Painting cast pewter?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

What do I need to do to help prepare cast pewter for painting? Thanks Martin

2

If it was mine, a quick bath in vinegar to give the surface some tooth, then hit it with a good primer, let it dry, bake it for an hour or so below 200 degrees, then on with the paint. I use Krylon Gray in the spraycan because it dries fast…

Need it quicker? Omit the vinegar and heat.

3

I am curious as I have bags of N Scale pewter cars and trucks to paint…what does the heat do to assist in painting?

Thanks.

4

Bakes the primer onto the pewter so it won’t have a tendency to peel.

5

Heat helps bond the paint to the metal. It’s not absolutely necessary, but if the items will be handled or otherwise exposed to wear, it should be considered. The lowest setting on many ovens is in the 170 degree range and works fine for this, Just don’t bake plastic, resin or other similar items!

6

I think there was an article years ago on baking plastic in a microwave oven [?]

7

Thanks i’ll give it a try this weekend hopefully.