What does "One coat of black enamel or Japan at source" on a blueprint mean?

[Scott S.]

I have seen this expression "or Japan at source" on some of the blueprints in the Adams book, one example is on page 105, the blueprint for the spring portion of the Jack Spring Asm.

The description says "One coat of black enamel or Japan at source".

What does "...or Japan at source" mean?

[Michael W.]

Re: What does "One coat of black enamel or Japan at source" on a blueprint mean?

Maybe this:

http://cranialstorage.com/Wood/japanning.html

[Scott S.]

Re: What does "One coat of black enamel or Japan at source" on a blueprint mean?

Maybe this:

http://cranialstorage.com/Wood/japanning.html

Thanks Michael, I think that answers the question!

After reading a few of the recipes for Japanning, for purposes of coating the Jack Spring, it seems like black enamel paint would be much simpler. Can anyone recommend a black enamel paint that is also flexible and durable enough not to flake off when the spring is stretched and wrapped around the Jack?

[John H.]

Re: What does "One coat of black enamel or Japan at source" on a blueprint mean?

After reading a few of the recipes for Japanning, for purposes of coating the Jack Spring, it seems like black enamel paint would be much simpler. Can anyone recommend a black enamel paint that is also flexible and durable enough not to flake off when the spring is stretched and wrapped around the Jack?

Scott -

Stretch the spring far enough to separate the coils from each other (like between two nails on a board) and paint it while the coils aren't touching. Remove after it's fully dry.