One might try experimenting with adding pigment - like buff titanium to an epoxy and piping it into the grooves.
At least that's what I might try first.
Although I came across some that someone had obviously tried to backfill and they look awful! :^p
I'll take pics if I can find them on my desk again. I do want to try your suggestion, if I go very carefully, it might work!
Let's take the example of Ecuador spindle whorls. They were made from black clay, and some have remarkably intricate carving. However, because this is "black-on-black" the carving is not easily seen (without a hand lens). So here's a solution I was told in the '70s, that I have recommended many times, and was used with great success. Rub toothpaste into the carved areas (!).
It's very easy, readily available from almost any store, it's cheap, and it works. You rub it in (as carefully as you're willing to be), and let the whorls (or beads) sit for a week. The toothpaste will dry out and become reasonably hard. And since the carvings are recessed, the toothpaste is not worn-away by handling.
I see no reason why this would not work with Venetian meander beads—or any beads that have white lines that have fallen out. (This is a fairly common occurrence, because the black and white glasses are not entirely compatible.)
Good luck. Jamey
Because now I can't remember the "special place" I put them!
Oh....er....mint flavored, cinnamon, or regular?
Yes, pun intended!
So I used Colgate toothpaste to backfill some of the carved channels missing their white glass, as Jamey suggested. (See the first pic below.)
I wasn't sure whether to let it dry, THEN try to wipe off the excess, wipe it off immediately, or what. When I wiped it off immediately, it took some of the paste out of the channel. (See the second pic below.)
But when I let it dry a few minutes (a long time in this dry California climate!), it was easier to wipe off smaller amounts, and leave more in the channels. (See pic in next post.)
They already look better. I may do a second round, once these are completely dried. (In a week, as Jamey suggested.)
When I do it again, I may add a tiny wee bit of alcohol ink to "yellow" the toothpaste a little. Just so the stark white isn't as much of a contrast.
OTOH, these are already looking a heckuva lot better than they did!
And best of all, my hands have a minty fresh smell!
Thanks, Jamey!!!!!
This is a pic of all the beads so far. They're already looking better!
An added plus (for me) is the toothpaste residue makes the beads look a little more aged & crusty. I like that, but if you don't, you'll want to take more care to remove it from the black surfaces.
I'll be back in a week!
