Federal Tag Restore

[Skulldigger]

Has anyone tried to restore these old faded tags? I worked yesterday on several techniques and found one that works really well and with just a little effort. You can make them look fully new or a little aged like mine.

Here is the tag off of the Model 17 military spec I have been working on.



Although I liked the look of the silver tag, it just blended in with the chrome and was not visible at all.



I removed the tag and sprayed it with several light coats to give good coverage. I allowed the paint to dry for several hours to ensure it was good to handle. Then I took 1000 grit sandpaper, laying it flat on the table and then briskly rubbed the tag across the sandpaper to remove the paint on the high spots. You can not hold the sandpaper and rub across the tag as your fingers will push it into the recessed areas. (trust me). Once you have removed most of the red from the high areas, use either a Q Tip or a smooth rag and your finger and with a little lacquer thinner on it, remove the redness from the flat areas. Touch up as you please. Sanding will create some dust and darkness which can be removed with light brushing from the thinner. Remove as much of the darkness as you want for a new or used look. I wanted mine to match the age and scratches of my base so I left some of the "dirt"..

I think it came out pretty good ! Anyone else tried this?

 

[dmathieu]

Nice vintage tag. Note the difference in the newer ones.

 

[Skulldigger]

Interesting.. you would think the newer ones would have more detail, but they went backwards with the detail. I do love the detail in the lighthouse of the older tag. I am working on a restore of a Model 17 that has a tag like yours. I wonder if we could pinpoint when the tag design changed? Hmmm...

The tag definitely makes a difference in the look.

 

[dmathieu]

For one thing, the location changer from Chicago to Blue Island. stansdds should be able to help.
Yep, the tag does make a difference!

 

[denko3]

Has anyone tried to restore these old faded tags? I worked yesterday on several techniques and found one that works really well and with just a little effort. You can make them look fully new or a little aged like mine.

Here is the tag off of the Model 17 military spec I have been working on.

View attachment 155508

Although I liked the look of the silver tag, it just blended in with the chrome and was not visible at all.

View attachment 155510

I removed the tag and sprayed it with several light coats to give good coverage. I allowed the paint to dry for several hours to ensure it was good to handle. Then I took 1000 grit sandpaper, laying it flat on the table and then briskly rubbed the tag across the sandpaper to remove the paint on the high spots. You can not hold the sandpaper and rub across the tag as your fingers will push it into the recessed areas. (trust me). Once you have removed most of the red from the high areas, use either a Q Tip or a smooth rag and your finger and with a little lacquer thinner on it, remove the redness from the flat areas. Touch up as you please. Sanding will create some dust and darkness which can be removed with light brushing from the thinner. Remove as much of the darkness as you want for a new or used look. I wanted mine to match the age and scratches of my base so I left some of the "dirt"..

I think it came out pretty good ! Anyone else tried this?
View attachment 155511

Must say that restore one looks much better then new one.....great job men! ;-)

 

[ERIC6913]

Great restore! It looks much better!
Yes, there was one guy that restored badges a while back. His name was Jack, ELB member "fyrboy". He was the badge restore master back in the day, he did many badges for me! His workmanship was priceless!

Here a few examples:

 

[Maxim2Eng]

Excellent job! Looks great! The older tags were embossed or stamped, then painted. I believe the process was to paint the new, flat tag and squeegee the paint off the raised areas, then run it through a roller to bow it. The newer ones are screened (like silk screen) onto a smooth surface...much easier and cheaper to make (looks it too imho). I have also used a sanding block for a rigid sanding surface.

 

[Skulldigger]

Yes, there was one guy that restored badges a while back.

Those look great ! I wish the engraving in mine was as good as those so the lettering would stand out better. I'd like to know what his techniques was.

 

[wfdstation42]

I've also done a few over the years. Same basic process as your's except instead of a q-tip with thinner I use a razor blade to get the stubborn areas. I also like to finish with a couple light coats of clear.

 

[Mars Light]

Very good job!
What is the best red paint for the job?

I´ve ordered a new badge with the old serial no.
But I will try to restore the original badge.

 

[Skulldigger]

What is the best red paint for the job?

I can't really say what is best, I used Rustoleum spray paint. It should do fine and stay for a long time. It gives a good smooth finish.

 

[Scoot163]

That is great! I have several badges that are really beat up. Just the basic Rustoleum red?

 

[dmathieu]

From what I've seen, over the years, Federal used many different shades of red on their tags. I have 6, and have seen many more, NOS, never out in the weather, Beacon Ray lights with many different shades.

 

[Skulldigger]

That is great! I have several badges that are really beat up. Just the basic Rustoleum red?

The one I used which matches closely my other Federal tags is Rustoleum American Accents Garnet Red, Gloss.

 

[Scoot163]

The one I used which matches closely my other Federal tags is Rustoleum American Accents Garnet Red, Gloss.

Thanks!