White Metal Parts - Cleanup and Finishing

Paulbo · Post by **Paulbo** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 5:50 pm

Hi All,

I've got some white metal arms for my CC 2001 Space Pod and want to know what I should do with them. The surface seems pretty smooth (other than seams), but they've got a mottled finish. Buffing results in a nice shiney surface, but I don't know if I need to do this before priming.

So, do I need to buff the parts before priming? What sort of primer should I use?

Any other advice on working with white metal parts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Paul

Mr. Badwrench · Post by **Mr. Badwrench** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 7:01 pm

Soak the parts overnight in white vinegar. This will clean the oils and oxidation off them, and allow the paint to stick better.

Post by **TER-OR** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:37 pm

There are metal primers out there, too.
Though, I usually just use Mr. Surfacer in the rattlecan when priming minis. The 500 is just gritty enough to provide a good painting surface.

Citadel and REaper paints are also good. These are all lacquer based, I think.

Usually, when cleaning, I just use dish soap and a toothbrush. For large minis, I put them in the dishwasher...

Mark Yungblut · Post by **Mark Yungblut** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:15 pm

I would hezitate to soak the metal parts in uncut vinigar overnight. This could seriously over etc the surface and that will leave a texture you will never be able to completely remove.

Clean like Ter said and then soak in the vinigar for no more than two hours. Since you do not know the makeup of the metal (i.e. the % of tin and other alloys) you will want to carefully monitor the pieces and keep an eye out any discoloring (which will most likely be a shade of brown or black) or a good deal of bubbling (expect some bubles though).

Hope this helps,

Mark