Hello Boys and Girls,
I have a problem with painting photoetched metal parts. The paint usually peels off or is very fragile, so that the smallest scratch peels off the paint. I’m useing FS enamel paints. Are these the wrong paints and am I supposed to apply a primer first, and if so, which primer do you all suggest.
Thanks.
Mirage.
The inherent challenge with photo-etch parts is that they have a smooth surface, which is difficult for any paint to bond to. On the larger photo-etch parts you can try to sand them if you are up to the challenge. This will create a rougher surface area much more amenable for paint to adhere to.
As for the ideal paint, I’m a proponent for enamels when working with PE parts (or anything for that matter), but either acrylic or enamel is fine.
used enamels on my 109 photo etch stuff. used a brush on most and a toothpick for the smaller stuff.
joe
I usually spray the photoetch fret with pure lacquer thinner, to remove any residue, let it dry, then prime it with Floquil Gray Primer. For parts that may need a lot of bending, remove them from the fret before priming the rest, as the bending will cause even the primer to flake off. These I brush prime after bending. Final paint can be acrylic or enamel. The primer adheres well, except for bending, and gives some tooth for the final paint to adhere.
I’ve heard (but not tried) that you can give the PE a soak in vinegar to give the surface some tooth. Try it on a scrap first- you don’t want to see the whole fret go poof!