Very interesting Weimar magazine
 

I was doing some of our famous horse trading with GT a few weeks ago, and he sent me this.
Looking at it close, it appears 'etched"? It is like a ghost marking, but looks correct to my eyes and GT's.
Mind you, it is very light and you can't feel anything with your finger.

Comments?

Cool.
Electro pencil marking that was subsequently sanded. JMHO.

strange numbers
 

I have looked at this for quite a while, and I've come to the conclusion that the numbers were painted on, or an ink used that over time, the vehicle in the ink, or paint, etched the aluminum permanently? I'll bet it was nice looking, and bold, when new... :eek:.... How it's held in the light has a bit to do with how it looks as well, it is really kind of neat in hand... But, correct for when and by whom? best to all, til....lat'r.....GT:cheers:

yes GT - and I should have said, getting a picture was a bit tricky, you can see it with your eyes as you turn it side to side, but used a flash for one and ambient light for the next picture

some primer paints will etch metals, particularly aluminum zinc-chromate used on aircraft.

Mac, thats interesting!

Ed

A primer for galvanized material has been around since at least the 70s. You'd mix in a tablespoon or so of water, which activated its acidic properties.

There's a category of paint now called "DTM," or "direct to metal." It's primer and finish all in one, and I use it on exterior ironwork such as the railings I fabricate and install.

My vote, however, is for the electropencil/sanding...

It looks like a marking-related etch or shadow to me also.