PAinting Brass Numberplates

Each image below shows the key steps in how I paint etched brass numberplates. Enamel paint is used.

To start out, I clean the brass. Next is the colour that is going to be for the numbers/border, in this case white. I airbrush an enamel white, allow to dry for a couple of days. Then I spray an acrylic gloss clear coat, again allowing dry time. In this example I mix a thin enamel paint, approx 70/30 and load up a long bristle point brush. I don’t “paint” with the brush, I just hold the tip in one spot on the numberplate and let the black flow onto the numberplate, it will take a couple of applications. When it looks right, walk way. Allow several days dry time then I follow up with a clear varnish to finish.

After cutting the plates from the fret, I use a white paint pen to run along that edge to tidy up. Personal preference may see you cut the plates out first, I find the fret a very useful handle.

Running numbers for a Victorian Railways K class.
I apply the raised/number colour first. In this case, the numbers and border are to be white.
To achieve the black infill, I use a thinned enamel. Hold the brush steady, let the paint run off the bristles.
The black enamel will slowly find it's way around the numbers.
Patience! You may need to redo an area a couple of times for complete coverage.
Once complete, and dry. I seal with several coats of a gloss clear.
Next

Cleaning white metal