Lionel silver paint recommendations

[B.Kotula]

Hi, I just picked up a set of 2500 postwar passenger cars and would like to respray some of the silver painted ends. Is there a comany that sell Lionel restoration paints or anyone have a recommendation of a close match, brand/color paint? Thanks Sincerely Brian

[kpolak]

Charled Wood http://www.trainenamel.com/index.htm makes excellent paint designed specifically for Lionel trains.  This is high end automotive type paint.  If you go this route, I recommend buying a bottle of paint and using a spray gun.  I purchased the 2328 Silver in an aerosol can, and mine clogged often with the flaking in the metallic paint.

Rustoleum American Accents Silver Metallic #209678 3 oz. aerosol, seems to be a close match to a very clean 2400 passenger car, and the 182 crane base, but I'm not sure about the 2500 cars.

Please spray and compare before you add it to your cars.

Kurt

[johnjay2]

 I have also used rustoleum spray paints and they work well. You can also purchase a spray gun adapter for the cans that give you great control. Lowes sells the guns for about 3.00.The train below was restored using rustoleum semi gloss black and a rustoleum clear coat spray.The photo is not that good but the coverage of the paint is very smooth and evenly applied.  I did a 2026 in silver mettalic rustoleum and a clear coat and the paint worked well. Ill post that one later tonight

John 

 

[otftch]

I use Testors #1246 Metallic silver and then spray with testors  Dullcote.I can;t tell the painted parts from the unpainted ones.

                                               Ed

[johnjay2]

This is` rustoleum silver mettalic with a lacquer finish. 

 

 

[kpolak]

Here's the American Accents Silver Metallic by Rustoleum next to a 2423 passenger car.  THe metal flake size is similar, and the colors are closer than they appear in the photo.

[geedub]

How did you repaint the lettering back on?

[3railguy]

 I agree on Testors 1246 metalic silver in the rattle can. As close of a match as it gets.

[kpolak]

geedub

How did you repaint the lettering back on?

The car is there for comparison.  I repainted the Crane base.

Kurt

[TRAINCAT]

"How did you repaint the lettering back on? "

There are several ways you can do that. You can use decals which are available from parts vendors, you can use a rubber stamp and use ink to put them on and it works great, or you can use rub on dry transfers and clear coat over them.

Roger

[finbar]

Hi look on ebay there are plenty of guys who sell paint for lionel

[RockIsland52]

Welcome finbar !!!!!!!!   If you do a forum search there are a few threads in the forum on this topic for repainting the Lionel 242X and 243X passenger cars.  If I recall correctly, some include the repair of cracks and fixing lighting issues as well. 

Don't be a stranger.

Jack.

[Prairietype]

I can attest to the Testors metallic silver. I used it on a 2328 renovation and it is a perfect match in my estimation. I used it on 2500 series vestibule ends as well. Same quality of match.  I don't think there are many other paint brands or colors that will match original Lionel, although many suggest that Rustoleum satin black or semi-flat black is good on diecast steam locomotives.

[TRAINCAT]

Found this old thread. I am looking to repaint a set of 2023 alco's. Did any of you ever spray clear over that 1246 silver? Testors says it will darken the paint and that has been my experience as well. I have never seen a pristine 2023 in person so I am not sure about the color match.

[Anonymous]

trainrat,

                  I'd go without clear on the 1246 silver.  It is very, very close without the clear IMO, and I wouldn't chance ruining my work.

[TRAINCAT]

So far, all I can find for lettering is stick on letters from J&A hobbies. I was mainly concerned about those.  I guess I could just go over those alone with a brush and clear.

Roger

[RRaddict]

I know most are against using spray paint but the Rust Oleum metalic silver is what I use and it dries quickly and is very hard and you fingers will not leave imprints like most silver paints.

[TRAINCAT]

I bought that paint and tried it.  Its way too much metal flake and actually leaves a rough finish from the flakes. You were happy with it?

Roger

[RRaddict]

I was happy with it.  I compared it to the original and the original is not all that smooth not as rough but not as smooth either. It is the closest I could get though.