I bought sets of BECC stuff for Plimsoll Line and depth markings which come printed on transparent sheets. So, expecting them to blend in once coated with clear varnish, much as wet transfers do, I cut them out and applied them. However after a few of coats of satin varnish they still look pretty iffy:
This is on a cheapish 'Southampton' tug which is in part a testbed, so I'm not too fussed about it on this model (though suggestions to improve it would be very welcome). However, on my 'big' project I would not be happy with this, so I'm after any ideas on what to do from scratch, or even an alternative product, to get a better look.
I'm even contemplating trying to build the depth and Plimsoll marks from individual lettering and lines, but that would be pretty hard work - and I rather doubt there are small enough sets to do the Plimsoll lettering.