Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/29/2009

Question
Ms. Cronk,

I recently built a chess board and peices for my brother as a Christmas present.  The set turned out great; however, when I gave it to my brother he asked if I could put on the back the year, and that it was a gift from me to him.  I have done this before by inlaying and by using burn-in tools; however, the chess set is already completely finished, and I am afraid that these two options will mess up the existing finish that I worked so hard on.  My wife had suggested I just paint it on the back.  The finish i used was a handmade wiping varnish consisting of Boiled linseed oil, mineral spirits, and oil based poly.  My question is, is their a paint that will durably adhere to this finish?  Im not talking about a large area, just some detail painting in a corner on the back of the board.  I have not done this before, and wasnt sure if it would work.  If this is not an option, would you have an other suggestions?  Please advise, and Best Regards.  --Zach Burkhart

Answer
Hi Zach
Nice to hear from you.
Get an oil based black enamel which will stick fine over the finish you applied.
If you are not great at lettering, you could easily make a stencil with all the info your brother wants on the board.
Then tape the stencil securely to the board and cover all areas where you don't want paint and use an oil based black spray paint.
You can purchase stencil sheets and the knife very cheaply at any craft store.
And do a test run with the stencil before the final application to the board.
For either way, have some paint thinner and a rag at hand to wipe mistakes off easily.
Lucky Brother.
Regards
Eileen