Currently building a signal box for Gresley's Run. It is the Metcalfe card kit. Have purchased the Ratio Signal Box Interior (etched brass) kit that includes a lever frame. I am hoping that this will suit the interior. Trouble is that I have never painted brass before. Therefore a cry for help. Has anyone done this and can they share any pearls of wisdom, procedures or at least what I should not do. Thanks Andrew
Hi Andrew, I was talking to Paul on this very subject a couple of days ago. There is a primer coat that you should use specifically for brass. It provides a bond for the paint to grip onto and prevents it from flaking off. I'll get the name of it and post it up for you possibly tonight. Cheers Toto
Hi Andrew Firstly cleanliness is next to godliness - evidently god is a modeller. Use a creamclenser eg JIF, the cheaper the better as they don't have anything to make the surface shine. Use an old tooth brush to lightly scrub off and flux etc. Then rinse off with plenty of warm water - not too hot if white metal castings Then wearing latex gloves (stops finger prints) use a tack cloth or similar to remove any traces of grease. Leave to dry in a warm place. Use an etching primer, leave to dry. http://www.phoenix-paints.co.uk/about-us/hints-tips/etch-primers.html Paint as normal Paul
As the finished item is in an enclosed area and not likely to get any knocks etc. I would use the good old Halfords grey primer after washing everything in warm soapy water. If it was on an external site where it could be knocked then etched primer is the way to go. Going a bit off key but Halfords Plastic Primer is great for plastic kits and is acrylic based. I have used it on white metal as well with excellent results
Hi Andrew I had to paint my brass lever frames for my layout and used an etch primer I bought at Bunnings. I bought the spray can version, but there is also small tin of it available. I figured the can was easier than mixing and thinning the tinned stuff. You won't need much for what you are planning though. Here's a link for it. Cheers Steve. https://www.bunnings.com.au/white-knight-rust-guard-300g-sls-etch-primer_p1565449 Attached files
