[ARC5] Peeling Paint

[Robert Eleazer]

More info on Sharpie and other markers.

 

Sharpie ink markers are felt tipped and come in various colors and tip sizes.  However, I was unable to find a extra-fine tipped marker in the metallic silver color.  Presumably they make them but the store just did not have any.  I use these to paint the embossed raised lettering on BC-348's. 

 

Sharpie paint markers come in both oil based paint and water based "poster" paint.  I was able to find an extra fine point in both the oil based and the water based silver paint.  I figured that the type of paint would make little difference for the BC-348 but have yet to use the water based one.  

 

The Sharpie paint markers do not have anything I would call a brush or a felt tip but instead just a little pinlike device that activates a valve that enables the paint to flow down it.  I find them very tricky to use, because it's hard to get the right amount out of the tip - you go quickly from not enough to too much with little choice in between.  I think you could get excellent results with a very steady hand and many hours of practice.  Perhaps enrolling in a Kindergarden refresher class would be useful.

 

There is also a Woodcraft paint marker that functions similar to the Sharpies, be designed specifically for lettering and detailing on wood.  I don't think it works any better or worse than the Sharpie.

 

As for the model airplane paint markers, I have only a little experience with them, but I don't think they are very useful for fine applications, say, under 1/8 inch wide.

 

So, I would recommend the Sharpie felt tipped ink marker for raised letters and I think the Sharpie paint marker would be best for engraved, depressed letters.

 

You can find the standard Sharpie felt tipped markers at many places but you probably will have to go to an art store, such as Michaels, for the other versions as well as the full range of colors.

 

Wayne