Linecasting Mats: Tips on adding contrast to reference markings
I’m looking for a good solution for highlighting reference markings on Linotype / Intertype mats. Chalk has been suggested as a quick solution. It appears that several fonts in our collection at the C.C. Stern Type Foundry have been highlighted in this manner, but this doesn’t seem ideal as it’s not permanent. I’m wondering if anyone else has a more permanent technique that they have been happy with. Thanks in advance.
I have a font done with fingernail polish, of all things. A metal marking pen, such as those made by Dykem would work on mats finished bright. Not sure what to do with mats that have been contrasted.
Thanks Mike. I like the fingernail polish idea. Many color options, and easy to find. The thought of painting and wiping excess nail polish or paint away from each mat seems laborious, but I suppose that’s just the deal - like much of what we do when practicing our craft. I’ll experiment with that. Maybe a grease pencil would be slightly less fussy? I suppose that may be worth a shot a well.
I’m not sure where I learned this - but it works. Use the Laquer-Stik to rub on to the mats, then rub off. Works great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BY8HKS
The key to contrasting is to have a mat cleaning stick, which is rather an essential for a line caster anyway.
Thanks mgurzo, Laquer-Stik looks like an excellent solution. Montana Mike, yup, agreed, mat cleaning sticks are handy. FYI to anyone reading this who may need one, we’ve got spares.
I have a lacquer stick as well and it works great. (used it on the number in the breaker box as well)
Only issue I had was if the reference wasn’t deep enough the paint would wipe out of it. Things like upper case I and lowercase L and number 1.
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