Priming Metal Parts

[jland31]

How do you prepare/prime those small metal parts in an N Scale DPM Gold kit?

Want the paint to adhere but don't want to lose the detail as some primer paints do.

Been told that the product "Blacken It" will slightly etch the metal & paint will stick preserving the detail.

Help!

 

[shamus]

Hi, I always use a black primer called Chaos black, made by Citadel. Very thin coat.

Shamus

 

[DanRaitz]

The main thing that you want to do, is to wash the pieces in warm soapy water. This will remove all oils and release agents. If you want to etch it before priming you can use Vinegar (sp) also. I tend to use a light grey paint for a primer.

Dan

 

[Vic]

Don't use Blacken It on any cast metal parts that are made from that silver/grey looking pot metal. It will eat them up Blacken It is made for brass, nickle sliver and other non-ferrous metals. It really doesn't color the metal anyway...all it does is cause the the surface of the metal to oxidize to a blackish brown color. The oxidation is not a suitable primer, it will flake off.

Any paint on or spray on primer should work just fine.

TIP: To etch brass prior to painting:
1. First clean the piece in laqure thinner to remove and oil or
coating.
2. Rinse the piece under warm water and allow it to air dry.
3. Submerge the piece in white vinegar for 3-4 hours.
4. Rise throughly again and allow it to air dry.
5. Prime and paint.

 

[grumbeast]

In addition to model railroads I also paint
wargaming miniatures (mainly 1/300 1/285th scale).

I simply wash them in warm water (with a little detergent)
let them dry and give them a thin coat of basic automotive
primer (black or grey). I haven't had any detail loss
(even tank treads and grills) but the coat should be very
light. The citadel paint that Shamus recommends is good
but I find it a little pricey.

Cheers

Graham

 

[jland31]

Metal Primer

Thanx for the replys.

You guys using auto primer;
Do you spray it on or do you brush it?

 

[grumbeast]

Spray.. carefully.. from about a foot away, you get quite
a bit of waste with small parts but the coverage is lighter.

oh.. quick tip.. don't have any pink foam around!, the propellent
eats is away! (as I found out the hard way

Graham