Garden Railway Forum

Has anyone any experience with getting a realistic brass effect on plastic items? I've never really been that impressed with simple paint finishes (Humbrol, Revell etc.) but have been recommended trying this item metal colour brass, which, once dry is apparently buffable to achieve a metallic finish.
I'd appreciate any reviews if you've used it, or alternatives which you have found that work, and can be done at 'home'.

Never heard of this manufacturer but many years ago Humbrol did a range of similar metal finishes, that did buff up quite nicely, so I wouldn't be surprised if this works.

Lonsdaler wrote: ↑Sat Jun 05, 2021 11:51 am Has anyone any experience with getting a realistic brass effect on plastic items? I've never really been that impressed with simple paint finishes (Humbrol, Revell etc.) but have been recommended trying this item metal colour brass, which, once dry is apparently buffable to achieve a metallic finish.
I'd appreciate any reviews if you've used it, or alternatives which you have found that work, and can be done at 'home'.

Looks very similar product to the old Humbrol Metalcoat range. They were quite effective but did not like handling. Although Humbrol do not do a brass finish. My personal "go to" is the Alclad ll range https://www.alclad2-online.co.uk/produc ... hed-brass/ . Like Humbrol they are intended for spraying. I remember a metallic finish paste you could buy in artists shops that came in tubes that was a rub on, really intended for wood picture frames. Max

Tingewickmax wrote: ↑Sat Jun 05, 2021 4:33 pm
Looks very similar product to the old Humbrol Metalcoat range. They were quite effective but did not like handling. Although Humbrol do not do a brass finish. My personal "go to" is the Alclad ll range https://www.alclad2-online.co.uk/produc ... hed-brass/ . Like Humbrol they are intended for spraying. I remember a metallic finish paste you could buy in artists shops that came in tubes that was a rub on, really intended for wood picture frames. Max

Thanks Max. I've had a look at the alclad ii products, as well as their guides to use etc. I think I shall opt for that option and see how I get on

Tingewickmax wrote: ↑Sat Jun 05, 2021 4:33 pm I remember a metallic finish paste you could buy in artists shops that came in tubes that was a rub on, really intended for wood picture frames. Max

By coincidence I have some still (being a retired picture framer) and I know it works well on some surfaces, although I have never tried it on plastics. It is a gold coloured wax which might put a shine on top of a gold painted surface? By the feel of my tubes it has dried quite solid so might be beyond its sell by date, but I'll try and let you know. If it works I feel sure it would need a lacquer to seal it which might destroy the finish.
Whether it is still available I don't know.

Edit..... the picture has appeared twice and I can't remove it...... can someone please help to save image space.(Done! Rik)

Thanks Rik, saved again!

For brass piping in a loco cab I used my wife's gold leafing pen made by Krylon.
It fades after a while to look like polished brass.
Or I also have some Testors "Brass" paint which looks similar to the leafing pen.

Thanks all. Your advice as always is appreciated. As I have said above, I'm going to try Alclad II and see how I get on, but the Mr Metal is only £3.50 for a tinlet, so I'm going to get that as well!. Graeme, I have used a gold lining pen on small items in the past, but on larger surfaces it gives a grainy appearance, rather than a solid metal look