Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: pipercub1772 on September 16, 2024, 05:16:20 pm
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HI ANY THOUGHTS ON SPRAYING BRASS FITTINGS ON A MODEL STEAM LAUNCH WITH LACQUER ,REGARDING ITS LONGEVITY ETC AND SAVE KEEP CLEANING
ANY THOUGHTS ,REGARDS ALLAN
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Bonjour Allan,
With use or even by remaining on a shelf, brass tarnishes, it is inevitable.
Personally, I have never tried to make a machine or its pipes shine again, the patina is part of the game.
Furthermore, I think that polish products contain products that can harm the integrity of the various seals.
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thanks for your reply rhavrane
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To me, it seems pointless to coat brass from the POV of corrosion or protection.
As Raphal says, Brass gets a patina, that's inevitable. But does not deteriorate. So there is nothing to protect.
Unless you're looking for it to have a specific colour, Brass is best left bare.
Personally, I LIKE "aged brass"...
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Hi, I agree brass looks nice. But if brass tubing has t be insulated a friend does it this way.
Some ordinary string is closely wound around the length of tubing and superglued at the end. Then use plumbers fine white tape as used when sealing up domestic water pipe joints. Wind this tightly to show outline of string underneath and stretch to seal it at the end.
This can be easily wiped clean and looks excellent. Much better than having string insulation getting and staying mucky.
Roy
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Full size steam operatives took great pride in the appearance of their equipment so why should the much smaller toy owners not rise to the challenge of emulating this?
Regards Ian.
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Spraying bread with lacquer will keep it shiny. The problem is if you scratch it accidentally, which happens with a model that gets use. Then the scratched parts tarnish and the rest stays shiny, which gives a spotty look.