? Good method for replicating galvanized metal? (NOT corrugated sheets, but railings, sign posts, etc)

[chutton01]

I thought we did this before, but search didn't turn up anything - the reason I though we did this before is because last time I got a good, simple method for representing clean, smooth galvanized metal (like buckets, new garbage pails, chain link), which was use the ubiquitious Testors Silver spray, and then coat w/ Flat finish - looks good & realistic to me.

But, my question is how to represent the dull galvanized finish found on many metal items in the real world - e.g. metal sign posts, railings, (some) electrical conduit, bike racks, and so on.  This is not rusty (or even dusty, really), but has a hard to describe light grayish/metallic finish - and I can't quite pull it off so far.  Any suggestions?

[loathar]

My silver paint turns that dull clean greyish color your looking for when I hit it with dulcote.

[chutton01]

My silver paint turns that dull clean greyish color your looking for when I hit it with dulcote.

Hmm, Loathar, I have a bit different outlook
I mention in my OP exactly what you stated, (Testor') Silver (spray) w/ a flat finish (Dullcote), and to me it looks like a nice, shiny galvanized finish, much like a brand new bucket or garbage paint from a home center - very nice, and I've done a number of detail pieces this way (as you may guess, 'new' garbage pails and metal buckets).

But it does NOT resemble (to me, anyway) the dull, grey galvanized of sign posts or parking meters - that is what I am seeking.

[0-6-0]

Hello are you using gloss or flat silver ? If gloss then try flat or a light gray primer. To me they almost look like primer. Hope this helps Frank

[chutton01]

0-6-0, I think I understand what you are saying.
I spent a few minutes on the web to find images, but every manufacturer wants to showcase their 'hot-dipped' galvanized steel, which looks almost plated (if done right) and matches very well to the (Gloss, I guess) Testor's Silver Spray, covered w/ flat spray. (The images are almost frightening in their shininess, even Roadside Guardrails).

As for the other, duller galavinzed, I couldn't find too many good images - here's something that comes close, note the majority color is (light) grey, but w/ a hint of metallic sheen:

That's what I'm talking about

[0-6-0]

Hello ok I was outside looking at a bucket that has been outside for 3 years. And it looks spotted like it has light gray and a med gray both dull. I wonder if you did a coat of med gray and put saw dust or something on it to break it up and spray the light gray both flat. Then maybe 2 coats of dull coat ? Maybe if you spray a light coat of white over the med gray then the light gray it might give it better look ? Hope this helps Frank

[R. T. POTEET]

My silver paint turns that dull clean greyish color your looking for when I hit it with dulcote.

Hmm, Loathar, I have a bit different outlook
I mention in my OP exactly what you stated, (Testor') Silver (spray) w/ a flat finish (Dullcote), and to me it looks like a nice, shiny galvanized finish, much like a brand new bucket or garbage paint from a home center - very nice, and I've done a number of detail pieces this way (as you may guess, 'new' garbage pails and metal buckets).

But it does NOT resemble (to me, anyway) the dull, grey galvanized of sign posts or parking meters - that is what I am seeking.

I seems to me that your final sentence in this reply answers your own question to wit your silver spray and dullcote does not render a greyish enough appearance to your models. SO WHY DON'T YOU START ADDING GRAY TO TESTORS (BOTTLED) SILVER  UNTIL YOU GET THE HUE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR then either airbrush it on or apply it with a brush.

You don't have an airbrush! Try one of these formulas on for size: after spraying your silver and before applying dullcote hit your model with a very light dusting  of FLAT LIGHT GRAY. A second method that might work would be to lay down a coat of that FLAT LIGHT GRAY on your model and then overcoat it with a very light dusting of your silver spray. If neither of those things work then you might give a six-pack of Bud--lite or otherwise--a try;: as the song says "Girls all look prettier at closin' time" and I am sure that you will be able to make the same statement about the rendering of your galvanized metal!

[Trynn_Allen2]

I don't have it in front of me as to who makes it, but Dull Silver does a resonable job.

[Mark R.]

Have you looked into the Testors Metal Master line of paints ? These are designed to be airbrushed for an even coverage, but I found if you brush it on, it gives you that uneven look you are after - it still has that unpainted bare metal look to it, but it's not that perfectly even finish you get by spraying.

Mark.

[Grampys Trains]

Hi chutton01: Is this close to the color you're looking for? Floquil water base aluminum.