What paint for Metal Grab Irons?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m about to go out and grab some paint and need some advice.

I need to paint those itsy-bitsy-teeny-wheensy metal grab irons on my caboose. Will ordinary polly scale work? Or should I do I need a primer to adhere the acryllic paint to, since the grab irons are real metal? If so, which primer? Or should I try a different type of paint entirely (ie: Enamal)

~Don

2

I believe acrylic paint should be fine to use on the grab irons. I painted some that I made from wire with acrylic paint and it seems to be working fine.

Regards

Ed

3

If you have a hobby shop that sells RC cars check out the paint used to paint the lexan body’s. Its great for hand rails as it flexes if they get bent a little during handling.

Kurt 56chevytimes2

4

Some were painted white for lncreased safety., Find some photos.

5

When I get a car with grabs that need installing or I can remove or I’m upgrading a car with molded grabs such as Bowser- I usually put the grabs on a card and give them a coat of well shaken and warmed car primer - white normally but for oxide cars such as the Walther MEC caboose I’ve got red primer is spot on as a top coat as well. A coat of any appropriate paint enamel or acylic can then go on top with a brush or air brush. I do try to do a few cars at once if possible. Chris - Don’t do this in reverse as car spray is fine under other paints but not on top…
Modelling New England in the Old one…

6

I regularly brush and spray Polly Scale paint onto bare metal handrails without any problems.

7

if i can get a spray can of cheap car paint the right colour i spray a bit into a small tub / jar then paint it on with a fine brush, it flows on very smooth and dries fast