Re-ink Name Plates

Caring for Your Collar's Name Plate

Oct 5, 2026 · @Ralph Quillin

About your name plate

We stand behind the workmanship and materials in every Quillin pet collar. The baked-inenamel that fills the lettering on the name plate is another matter: we can't guarantee itwill hold up to scratching, weather extremes, or a dog's ordinary day.

If the lettering wears thin, you can re-ink it at home in about ten minutes, or send it backto us and we'll do it for free.

What you'll need

Paint thinner or nail polish remover

Black model paint, from any hobby store or Walmart

Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)

Paper towels

A soft, clean rag

Re-inking, step by step

1.Clean the plate. Wipe the name plate with paint thinner or nail polish remover to lift off old enamel, dirt, and oils. Keep the solvent on the plate and off the leather.

2.Let it dry. Give the plate a few minutes to dry completely before you add paint.

3.Dab in the paint. Dip a cotton swab in black model paint and use it as a dauber, working the paint down into the engraved letters.

4.Squeegee off the excess. Fold a paper towel into a firm pad and draw it across the face of the plate in one direction, like a squeegee. The paint stays in the letters and comes off the flat surface.

5.Let the paint dry. Leave it alone until the paint is fully set.

6.Buff it bright. Rub the plate with a soft rag to clear any paint left on the surface.

Or send it back to us

We'll polish, re-ink, and return your collar at no charge. Mail it to:

Quillin Leather & Tack 716 Main Street Paris, Kentucky 40361

Questions? Call us at 859-987-0215 or visit quillin.com.

Polishing a tarnished plate

Our name plates are hand polished, not lacquered. Everyday wear usually keeps themshining on its own.

If yours has tarnished, a little Brasso or a similar metal polish on a soft rag will bring itback. Polish gently around the lettering so you don't lift the ink.