These inlays were pretty worn,and I will add some depth to the existing lines,plus add in some new. Engraving is an art in itself,and not my specialty,but I can do a pretty fair job at it. It really enhances the inlays on a restoration. And this is the neck with frets, binding, stain and inlay work completed. I choose to do the leaves in gold and silver,as the rosewood looks good with gold on it, so I took my artist brushes,and carefully painted in the leaves,making the bird silver,except darkening all of the lines in his feathers.
Nothing is cast in stone,with paintwork.
Then a polish out,starting with a medium grit,to ultrafine polishing compound,hand rubbed. It is better to polish all hardware to be plated,versus risking it being done outside by the plating company,who may not be as gentle and caring for non replaceable parts. This is tedious work,and no time to be impatient. Just go slow,using the right amount of compound and buffing pressure. Plating will be done by Richelieu Banjos ,for the quality that is a must for such an instrument.