How to avoid removing valve markings when cleaning?

[threeseven]

When cleaning valves from dusty and soiled sets the markings generally wipe off along with the dust and dirt. Is there any way to prevent this happening? I use moist wipes for many cleaning jobs on old equipment.

[Restoration73]

For valves that do not reach a high envelope temperature this method may work. Make
sure if the valve marking is paint it is not already falling off first.
Wipe around the marking with moist rag. Allow to dry. Apply masking tape around
the marking area. Spray thin coat of aerosol lacquer. Allow to dry, remove tape.
Sadly, some white markings on valves can become brown but are still legible.

[richrussell]

Compressed air won't dissolve the printing like a moist cloth or tissue will. I tend to clean the dust off valves and the chassis with an air line - though you do have to be careful not to lift any paper labels with it.

[Ti Pwun]

I just use a dry Q-Tip and gently work around/in between the lettering, then use a clean J cloth to shine up the rest of the valve.

[Maarten]

Please note that in case of Philips/Mullard/etc valves there is another piece of lettering to work around: Two lines of small dark factory markings near the socket. Contrary to popular beliefs, those will wipe off almost as easily as the 'normal' markings.

[Taylor79]

Dry Q-tip works for me just be careful in between lettering.

[G8HQP Dave]

The Philips etch code should not rub off. However, some 'late era' valves from non-Philips factories had the code painted on and this can be difficult to read even when uncleaned.

[vinrads]

I find that water will remove the lettering so I now use Mr sheen polish it works for me , Mick.