I recently acquired a brass locomotive and I would like to paint it. Do you recommend removing the tarnish first, and what would be a good way to do this? Thanks.
to the MR Forums, Dunderhead.
If your locomotive is tarnished, it's likely an older one, as most nowadays get a coat of brass-coloured paint, which also covers visible solder joints and evens-out colour differences between the sheet brass and the detail castings. I can't see why paint wouldn't cover the tarnished areas, but do disassemble the locomotive, as necessary, in order to clean it thoroughly of oil and grease prior to painting. It's also advisable to do any needed repairs or tweaking of the mechanism before painting.
After cleaning, don't lubricate any of the moving parts if they're to be painted, as the lubricant will also migrate to nearby areas, adversely affecting the paint bond. After the paint has dried, but not fully-cured, I like to reassemble the locomotive and run or manually move it back and forth a few times - this will wear off any paint which has gotten into places it shouldn't, and once the paint has fully hardened, those areas can be lubricated.
Wayne
Hi. I remove the tarnish using a hobby sanblaster (I use one made by Badger). I use baking soda to avoid damaging the model. Works great. If you use the search function of this forum, you will find a number of threads on how to strip, prime and paint brass. Good luck!
I soaked my Westside 0-6-0 in lacquer thinner and scrubbed it with a paint brush to remove the clear varnish, oil and everything else. Once it was clean, I soaked it in vinegar for 1/2 an hour or so then rinsed it, and scrubbed it with baking soda (to neutralize the acid but more to lightly sand the whole loco). Once it was clean and dry, I sprayed it with Scalecoat (the solvent based version) and cured the paint in my oven set at the lowest temp (125 degrees?). I kept the door closed for 5 or 10 minutes, then turned the heat off and cracked the oven door and let it cool down for a couple hours before moving it. Then it sat in my basement overnight before I started adding lights, etc.
This was my first attempt at painting a brass loco. Its not done yet; during testing after painting, I found the motor to be damaged...so it goes back on the back shelf until I get the money for a new motor...but at least its got a good 'base' coat of paint on it! :)
http://delray1967.shutterfly.com/pictures/5
SEMI Free-Mo@groups.io
OK I give up, how do you use the search function of this forum?