Anyone have tips on how to paint (without an airbrush) photo etch tank air vent covers and things like that which are very easy to fill the holes with paint? I am working on a Merkava 3 and the stowage baskets have a very very fine mesh to them. I think even spraying primier will make them a mess!
Thanks,

You can clean the mesh, with a needle after you have painted it.

yeah, I've done that before on Panther air grills/vents, but the things I am workign with now (baskets on Merkava 3) have way smaller openings and I would ruing it trying to clean out 5000 tiny little holes..maybe just super thinned paint??

I use Mr Metal primer. One bottle will last you a lifetime and its an incredible product. I use it on ALL my p/e and metal before priming/painting. Light coats and dry brushing then does the trick with no mess.

Chris

Would a spray can do work ?

I’ve been using Tamiya Fine Grey Surface Primer (rattle-can) when I can secure the part — not too close, very light passes, and allow approximately 24 hrs. for curing time. I have primed Pz III screens and PE on other vehicles in the past. With smaller parts (if needed) I decant a small amount and brush it on — seems to work okay. The primer is still very delicate and can chip, but it's much better than no primer at all.

—mike

Use thinned paint and when you're done if some holes are filled with paint just blow some air with a spray can for computer keyboard cleaning.

Olivier

Thanks Guys!