LACQUER STIK COLOR FILL IN PAINT STICK Reviews & Ratings
Reviews Summary
Customers praise the LACQUER STIK for its effectiveness in highlighting engravings and markings on firearms, noting ease of use and lasting results. However, some users mention challenges with cleanup and compatibility with various surfaces, along with the need for proper application and drying time. It's a solid product for detailed work with some quirks to master.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Ease of Use
75%
Many reviewers find the LACQUER STIK easy to work with, particularly for filling in details on firearms. Techniques involving heating and careful application are commonly shared, indicating that once mastered, the process can yield excellent results.
Durability
70%
Users frequently comment on the longevity of the color filled by the lacquer, with some reporting six months of use without fading or peeling. This durability is essential for maintaining the aesthetics of marked areas on firearms.
Cleanup Challenges
60%
While application is generally described as straightforward, many reviewers express difficulty with cleaning up excess lacquer without affecting the filled-in areas. This process requires specific techniques and solvents to avoid unwanted removals.
Versatility
65%
Reviewers appreciate the LACQUER STIK's use across different items, particularly firearms, but also other engravings. Its ability to work well on various finishes shows its versatility in application.
Preparation and Technique
50%
Successful application often depends on thorough surface preparation and the right technique, as highlighted by numerous reviewers. Tips involving cleaning agents and proper timing reinforce the importance of preparation.
Color Accuracy
40%
Some reviews mention discrepancies in color representation, with occasional observations of colors not matching expectations. This theme highlights the need for customers to be mindful when selecting the desired shades for specific applications.
Pretty good; not great
(Note: I've used the white on black and gray finishes from John Norrell, and the black on Burnt Bronze cerakote so that's my experience.) This product works fairly well but it can be hard to use. But as far as I can tell, it's the only product designed specifically for this use. It's something in between a grease pencil and a crayon. You peel back the protective sheath to expose the medium, and because it tends to harden after awhile you might have to shave off a little "shell" to get to the fresh stuff. Basically, you bear down with the stick and rub it on, forcing the medium down into the engraving/stamping/rollmark you want to highlight. That's the easy part. The hard part is cleaning off the stuff you smeared all around the filled-in area without actually removing it from the places you want it to remain. On a shiny blued gun that's no problem, but on a matte surface like Parkerizing or some coatings, the stuff will not all come off without some persuasion. If you read the instructions, you'll see that mineral oil is the solvent for this stuff. You can dampen a (preferably lint-free) cloth in mineral oil and use that to wipe the area clean, but if you bear down much the shallower areas of, for example, a roll-mark will get cleaned out. I've tried wiping the area with mineral oil before application and that does tend to make clean-up easier. You'll just have to work at developing your own technique. That said, once you get this stuff on and looking right, it does look good and will stay in place pretty much indefinitely. So the upshot is: This is a finicky product but once you get used to its peculiarities it will do a good job of making your roll-marks, etc. stand out.

