I'm working a new project that will have a number of Live-Resin weapons including remote turret, M2 .50s, minigun, 240s and Mk19. Could you give me thoughts on what are the best paints and finishes you would recommend for the metal parts of these weapons. I'm normally a ship modeler so this scale and weapons are somewhat new to me. Any thoughts or suggestions or tutorials you can point me too would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jerry

If you are looking to achieve a "gun metal" look, I am a big fan of a product you may not be familiar with: AK Interactive's True Metal line of metallic paint pastes.

Google them. They are excellent.

Jerry;

Hi! I cannot offer you much specific guidance regarding painting resin stuff - my experiences there are limited (but successful; I always wash bits well with dish soap to remove lingering mold-release and surplus resin components, fill and sand as needed, prime with a good enamel, paint with whatever I normally go with over enamel primer).

As you are embarking on painting various specific modern weapons, my guidance there would start with become very familiar with what those weapons look like in color images. Weapons often have rather subtle and interesting variation in parts and finish - heat effects, handling effects, original lacquer/ phosphate / enamel / bluing / painted surfaces and dirt all contribute to interesting weathering and detailing. Once you have a good mental picture of what you want things to look like, it's time to check your painting options - you can do any "painted" colors in flat acryls or enamels, "satinize" and "oil" flat stuff with clear glosses, "Future", etc. mixed as needed to get degree of satin or gloss desired, and use any of many metallic enamels and "metalizers" to get burnished and "true" metal colors. Applications of pencil "lead" (graphite) work very well to create exposed steel surfaces.

To me, the "secret" (if any!) to getting realistic-looking weapons is very similar to that for getting "realistic tracks" on armored vehicle models; first get a good mental image of what you want things to look like from viewing many good photos of the "real thing", and then go about trying available options to get the look and colors you want!

Hope this helps at least point you towards achieving your desired look!

Bob

I use something similar, Agama Metallic paste

https://obchod.agama-model.cz/en-kategorie_56555-0-p.html

I use Gunze Mr Metal color Dark Iron for metal parts of the weapons. You can polish them and are very durable