Ok, so the special drawing tool doesn't quite give you the fine control you want, it won't draw fine lines, and it isn't all that easy to use. It does have one major advantage though, it is reasonably SAFE to use. Being made of copper and zinc it is softer than glass and won't scratch it, which helps keep the bulb from breaking and helps keep you from harm. At least some of us manufacturers are watching out for your safety!
If you're willing to try something a little more dangerous, there are other ways of drawing on your Zebra Light. Use of safety glasses and leather work gloves is highly recommended!
A knife can be use to scratch lines in the special coating. This can give you finer lines, more control, and makes it easier to remove the coating, but there are two main dangers. One is that the steel of the knife will scratch the glass and cause the bulb to break (it might break when it heats up also; glass is weird stuff, you never know when it might break.) The other is that what you are trying to do is scratch a surface that is slippery (underneath the coating) and round. It is very easy for the blade to slip and cut you. This is where heavy work gloves are essential. Holding the knife blade itself and using both hands to create short, well controlled movements can help minimize the dangers.
A pin might be used to create very fine lines. There is less danger here than with the knife, but scratching the glass is even more likely so watch out for shattering bulbs.
Generally, it takes a lot to cause a Zebra Light to shatter. I myself have never seen one break, and I've been around them for years. It's round shape gives it added strength and glass is usually fairly resilient. Glass exhibits crystal-like behavior though so if you hit it at just the right place or just the right angle it can shatter with very little effort. And there's no way to tell where those sensitive places might be. So if you are going to try using other tools on your Zebra Light BE CAREFUL and take the appropriate precautions.
If you're an artist working with Zebra Lights, send us a scan or a photo and I'll publish it on these web pages with your name. Or even if you're not an artist. If you have some tips you'd like to share, email them and I'll add them here. One thing I would like to try is to use a Q-tip dipped in a solvent to rub off the coating. However, I haven't found a solvent yet that will dissolve the coating (lighter fluid doesn't work.) If you discover one please send me a note!
Zoom over to Peterson Enterprises Homepage
The contents of this page are Copyright 1995 by Peterson Enterprises.