be seen from across the room (remote controlled) So I put a white dry transfer dot on it and all is well.