Can an engraved metal surface by 'wiped clean' and re-engraved?
Question:My friend has recently given me his old zippo lighter as I want to start collecting them. Trouble is it is engraved with his ex-girlfriend's name! Is there any way that this can be taken off of the metal surface (and perhaps with my name put over the top?). Worst comes to worst I'll just scratch it off I suppose but am after a neater finish. Thanks!
Answers:
It depends on how thick the metal case is, or if the engraving is pretty shallow. If you are happy with these conditions you can actually buff the engraving out using a "120 grade Flap mop" this is an abrasive wheel that is attached to an electric drill, once you have taken the metal down sufficiently, the next step is to achieve a polished surface. This is done by using a polishing mop and a cake of polishing soap, all the items needed can be bought at your local D.I.Y.
One word of warning, be absolutely certain what metal the lighter is made of, it might be that it is plated over another type of metal and removing the outer layer may spoil the object of the exercise.
the process would include filling the metal by welding or silver soldering the area where the engraving took place then grinding all smooth.
Unless you get a perfect match for the metallurgy, it will show. Depending on how deep the engraving is, maybe the entire surface can be ground down.
See a jeweler that actually has a workshop, and expect a pretty stiff price for the work.
You could always change your name?
Depending on which face it's on, you could have your name engraved on a thin, shaped strip of similar metal and have it silver soldered over 'Jane'
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