Painting topic for stationary engines

[Steve HuckinsParticipant @stevehuckins53362]

Can I get everyone’s preferred painting methods for stationary steam engines please. I have used etch primer so far and spray paints, various. I used some acrylic with an airbrush on my completed PM1 recently but was not too happy with the finish or toughness. Currently working on Stuart Half Beam and I would guess enamel is going to be one recommended choice. If applying by hand, what would be a good choice of brush ? And perhaps a recommended make of both paint and brush ?

Looking forward to the Midland Show again this year.Already booked my stay.  As a beginner, I went in 2024 and couldn’t carry everything I bought there. Also enjoyed a couple of nights in Leamington Spa. The shuttle bus from the station there was a great bonus for the first day as well.

regards to all

Steve

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I have covered my methods before, have a look at this post on MEM.

I only use etch on non ferrous, high build primer if the surface is a bit rough, plain primer on steel and smooth iron. usually rattle cans but do get the airbrush out if it’s a particular colour and in that case use Precision (pheonix) enamels.

 

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Do remember to check compatibility with every new batch of paint, especially different types. With manufacturers changing formulations nowadays you can’t rely on the stuff you used five years ago still being well behaved in its latest incarnation.

[DalboyParticipant @dalboy]

After some advice on here I used etch primer followed by car auto paint then a coat of petrol resistant clear coat also for cars

[Charles LamontParticipant @charleslamont71117]

For brush painting, I have done OK jobs with Humbrol, using really soft artists watercolour brushes.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Is it just me or is modern Humbrol  a pale imitation of the old stuff?

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

No, It’s not just you Duncan – I bought my first tin of Humbrol (actually it was Humber Oil Company then) for the princely sum of -9d (nine old pence) a standard tin (that’s less than 5p today) Now extremely over priced at £2.30 plus a tinlet the quality of the basic gloss enamel range is a shadow of it’s former self. Thin pigment, slow to cure (not dry) it’s the last make I would turn to these days and I have used a fair bit of it over the years – in fact still have some quite old tins of it which, still useable, readily knocks the new stuff into a cocked hat.

Synthetic hair artist type brushes are fine but do use a flat one not a pointed type – that will achieve a much more uniform coating and allow the paint to be brushed out evenly

Tug

[Adrian R2Participant @adrianr2]

Paragon Paints still seem to sell proper stuff for brush application, lots of pigment, dries well and it also sticks straight to cast iron with no primers needed.

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