Painting Brass

[prhayes68]

Hello chaps,

Need a bit of advice please. I'm working on a Scots Fusilier Guards officer in the Crimea. Now he has brass buttons and other brass work about him. In the past I've used Humbrol metallic brass to paint this. However, even though he's a Guardsman, I doubt his servant polished his brasswork on the morning of the Alma. Does someone have a "recipe" for brass that won't be too shiny and would more realistically reflect field conditions. Many thanks.

Pete

 

[Ferris]

I'd suggest to mix some dark brown, or Humbrol 29 dark earth into the brass to dull it down. If it becomes too matte, mix in a touch of satin varnish.

Cheers
Adrian

 

[prhayes68]

Adrian,

Thanks very much. I'll give that a try.

Pete

 

[DEL]

Pete.
My preference is to complete the metalwork as if at it's brand new shiniest and then stain it down.
For brass I use Mr Metal Color which is basically a 'rub and buff' product.
Paint it on in a couple of layers letting it dry completely between each, carefully polish it up and then cut it back with neat oil paint almost all of which is then wiped away leaving a 'patina' behind. This way you have absolute control over the colour saturation.
http://www.modeldisplayproducts.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=79_81&product_id=216
Cheers
Derek

 

[prhayes68]

Derek,

Thanks for the advice. Another method to try. Thanks again.

Pete