On some metals, lines or arcs that have been scribed using a jenny caliper may not be clearly visible. Using an oil-based paste called ‘engineer’s blue’ can solve this problem.

When engineer’s blue is mixed with methylated spirits, it forms a quick drying blue liquid known as marking blue or layout blue.

This is applied to the workpiece using a paintbrush before a jenny caliper is used to either locate the centre point or scribe a line parallel to the edge.

Following the application of the engineer’s blue solution, scribed lines will be more easily visible, as the blue colour provides a good contrast with the metal.

After the part has been machined, micrometer engineer’s marking blue can be removed with a solvent such as methylated spirits and a cloth.