How to paint engraved B's on frame and fork?
 

Got my 1985 Bianchi Campione d'Italia powder coated a few months ago. I'm generally pleased with the job, though the recommended celeste colour for powder coating, RAL 6027, seems not to have quite enough green in it by my eye. No big deal, though.

I'd now like to paint the engraved B's on the frame and fork. Would anyone have any tips or tricks?

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...3-01-22_01.jpg

You can also use a paint pen, one with an extra fine tip.

http://www.amazon.com/Permanent-Oil-.../dp/B0017D3HY0

Thanks very much for the tips and the excellent links. I think that's how I'll do it. I think I will use Ray Dobbins's method.

IME, paint pens are an iffy proposition. Some work well, some blob all over the place. I prefer a good brush and paint.

+1

It's easier than it looks. Plus, if you mess up, just wipe up the paint and start again. I find it helpful to wrap the paper towel around something flat such as a ruler or spackling scraper when wiping up the excess paint fill. Helps to keep a straight edge. Also, though not necessary, I use paper "shop towels" which are not as fuzzy as regular paper towels, and less likely to drag a stray fiber through the paint.

I'd use Testors model paint on a brush and wipe the surface carefully with a rag.

Well, I've done them using the model paint and a think brush with a rag to clean up the edge as per Ray Dobbins's instruction. Problem is, the paint isn't very thick, so it's running down to the bottom of the B on the frame. I guess I'll have to wait for it to dry up good and then go back and add a coat to the upper part of the B?

Simple fix: ensure the "B" that you're infill painting is as close to parallel to the floor as is possible while you're painting. Sorted!

DD

Some paints can be thinner than others, but I haven't experienced that much run-off. Definitely go back and touch up the top part of the B if the paint ran away toward the bottom. You can put a little of the paint in the cap and let is sit for 15-20 minutes to thicken up (though if it gets too thick it you run the risk it may not go on as smooth as you'd like). Making sure the B's are level with the ground when you paint should also help to avoid such run-off.

Edit: DD beat me to the "keep it level" suggestion while I was typing.

Also, if you pour a little Testors out into a small cup and let it sit for a while, it will thicken up as the volatiles evaporate. Stir occasionally so it doesn't skin over, and don't let it get too thick or it won't flow into your "B" well.

The best paint to use is 1shot sign paint. It's thick and drys as hard as a rock. One coat is all you need.

True enough. But at 8-10 bucks a quarter pint, a bit much to do a few little "B"s. And mixing for that color above would require buying several cans. But it's the best stuff.