How can I recreate/restore small text and graphics on a painted surface? I'm refinishing an old Bausch and Lomb Stereo Microscope and I am trying to recreate the graphics and text on the body, but I am not sure of the method used during manufacture. I would like a method I can apply myself, but I am open to using outside services for the materials or printing.





I initially looked into water slide decals, but they look obviously tacked on, revealing a transparent background. I also looked into decals, but I am assuming it is unsuitable given the small size of the graphics.

Any suggestions?
There is blank decal media which you can print on with an ink jet printer.  It is sold online and at hobby shops which cater to plastic model builders.  Apply them to your clean plastic surface using a wet-on-wet technique.  Then clear coat the entire surface to blend in the decal edges.

Here are some more tips on using decals.

Also, practice repeatedly on a similar piece of plastic before trying this on your restoration.