I have read a lot about various products that people have used to mark on stainless steel but I have always used a very cheap dry erase marker from the dollar store UNTIL today.  I decided to use this permanent marker (also from the dollar store) just to see if there would be a difference.  After cleaning the surface of my flattened spoon, I inspected both sides to see which was a better surface to mark on.  Then I covered the entire surface that I wanted marked with the ink.  Yes, get the edges as well.

Take a look at these photos.  The first image you will see I placed the spoon with the handle at the bottom.  You'll also notice that the image is upside down.  Since I plan to hang it from the hole in the handle, the handle will be the top.  The image will be marked beyond the edges so be aware that it may mark your base.  I used an old oven cookie sheet. 

Note: I used ImageR to create the proper texture and “look” of this image.  I selected the Norton: Stainless Steel settings. *UPDATE: Now with the XCS upgrades you can actually achieve this with the XCS tools available.

So here we go.  I used the “Stainless Steel” settings and used auto-measure to adjust the focus as well as the “Prisms” option.

As you can see (after about 80 min) the image looks kinda weird and marked beyond the surface of the spoon.

The spoon was a bit warm but not “hot” when I removed it.  I used this old hand sanitizer to rub off the excess ink.  I'm pretty sure you can use any brand and it would do the same thing.  I sometimes use hand wipes as well but this was closer and I really wanted to get rid of the little amount left in the bottle.  (Don't you just hate that? Just a few drops that I can't bring myself to toss taking up space…ugh!)

Well, here it is!  Tada!  you'll notice an iridescent sheen on a couple of the images.  I assume that was just left over liquid from the hand sanitizer because as I continued to take photos, it “magically” disappeared.  Do you believe??

TIP: Now that you have a very “original' piece of artwork, find a place that it will be seen on a regular basis.  This was placed by the front door of my house.  When visitors leave, they may see it and wonder, ”What the heck is that?" which gives you the perfect opportunity to tell them about your business, hobby or just freak them out!!

OK, well I appreciate y'all taking the time to read and follow my projects.  I hope if any of this helps you out that you'll let me know below.  As always, if you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.  

Thanks!

Robert

OuiBCr8f