The heavy duty kind, of course. What I am interested in are things like scarves, sashes, slings, belts, etc. for figures. The problem I have is, how to paint it so the paint doesn't flake off? And what about adding decals, if you want a pattern? I know that Eduard has made some painted photoetch insignia where you can even crumple and straighten them and the paint remains intact. Has anyone tried this themselves?

Getting model paints to stick to any metal parts isi always problematic. If you shape the foil the way you want and then ise a proper primer and then paint, you should be OK, but if you flex the part, expect the paint to come off. There's not really much you can do to prevent it.

You can try dipping the part in vinegar for a little while to surface etch the foil. Test first to see if you get an effect and that the effect doesn't cause any damage to the foil. What you want to see is a darkening of the surface and an elimination of the glossy surface. As soon as you see that, remove the foil and wash with lots of clean water to stop the etch (which is really corrosion in this case).

The cleaned, etched surface will get th best possible results, but model paint will stil flake off if you flex the part much.

Paul

The paint on the Eduard PE insignia must be a big company secret then.

Lexan is a paint that flexes it's made for plastic bumpers and panels on cars , now are they available in the color you want ?

Vallejo primer (model color) might be worth looking into. It leaves a skin that seems to be quite flexible yet snuggles down really well.

Kimmo

Are you referring to something like this: http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/201_1615_1617/products_id/8923/n/Pactra-Outlaw-Black-Spray-Paint-3oz

Hi Tom, when I do slings, bino.straps,vehicle straps or whatever
I always give the alu foil a good sanding with 400 or finer sand paper. After that I paint with the colour needed, even without priming. It works for both enamels and acrylics.
I use this method on cat food lids, peanut tin lids, anything in a tube. I hope this is the stuff you're on about.



Paul

I believe that's it .