Please recommend a black model paint for restoring old Lionel steam engine. Want to avoid a vivd dark black. Need something to blend in with other old engines. Also, how do I restore the number on the cab? Thanks.
http://www.olsenstoytrainparts.com/
This place should have the right paint and possibly a rubber stamp for the number. There are some more sites, & hope this helps !
A company named InsulX High Gloss makes a completely flat black alkyd based paint. (odd name I know). I’ve used this for special order projects. One drawback is you’ve got to handle the finished project with cotton gloves to avoid leaving finger prints.
If I were to redo a post war steam engine I’d use this. It would produce a painted engine perfectly matching the chemicaly blackened parts. Then I’d give the whole thing a coat of Armor-All. Instant Mint [}:)]
Krylon Semi-Flat Black is a perfect choice. It dries very fast and looks perfect on an old steamer.
Jim
The Krylon is the way to go. I had an old 2055 chassis with a 2063 shell. I repainted and relettered it to 2055. Use the krylon w/ many coats (thin). Then buy dry transfers-they are abot $5 for a sheet of many differnet size numbers. Buy a can of Testors Dullcoat and give it several more coats over the numbers to seal and protect. It looks great and is as durable as a rubber tamp from what I can tell.
Just wondering, do any of you have problems with paint adhesion when using the Krylon? I use it on vintage electric fan blades which gives them an excellent appearance, but the paint doesn’t adhere nearly as well as the factory paint, and it scratches fairly easily. I would think that would be a big problem on something like a locomotive that’s handled a lot. Have you found it to be an issue, and how do you get around it?
Joel
The Krylon sticks well-I sanded the old shell here and there. I put several light coats on-probably 6 or so, letting each dry well. After the 6 more coats of Dullcoat, it should take anything.
Tom