Painting brass

[smurfchops]

Is it possible to paint a brass ornament, silver? If so what should I use ?

[Old_Geezer]

Silver coloured paint ? Many years ago I used to paint metal minature figures and that used to work. Try a hobby shop for a small pot or two.

[woofgang]

make sure the brass is very clean, free of dirt, oil, polish and lacquer. You can use specialist undercoat spray sold in b and q (and probably other places) to make the paint stick better. If its an intricate piece, spray might be better than using a brush.

[ChuckFickens]

Just make sure it's keyed properly (i.e. you rough up the surface) and use normal silver paint.

Though it will almost certainly look tacky IMO.

[woofgang]

chuck if you use the magic undercoat spray you don't have to key the surface.

[ChuckFickens]

Not tried that...

I did have to paint some brass this weekend, I sand blasted it and then dipped it in acid before painting, but I'm guessing most people can't easily lay their hands on a sand blaster and a tub of acid.

[HowardKennitby]

why would anyone want to paint brass.

[boxtops]

I don't understand either - brass is wonderful. If I had to paint it, I'd use silver car spray paint.

[heathfield]

One of the best sprays I've used for silver effect is Plasti-kote Brilliant Metallic Spray Silver. It's almost chrome-like in its finish. B&Q and elsewhere.

[smurfchops]

Thanks all, I just don't like the shiny gold look any more.