TOPIC: Painting pewter,

Am eyeing a griffon clasp, I asked the casting company if it were possible to treat it with the green resin I saw in some of their keychains. And they said resin needs a wall/barrier. On the clasp it would just run off. And suggested I try painting it and sealing it. He had a gentlemen do that in the past.<br /><br />Question, does anyone have any suggestions for trying to paint lead free pewter? And what to seal it with afterwards?

You should be able to coat it with regular primer.  I would clean the metal with alcohol to strip off any oils or casting residue.  if the detail is not to fine, a few coats would insure you have a good canvas.<br /><br />Then paint with enamels, and coat with clear enamel.  The one thing you do not want to do is paint with Latex and try and coat with enamel.  The soft latex will split and pull apart revealing the primer.  It is a cool effect, though upsetting if you did not plan it.<br /><br />I would say two coats of each, primer, color, and clear coat (can be gloss or matte), unless there is fine etching you want to preserve.  If there is fine etching, you may want to create a thin wash and just coat the heck out of it with clear.  If the clasp is on a belt and likely to wear, you may wind up re-coating with clear every once and a while, but a clasp around the neck of a cloak should wear fairly well.<br /><br />Dave<br /><br />

This is the clasp, it would go on a cloak.<br /><br /> <br /><br />I think it has good detail. Its measurements are 2.25" high and just over 3" wide. He had mentioned acrylic paint. How are acrylics and enamel paints different?<br />Its been ages since I painted plaster figures, at least a decade. And so I've only ever worked with one medium for painting with. So am unacquainted with how they very, and might react to metals. Thus why I wanted to inquire. As I think many mini's for gaming are done in pewter. So I thought with the collective group there would be some experience.<br /><br />Given the detail/size do you think I should go with the color wash?<br />Or actually try to paint it?

My wife (artist) is of the opinion that acrylics are softer (flexible) and might react the same way when clear coated with enamel.  Enamel is usually very hard and resistent to wear, which is why I suggested it.<br /><br />I guess it depends on how you would like it painted.  Given the style, you could probably get away with one black base coat and dry brush on some dark enamels (green) for an antiqued look.  That would allow the black to show through in the recessed details which would compensate for the coats of paint.<br /><br />If you are not comfortable with painting it, send it to me, I would be happy to do it for you, gratis.  If you do not trust me, I could always have Brian K. paint it for you... <br /><br />Dave<br /><br />

Acrylic paint would not work, I think.  It has a tendancy to peel off when scratched.  Enamel would work, but I think oil paint would be cool.  Let it dry and then use shellac (sp?)  Both mediums will age a rich color over time. Nice clasp, by the way.<br /><br />Brian is very talented.  He could do wonders on it.

I use acrylics on my minis, mostly because they're cheap and accessible.  But, properly sealed, I haven't had any problems beyond the typical wear around the areas that get handled the most.  I just use regular acrylics from the craft store or sometimes the minis paints from the hobby store, sealed with mini sealer. 

<br />My wife (artist) is of the opinion that acrylics are softer (flexible) and might react the same way when clear coated with enamel.  Enamel is usually very hard and resistent to wear, which is why I suggested it.<br /><br />I guess it depends on how you would like it painted.  Given the style, you could probably get away with one black base coat and dry brush on some dark enamels (green) for an antiqued look.  That would allow the black to show through in the recessed details which would compensate for the coats of paint.<br /><br />If you are not comfortable with painting it, send it to me, I would be happy to do it for you, gratis.  If you do not trust me, I could always have Brian K. paint it for you... <br /><br />Dave<br />

<br />Really? You are so awesome!!<br />Since you are so gracious as to offer I will happily send it your way to do as you see fit. Whether is tackle it yourself or pawn it off on someone else to paint. ehehehhe<br />I am all for anything that minimizes or completely negates the need for breathing paint fumes, especially with how bad my asthma has been lately. Thank you soo much Dave! You rock!<br />Once I get the clasp I'll send it your way. I probably will not be procurring it till next week, as one piece I am interested in had to be sent out for plating. Its the one thing the caster didn't do in house.<br />And I rather order a couple clasps at one time to save on shipping.<br />Again thank you soo much!

That clasp is awesome!  Where did you find it?<br /><br />Kim

It is beautiful. I painted minins many years ago, but have little to no artistic abilities.<br />

Keep in mind that it is a clasp and will get handled a lot.  Don't use acrylics!