i've tried many breeds of china white. i despised them all. i tried this one-- perfect ! if applied fairly thin, does not flake or wipe off. if applied too thick it will flake a bit. a little bit on a finger-- dab on thin, good for pencil drawing with subsequent scribing over.
mention was made about dychem white. i bought a bottle. works great with pencil and does not flake when cutting. takes inkjet very nicely. in use, rid the brush of the excess liquid and apply.. a thin coat dries in a few minutes. i got the stuff from mcmaster carr. try it, you'll like it.
this video is as long as it is great instruction. i've only watched about the first 30 minutes. i will finish it later. imho it shows a very common sense approach to engraving whatever the style of choice. i'd advise any newb to take the time to absorb what is shown. enjoy & learn
it's possable to learn engraving using only a flat graver to start. as slill is gained, other gravers can be used to finalize a design. this is primarily for newbies.
for those on a budget, this could work. forge not needed. nor is a $400 post vise. a hand held mapp gas torch will work beautifully for this. the spring thingy can be had for maybe 50 cents-- or even free at any junk yard. one spring would make maybe 100 gravers.
the problem would be to learn...