
Thread 443/14
"Frosting" the cap on a vintage fountain pen
Q. I do professional restoration and repair of vintage fountain pens for a living. A problem I have run into is on a particular model pen, The Parker 51 (a classic pen that many of you may remember).
Some of the caps available on these pens have a "frosted" finish (called Lustraloy by Parker) on an (I believe) stainless steel base. The problem I and many in the fountain pen repair community have run into is over time with handling and use the Lustraloy has worn to a smooth semi polished/shiny finish. My question is what product/process can I use to restore the frosty finish on these pens?
Thank you for your time and assistance.
fountain pen restoration and repair - Jefferson City, Missouri, USA
2007
publicly reply to Dennis W. Lively
![]() |
A. You can use sandblasting (fine) or some acid treatment/matte finish for steel,or even fine sandpaper may be useful. One picture is better than 1000 kilos of words. Hope it helps and good luck! Goran Budija- Cerovski vrh Croatia 2007 publicly reply to Goran Budija A. I thought Parker Pens offered a lifetime guarantee on their pens - why not send the cap back to them and get them to do it free? ![]() Trevor Crichton R&D practical scientist Chesham, Bucks, UK 2007 publicly reply to Trevor Crichton |
Polishing of Fountain pen nibs
Q. We are currently working on a task to polish fountain pen nibs, but we desire shiny surface finishing, and brightness is not yet achieved.
Can anyone please share the suitable media required for this purpose along with the type of suitable machine.
- Pakistan
May 3, 2018
publicly reply to Muhammad Usman
Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread