Making a Nameplate

[rodgerdodger]

A recently completed model of the Santa Maria didn't include a nameplate so I needed to make one.  After considering various options I decided the following method was the simplest and quickest.

I purchased a strip of brass plate from which I cut, shaped, and drilled the nameplate. I then cleaned the surface with steel wool.

I obtained a sheet of 'stick on' letters from a craft type shop, normally used for making cards etc.  Each letter was transferred from the sheet to the brass plate.   I had previously made a mock-up of the nameplate on a piece of paper to be sure the letters fitted ok.

I painted onto the brass plate a generous  coating of 'Black Patina for Solder' that I had left over from the days when I did some leadlighting.  Interestingly the brass didn't go black (I have used it to blacken other boat fittings) but a dark brown instead, probably to do with the properties of the brass strip.  However the result was quite satisfactory for my purposes.

After allowing the black patina to dry I removed the letters.  Fortunately the adehsive on the letters was very good and there was no leeching of the black patina under them and the letters were well defined.  I did have second thoughts about removing the letters as the nameplate looked ok with them on but decided that long term they could come off as the adhesive deteriorated or for some other reason.

 

A view of the nameplate attached to the model base.  The exposed brass letters will mature in time as the brass slowly tarnishes.  The cost of the nameplate was no more than $A5 and I still have brass strip and letters to make two more.

Edited August 16, 2013 by rodgerdodger

[PierreJean]

Thats brilliant - I've made a note of that, I need to make a couple of nameplates!

[gjdale]

Excellent tip Roger. Thanks for sharing your technique.

[Geoff Matson]

Great tip Roger. I will be giving this one a try.

[Nirvana]

Perfect! And so simple surely will adapt the idea.

Thank you for the tip.