Painting hand rails

[Anonymous]

Hi, all. What's the best method for painting metal handrails that come with Athearn GP engines? They are metal. I don't have an air brush. Should they be primed? Which is best; enamel or acrylic paint?
Thanks much.

[Anonymous]

Frist, make sure the stanchions (the vertical parts of the handrail) are square, then secure them by crimping the tops with pliers or with a drop of super glue. Doing this will prevent the stanchions from moving out of place and scraping the paint off.
Next, place a piece of paper or thin carboard between the handrails and the body shell (this will prevent paint from splattering on the shell, you don't need much, just a 3 or 4 inch section for the area you're painting, just move it as you go along.). I would reccomend brush painting using Floquil paints, you don't have to use primer (I haven't tried acrylics on handrails yet).

[Anonymous]

The handrails are not attached to the engine yet. I have tried the acrylic oily black and it seems to work well. Once I get them on the engine, I'm sure I'll have to touch them up. I did use a primer on the verticals, but I wish I hadn't. It sprayed on too thick. Probably my fault since I haven't done any of this in awhile.
Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, I thought you had already installed the handrails on the engine. Normally, I install the handrails first, crimp them in place, then paint them. Painting handrails takes practice, just remember to take your time and learn from your mistakes.