Reverse etch finishing question

[mikitz]

For those of you who have reverse etched, do you put on a clear coat to avoid oxidation? How bad is the oxidation on a reverse etch where only lettering is exposed against a background in dark paint? Does anyone just leave a reverse etch with exposed aluminum lettering?

So far I've done the etch, painted a dark blue, exposed the lettering with a pocket knife... it looks great! Sometimes I've learned not to mess with a good thing... but oxidation worries?

ps - Here is Ruz's video I followed showing a reverse etch process, looks great! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uQc2nMyHqM

[glops]

Instead of a pocket knife get a sanding block an wet sand the top with fine grit paper. 500 grit is good if you don't do a heavy coat of paint. Just sand carefully.

I like reverse etches with clear coat and no clear coat. I haven't had bad oxidation issues or none. Just sand it clean and dry it afterwards and it should be fine.

[mikitz]

Ok thanks for the advice. Reverse etching is getting me closer to the look and quality of finish I'm happy with. I ended up spraying a very thin layer of clear coat and it turned out well (Tremclad clear). I'll have to do an etch on a piece of scrap and try the sanding block method soon. It is nerve-racking though - one false move and you risk damaging the paint on the background. I suppose it will just take practice like everything else with this hobby!

[Tony Forestiere]

ps - Here is Ruz's video I followed showing a reverse etch process, looks great! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uQc2nMyHqM

That was a great tutorial. I see now why he used a small knife to scrape the very thin and delicate plateaus of the raised portions. Later in the video, it appears that he also wet sands the raised etch with a small block and very fine paper.
   What parts are you worried about oxidizing? Bare aluminum, paint, both? Hit it with a matte or glossy clear coat to protect it if you want, or just leave it alone to develop "Character" and "Experience". 
   *Slight hijack* At the end of watching Ruz's reverse etch video, I got an ear-worm (song-stuck-in-your-head) from the last piece played. I researched this guy, and wonder why I've never heard of him. Blues Saraceno. He has a Wiki, so he must be legit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues_Saraceno    This is the cut. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBJ--ZH0Fhs I am not too keen on the attire and presentation on the jacket, but I am digging the tune.