Painting etched zinc coach sides

[corneliuslundie]

I have for some time been working on a batch of Trevor Charlton etched zinc Rhymney Railway coach sides and ends. Assembly started the best part of two decades ago and I have now restarted.

But I am finding that despite their having been primed the paint comes off at the slightest pretext. I have been using a Precision Paints product, which is excellent on plastic and other metals..

I now have a 7 mm BCR ex-LSWR 6-wheeler to build with the same type of sides and ends.

Any suggestions on how to prepare the etches so that they take paint?

I have tried searching the internet but all I get is specialised products for painting outdoor galvanised steel.

For those too young to remember, Trevor Charlton used what was then the current technology for producing plates for printing line diagrams, as opposed to halftones where etched copper was used.

Jonathan

[Torper]

Halfords do a rattle can zinc primer.

 

DT

[K14]

This stuff will stick to zinc, aluminium, brass & gunmetal (not sure about stainless).

 

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-repair/primer/hammerite-special-metals-primer-250ml-171769.html

 

Water based & can be put through an airbrush. Halfords & Brewers stock it, as do many independents.

[corneliuslundie]

Thanks. It looks like a visit to Halfords next time I get to Shrewsbury, as I can't see the Post Office liking the stuff. I have only once been to that area of Shrewsbury but there is a bus from the centre (though I shall have to pay, horror!). So probably next year now - but there is no hurry.

Jonathan

[Jol Wilkinson]

I've built two 4mm TC etched zinc carriages and preferring an airbrush applied etch primer, used PPP two pack.  I overpainted that with cellulose paint and have had no problems at all.

[mike morley]

I used the Hammerite primer a few years ago and found that to get it to work with an airbrush required so much thinning it drastically reduced it's effectiveness.

By pure coincidence, only this morning I primed an inherited Trevor Charlton body of a Midland 4-wheeler passenger brake using Plastikote red primer, which was once widely available but which now only Wickes appears to stock.  After a few hours baking in my airing cupboard it seems to be more than satisfactory.

[corneliuslundie]

Thanks for the suggestions and comments.

A colleague suggested washing in vinegar. I shall see what effect that has as it doesn't involve buying anything.

Jonathan