A scratch visible in a finished sample photograph may have existed before the test. Recording the starting condition helps avoid assigning every visible change to the engraving process.
Make a condition record first
Once material suitability is established, photograph the specimen before processing. Record the specimen identifier, visible marks and the face being documented. Keep a clean original photograph and place any arrows or labels on a separate copy.
After a permitted test, compare the same face from a similar view. Describe observations narrowly: a mark is visible in both photographs, a new feature appears, or the available views do not resolve the difference. Do not claim a cause from appearance alone.
Preserve uncertainty
If the first photo is blurred or the object was turned over, record that limitation. Retaking a final photo cannot recreate missing baseline evidence. A separate untreated reference may help with future comparisons, but it cannot establish the history of this particular specimen.
For AntBelt G1 sample planning, these records support clearer questions. They do not establish material compatibility, a performance guarantee or a recommended operating setting.
Explore related AntBelt preparation notes at /updates/.