Brass painting advice wanted

[NW Modeling List]

Greg:
 
You've already gotten lots of spot-on advice that I need not repeat.   But, 
let me highlight some points for more emphasis.
- Use a vented paint booth AND an industrial quality mask.  You don't  want 
to read the list of ingredients in model railroad paint.  Believe the  
warning labels.
- Don't use spray cans (unless you're lazy and/or have lots of  
discretionary income)
- Buy a good spray gun and practice on scraps (or inexpensive, "ok if I  
ruin it" models).  Unless you're an artist, single-action is fine.  If  you 
graduate to double action, good for you.  I have both an internal mix  and an 
external mix (bought in that order) and get equivalent results.  The  latter 
is infinitely easier to clean.  DO CLEAN THE GUN THOROUGHLY AS SOON  AS 
YOU'RE FINISHED!!!
- Make sure what you're painting is clean.  The long, detailed prep  steps 
others have outlined may be necessary - or may be overkill.  
- If the clear coat from the factory is thick, remove it; if it's not,  
don't bother.  My experience is that beyond about 18 in. nobody can tell  the 
difference.  Use your own judgement.
- Make sure the paint is strained, especially if it's from a  
previously-used bottle.  One of the stainless steel screens to fit around  the siphon 
tube, or built into a funnel, is a very wise investment.  I  keep several 
immersed in clean thinner to ensure that the screens themselves  don't clog.
- Apply window glazing as the very last step, before you reassemble the  
model.  Otherwise the clear overcoat may fog the glazing.
- Don't be scared to start. You will make mistakes.  We all did  and most 
of us still do.  Remember, with brass if you mess it up, you can  strip it 
and start over
- Enjoy it!  Watching the finished product emerge is a very rewarding  
experience!
 
Dave Phelps
 
 
In a message dated 3/8/2011 6:50:56 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org writes:

   
Howdy,
 
I recently purchased my first ever brass model, an N.I.B. Overland  
Virginian C-1 wood caboose with pre-1954 K brake at a great price ($165)  from a 
non-ebay internet site, and need some painting advice.
 
I want to use Floquil or Scalecoat flat Caboose Red canned spray paint  for 
the car body and use small brushes for the detail parts  like steps, 
handrails, grabirons, etc. I've also got Bill Mosteler's  decal set for it.
 
There's lots of internet info on painting brass with regards to surface  
preparation of the brass. Some of it is simple and straightforward, some more  
complicated. Most also recommend a light flat gray for a primer  coat.
 
I would love to hear from any brass painters on these lists what your  
experience has been like painting brass models, and what recommendations you  
have for surface prep, painting detail parts, best paint brands, etc.  TIA!
 
Greg Harrod
Fredericksburg,  Va.



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