Gold makers mark

[jdm61]

I have seen a number of makers put their mark on damascus blades in gold. How is that done?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

The mark is etched, and cleaned with the stencil in place. Then the etched area is "brush plated" with gold.

 

[jdm61]

Thanks for the response, Bill. Does the gold gum up the stencil? Do you clean through the stencil? I ask because it would be a pain to get he stencil lines up exactly right again. Also, it a thin plating of gold acid resistant like solid gold so that the damascus can be etched after plating?

The mark is etched, and cleaned with the stencil in place. Then the etched area is "brush plated" with gold.

 

[Nebulae]

I thought the mark was stamped, then filled with gold wire and filled/sanded down.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I would imagine the mark is etched after the blade has been etched. This would seem to be the best method.
Gold plating involves gold on the molecular level, so it wouldn't affect the stencil. The plating is 24K, so it would not be affected by the etchant.
Stamped marks can be undercut, and gold inlays applied-but this requires the skills of a good engraver. The undercutting would be done before the blade has been heat treated.