I recently got a countersunk and weighted shift knob from TWM (awesome knob!), and I had the 6 speed shift pattern engraved in it (it's a satin silver finish).
I'm thinking of coloring in the pattern either red or black, but am not sure what the best way to go about doing that will be (I'm worried about it coming out sloppy or the color wearing out since my hand will constantly be rubbing on it)
Any advice?

 

Use a good paint, Krylon is the only spray paint I trust. Maybe use a sharped q-tip wood stick to put the paint into the letters, after the paint drys use the same method to apply the Krylon clear coat. Ive never done this before, But this is what I would try first.

 

Clean the surface to be painted well with rubbing alcohol. Krylon will work fine. Mask off well the area you do not want to have overspray. Then spray the area on the knob. Let dry well. Only use enough paint to cover well the indented shift pattern. Then take a very thin cotton rag and put laquer thinner on the rag. Pull the rag tight over your index finger and very light rub over the area where you painted. Be sure to have the rag very tight and rub gently. After you are done, the paint will be imbedded in the image (the shift pattern) and you are good to go. Should have no problem with the paint coming off. Done this on many items and never had a problem. Good luck.

By the way, make sure the rag with the laquer thinner is nearly dry--you want to avoid getting any of the thinner into the shift pattern area--just skim over the top of it.

 

Here is an even simpler method: use nail polish. Paint over the letters and the surrounding area completely. Then use nail polish remover on a kleenex and lightly go over the entire area. All thats left will be the engraving with nail polish in it. Want a different color? press harder with the kleenex and it will all come out.

Trust me, this method works great, is cheap, and can be changed VERY easily. Plus you can find nail polish and remover anywhere and in any color your heart desires.

 

try finger nail polish and if you mess up use paint thinner

 

go simple, don't over think this too much...

 

I agree, nail polish works great.

 

there's a thread about this. The guy used nail polish and it worked great.

 

Nail polish.

I play golf and people use nail polish all the time to paintfill the logos on golf clubs which are milled in and the same size as the milled shift pattern logo on your shift knob.

Paint it into the pattern, then wipe down with a rag and acetone. Very easy

 

I actually used a color match "chip mender" pen.



Just pencil in the pattern with the pen - no mess- no bother and you can color match to your car color or preference.