Laser Etched Switch Question

This may be an odd question but I'm hoping someone here may have some background on the subject.

As I am planning to convert my standard push button transfer case to an SJ413 case, I began thinking about the 3 useless buttons that will be sitting in my dash (OCD time). I began thinking that it should be an easy task (if they can be taken off without damage) to remove the existing layer of paint from the button covers. Once they are back to their original opaque plastic, I'm thinking they could be repainted and then custom etched. As long as I have front and rear lockers, that seems like a good place to integrate the switches......in spite of there being easier methods.

I have found listings for companies that will do custom laser etching of customer supplied parts but I still have a couple of questions.

First, I am wondering if the covers are actually a painted surface. I would think so since laser etching is normally done by removing the layer of paint in a specified area. Playing with (scratching) a laser etched switch I have, it seems as though it is a painted surface but is thin enough to make me wonder. Is there a different process they use or simply machine painted for defined thickness and uniformity?

My other question, really directed to any forum members with experience, is whether or not custom etching services will take the entire job of painting/finishing and then etching.

I will be contacting the companies I have found to ask these things but hesitate doing that yet. I am still working on getting the items I ordered for my t-case conversion sent from the U.S. and will be lucky if they are Christmas presents. I have found that companies get annoyed answering anything that resembles technical questions unless you are already set to pull the trigger on a purchase.

Any information or guidance is appreciated
Bob

I must admit Lambert that thinking the 4WD switches were laser etched was an assumption. Most backlit automotive switches are now but I can't confirm. Because of age and health issues, unless there is an emergency, I am not allowed to leave the house until the lockdowns are lifted. For that reason my nephew has been using the Jimny for the last couple of weeks and I won't get it back for a couple more. As a member of the media, he can go wherever, whenever.

As far as the feel of the laser etching, that should depend on the coating thickness. With a very thin coating, I doubt you could feel it.

I downloaded a couple of pictures for comparison but that doesn't really confirm anything.


Not mine



And a typical laser etched.

Hopefully somebody can shed some light.

Instead of paint, what about black vinyl wrap with the logo cut into the vinyl. Might need a 2nd clear wrap to stop the edges of the lettering lifting?

I do not know with what process the pictures/wording on the switches are made but on my foglight switch whatever is done is done not on the surface that I touch but on the backside.

Thanks all for the comments. I think that my starting point will need to be confirming Lambert's thoughts. The whole idea of new etching would be unworkable if the existing switches aren't laser etched. I will pull the switch when the Jimny returns and try to determine how the covers are marked. If they aren't etched, then covering and remarking would be an option. That would likely cause me to lose the backlit feature. I would like to keep that, but probably it isn't urgent. I do virtually no off-road driving at night.

I have seen side comments about these switches in the past so will update in case anyone is interested.