Frank + Frank,
Lampblack is one of the oldest pigments known to man and was used traditionally to prepare black paints and inks, as well as to tint cement and ceramics, and in the manufacture of shoe polish, carbon paper, etc. True, it was originally manufactured from lamp soot or by the burning and grinding of bones – fortunately, there are now more modern methods of production.
I the days when ships were fully maintained by crews, every Mate had his “secret” book of paint and slushing formulas, and many of the coatings used were mixed aboard, to order. Every well organized paint locker had an ample supply of pigments, oils, pastes, etc., and a little lampblack was always available. Today, you will probably best find it in an artist’s supply store.
Regards,
Henry
--- On Wed, 3/3/10, Frank Reed <FrankReed@HistoricalAtlas.com> wrote:
From: Frank Reed <FrankReed@HistoricalAtlas.com> Subject: [NavList] Re: Instrument Engraved Marking Restoration - Help To: NavList@fer3.com Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 12:52 AM
Frank, you wrote: "I've never used lampblack, it sounds messy. Did you purchase or brew your own?"
Hmm. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm fairly sure "lampblack" is exactly what it sounds like: the fine, black soot that you get on the glass housing of a kerosene lamp, e.g. If you don't have a lamp like that, just hold a piece of glass or ceramic over a smoky candle flame. It usually will wipe off on a cloth or tissue and then you can rub it onto a scale. And if you mix lampblack with a few other ingredients, it makes ink. That remains one of the best ways to make black ink. Is it waterproof? Beats me. Probably depends on those other ingredients. :-) But plain lampblack was commonly used to fill the lines in scrimshaw aboard whaleships back in the 19th century so it's certainly maritime-authentic!
I also like Bill's suggestion for acrylic poster paint. It's a common product, and you don't have to do any home cooking.
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