well, i did it. lol
used a bit of a different method, but close. when i was wiping off with the thinner, it was bringing it out of the engraving.
covered everything, let it sit for a couple minutes, wiped off with dry paper towel, let sit for a few more minutes, wiped off excess with gun oil. did this 2x and it looks great
now to get out and get some rounds through it quickly to see if its going to burn the paint or not