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Old October 15, 2019, 04:40 PM   #1
Polinese
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Protecting an autograph on a scope.

So no judging me, but I had an actress sign one of my rifle scopes recently. Standard matte leupold, signed with a silver sharpie. I"m wondering if there's something I can spray on there to protect it from rubbing off? I do have a can of clear coat from acrylic but didn't know if that would be the best option.
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Old October 15, 2019, 06:21 PM   #2
Dfariswheel
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Best option might be a clear coat from Cerakote....

https://www.cerakote.com/finishes/?t...ings&cat=CLEAR

Buy an air curing type, and before using on THE scope, test it on a cheap scope or some anodized aluminum with the same type of ink or marker used on the original.
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Old October 15, 2019, 06:21 PM   #3
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I can't help myself, but I will judge you quietly.
Maybe a flat urithane could be sprayed over it after masking off the rest of the scope. You may want to work on getting a good picture of the signature, print and frame it. My guess is what ever you do to protect the signature will fail in the future. Firearms see a lot of oils, solvents and weather.
Good luck.
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Old October 15, 2019, 10:22 PM   #4
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Test a sample under automotive clear coat.
If it holds up, spray the original with it.
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Old October 16, 2019, 04:38 AM   #5
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keep out of sunlight and don't touch
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Old October 16, 2019, 06:26 AM   #6
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If you really want to preserve it take the scope off and put it away. Or mount it on a safe queen that you don't actually use except occasionally at the range.
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Old October 16, 2019, 06:57 AM   #7
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Agree with jmr40.

Maybe put it in a shadowbox and put it on the mantle piece or hang it on the wall.
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Old October 16, 2019, 07:00 AM   #8
mcb66
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The most important question is... What actress? Why a scope?
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Old October 16, 2019, 07:58 AM   #9
Jim Watson
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Me, too; what actress and was she in character for a part or was she at a shooting range like regular folks?
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Old October 16, 2019, 08:48 AM   #10
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Also agree with jmr40.

I will point out that if it could have collector value (say an example of a rifle used by the actress in a movie) it might do better to leave it on the original item.

Also would be more valuable if you have a picture of her using it (best) or signing or holding it. If you have those I would just put it up and hope it appreciates.
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Old October 16, 2019, 09:14 AM   #11
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Inquiring minds want to know, who?
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Old October 16, 2019, 10:32 AM   #12
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Probably a Porn Star! I'm sorry I couldn't resist.

I can't imagine any current big named actress that would be caught signing a product associated with firearms. Angelina Jolie possibly, I know shes been known to be pro-gun. Maybe Wonder Woman Gal Gadot, she served in the IDF.
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Old October 16, 2019, 11:24 AM   #13
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If it were Melissa McBride or Danai Gurira I'd try to get them to sign something too.
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Old October 16, 2019, 01:26 PM   #14
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"...take the scope off and put it away..." Yep. Kind of depends on who she is though. snicker.
Mind you, some of Sharpie's ink have something they call Smear Guard ink. Call 'em and ask if the silver has it.
https://www.sharpie.com/contact-us
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Old October 16, 2019, 03:23 PM   #15
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Although I have no experience specifically related to an event like this, in my opinion Post #10 provides the best advice.
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Old October 16, 2019, 10:53 PM   #16
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I'm not worried about value and the ultimate plan is to retire the scope. Currently the rifle only gets occasional range use and PRS which is done for the year so maybe by next year I can drum up a replacement for it and just retire that scope.

It was Amy Jo Johnson, original pink ranger, but also played a SWAT member on the show Flashpoint which was a personal favorite of mine. She often served as one of the team snipers on the show and the rifle the scope currently sits on was nicknamed after her character on Flashpoint. She was at NY Comic Con this year and I just thought it'd be cool and different to have her sign that.
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Old October 17, 2019, 01:41 AM   #17
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If you spray something over it, don't get in a hurry. If you get it actually wet with the coating, it will probably make the ink run/smear. You need to do very light coats and keep coating it (following the spray instructions in terms of time between coats) until you have enough thickness on it to protect it.
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Old November 6, 2019, 05:17 PM   #18
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Get a piece of that super tough clear tape that is put on the back of the dog tags that pet stores sell.
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Old November 7, 2019, 12:51 AM   #19
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That can work; but it might also ruin the autograph. I've seen the adhesive in some kinds of tape cause ink to fade to the point of invisibility.
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Old November 7, 2019, 06:05 AM   #20
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I sincerely hope it wasn't Rosie O'donnell????
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Old November 7, 2019, 07:18 AM   #21
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We use the silver (brand name) Sharpies at work. On hard surfaces, they will fade with time, sunlight and handling. They also will erase with various solvents, some common to paint and lacquers.
jmr gave you the best advice.
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Old November 7, 2019, 10:35 AM   #22
Polinese
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yeah I'm planning to retire the scope as I'm able to replace it. Might even just buy an SWFA 10x to replace it sooner for now but still wanted to try and put something on it to keep it around longer when I put it up on a shelf. Would Like to eventually mount it to a Rem 700P Like the show and keep it as a safe queen like a couple commemorative guns I have from my LE career.
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Old November 7, 2019, 10:46 AM   #23
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Remove/replace the scope and frame it.
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Old November 7, 2019, 01:45 PM   #24
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Testor's Dull Cote (flat) or Clear Cote (gloss), spray lacquer, available for a couple bucks at any decently stocked hobby or craft store.

Spray from about foot or so away, light coat, let air dry in dust free environment.

Do cover the lenses. Dullcote will definitely fog clear parts.

DO test on something else first, as well. Just in case...

This will not provide armor plate protection from handling wear (scrapes, etc) or fading due to constant sunlight exposure though.

If you want to be certain of preserving the autograph, it needs to go behind glass (in a display case, for example) and out of direct sunlight.
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Old December 2, 2019, 11:54 PM   #25
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You should test the same sharpie on another scope or non permeable surface with whatever you think you should cover it with. Spray clear coats may dissolve or act as a solvent.

I'm thinking clear fingernail polish. But test it first!
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