brownie, I use laquer sticks to make me see the markings better, have generally used white, but bought gold and silver (many collectors made fun of me using gold but oh well
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You actually stated the upsides and downsides in the 2nd sentance as i see it.
Many times I will use a light coating of white laquer to photo the markings better, but then take it out and take another picture with out it.
Ed