Dumb question....

[owenj492]

I would like to re-create that "white paint" look the picture has on the serial numbers, anyone tried this or knows what was used to fill in the stamped serial numbers?

[Phosphorus32]

I've heard of people using: most easily reversed, white chalk or white grease pencil; or requiring solvent to reverse, white nail polish (acetone or ethyl acetate nail polish remover) or white enamel paint (paint stripper to remove).

I'm not speaking from experience, since I haven't filled any of the crests, numbers, lettering on my firearms, so take my suggestions for what they're worth.

[astronut]

I have heard of some also using liquid paper/correction fluid.  I have never tried it so I have no experience with doing it. 

[Phosphorus32]

I have heard of some also using liquid paper/correction fluid.  I have never tried it so I have no experience with doing it.

Yup, I've heard that too  I think that's a complete list now.

[running-man]

Don't forget the shoe polish, the old internet lore was white shoe polish filling in sketchy stampings to hide what the bottom truly looks like.

I think what is used also depends on what you're trying to fill in.  The deeper the stamp, the better your results will likely be with lacquer or enamel.  For example, a stamped S/N on a Russian filled in with heavy white:


Chinese S/N and arsenal stamps:



Owen, the Yugo you have in your example I think is possibly unfilled.  A light pentograph/CNC electropencil mark like is typically seen on the Yugo receiver or a light mechanical or laser etch as is found on the magazine are both quite a bit lighter than a typical stamp:




Actual stamps on these Yugo parts are actually quite dark, the bluing appears to have been performed after the stamping was made:

[Matchka]

I've used white shoe polish and a qwik swipe with a damp rag to highlight sernos, crests, stamps, etc. Never paint or anything that has to be removed with a harsh solvent.

[carls sks]

maybe nail polish.

[Larry D.]

A crayon will work for a temporary solution.
Nail polish is relatively cheap and readily available.

[owenj492]

I just wish I knew what the Yugoslavians used back in the day when they manufactured the M59/66.....

[Justin Hell]

The Yugoslavians used bare metal....which is what you see in your example.
It will darken with age, use and handling...

[owenj492]

I just wish I knew what the Yugoslavians used back in the day when they manufactured the M59/66.....

I'm referring to the white-ish paint filled in the stamped serial numbers.

[Phosphorus32]

I just wish I knew what the Yugoslavians used back in the day when they manufactured the M59/66.....

I'm referring to the white-ish paint filled in the stamped serial numbers.

I don’t know of any government arsenal that used white fill on serial numbers. It’s a collector’s addition.