Probably as far from topic while still kinda related I could be, I've got a question. I need to somehow make bent metal tubing look like a wooden shepherd's staff. Not shaping, but painting. Paint won't adhere to the metal, I don't know if coating it with plaster or something for the paint tp stick to, or even if plaster will stick? Anybody know how to turn metal into wood?


#:-)

Assuming it's copper or mild steel, sand it with emery cloth and needle files. Switch directions a lot, you are after roughing up the surface to provide a key for the paint to adhere to. 'Neat' Humbrol or similar matt enamel brushed straight from the tin should then work fine. Add grain if the scale allows with a draughting pen such as a Rotring or Marsmatic.

I'm sure scale WILL allow, it's 1/1.

Thanks, all I need is to make the surface porous enough so the paint has somewhere to go.

Aah, use steel wool to roughen the surface then.

Go to your local auto supply store and get a spray can of etching primer. Sand the staff then clean it off really good and use the etching primer. This should allow enough bite to take a paint job.

Rob

Hey, thanks, I've never heard of etching primer before, I'll need to try it.

It's used to paint auto body stuff the easy way. Normally you pput an etching compound in the primer when you mix it, but the spray can's are for smaller jobs.

Rob

I think that Floquil primer is specifically made to stick to metal. I use it for PE and aluminum gun barrels and it works fine. If you do use it, do not breathe in the fumes, they are hazardous, much like getting on my bad side.

Give it a try,
Andrew

Thanks, I'll try to avoid both