I’m building my first permanent layout and am starting to lay track. I’ve found the paint that I want to use to paint the track (Rustoleum flat brown). I painted a couple of sections of remnant flex track that turned out great. I know that I have to be careful painting my Insulfrog turnouts but want to spray them because I don’t have any brush paint to match the color of the Rustoleum. Can I just put masking tape over key parts of the turnout and still spray them? The paint came off the top of the rail easily with a track cleaning block. Thanks.
Rustoleums web site lists Flat Brown as being available in quarts and pints. Ask your local hardware store to order a small can for you if they don’t carry it. Will save a lot of hassle trying to cover and clean the turnouts.
Good luck,
Richard
If the paint is safe for the ties, and if it looks right and will last for a few years without peeling off the ties and rails, it should be okay to use this on the Pecos, but bear in mind that the Pecos with which I am familiar have springs that should be kept clean…over-center springs at the points. Spray painting may compromise their function unless you take pains to prevent the paint from finding its way into the works.
Crandell
Thanks, I didn’t think about looking for Rustoleum in the same color in cans. I was trying to match up the various hobby paints that I had around the house. I’ll definitely look around for that this week.
Something to keep in mind when painting track by spraying (cans or airbrush) is that most of the paint which doesn’t go on the rails becomes dust. You will discover this when you later have to start cleaning track and wheels. [swg]
Wayne
Have you tried blasting the Rustoleum spray in to a small glass dish? You should get a small amount of liquid paint - enough to use with a brush.
Ian
There is a long story here that probably would start a much longer thread but I’m actually spray painting the track before I secure it to the roadbed. So that concern about dust probably would be minimal in my case. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t think of the paint in cans. I went out and got a pint today so I’m all set. Thanks to everyone for the tips. This is a great forum.
If you’re painting flex track before laying it, you may find that it becomes not quite so flexible. If you do need to flex it to fit a particular location, you’ll discover another reason why painting it after installation usually the preferred method - as the rail “creeps” while being flexed, shiny, unpainted areas will become visible on the sides of the rail.
For turnouts, though, it does sound like a good idea. [tup]
Wayne
Do you have something against a bendy straw? Shooting rattle cans through a straw will yield airbrushable paint out the other end.
David B
I used the same paint on my Peco turnouts. I just didn’t go too crazy loading it up with paint. Once the paint was on I quickly wiped the tops of the rail with an old t shirt. After it was completely dry I used a brite boy on the tops and filed away the little paint in the rail points. I’ve had no problems so far. Don’t worry about it too much.
No David, I have nothing against bendy straws. Indeed it would be difficult to imagine what anyone could have against them.
Neither I nor any prior responder had mentioned bendy straws.
Seems like the OP has the answer he wanted anyway!
Ian
Thanks. Actually I got my February MRR yesterday and they have a photo of putting masking tape over the key electrical spots and spray painting. I have some extra turnouts so I’ll probably try your suggestion on one just to see how it goes.