Handlebar installation trace
 

Hello everyone
Is there any way to avoid installation traces?

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bbcfa94721.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...301d15b85a.jpg

Careful installation? Place masking tape on either side of where the stem clamp will end up to help protect the finish. Andy

Yes, remove the stem faceplate completely, install the handle bar and orient it in the desired final position and then reinstall the face plate. Don't rotate or slide it sideways once the face plate is in place.

I should use masking tape when I first installed a new handlebar, and can't remove the marks now:(

Black sharpie or paint pen.. or brush in cap touch up (or ignore it)

+1 on the Sharpie. I have black bars on a couple of bikes, and the black marker works wonders. The gun metal gray on my Ultegra drivetrain isn't so easy to touch up. I found a Sharpie paint pen at Joanne's craft shop that did wonders on an old gold Raleigh frame. Not perfect, but from 10 ft away, not too bad.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e9142efa30.jpg
Before ...
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e20dc9e2a4.jpg
After ... not perfect but from 10 ft. away ... A couple more coats made it better.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1441278a88.jpg