Tank Badge silver paint?

[Dale]

Has anyone had success re-painting tank badges? Specifically the bright metallic silver on the black and silver badges. I have tried several products and so far have not been able to duplicate the extreme metallic shine of the originals.

[matt glascock]

Craft stores such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc sell silver leafing material. Actually, it is available in several different hues. You press it into the indentations you want to decorate with a wooden spatula in a smooth fashion and the result is a mirror-like finish. I put a clear coat on the back to stabilize it. It is also available in a crinkle finish if you want a shimmering effect. It took me a couple tries to get it right so you might want to score a couple packs. It is insanely thin and a bit of a pain to work with. I redecorated a set of Road Toad badges with a great result.

[rlkarren]

Yes, silver leaf, red, then black. I didn’t know about the silver leaf but that’s exactly what is needed.

[Dale]

Thanks for the replies. Well, it sounds like I have the correct paint but just have not perfected the technique. I have used silver leaf from Hobby Lobby and it does have some sheen from the painted side but from the front side. It is too dull. I had lost my patience after multiple tries and using different paints. The silver leaf was the best but far from acceptable results so far. I'll give it another go.

[matt glascock]

Some of the leafing material they have has a textured appearance that would probably translate to "dull" for the tank badges. It has to be the smooth stuff. I will do a little looking.

[dirty_rat]

ddvorak,

The silver leaf that Matt was referring to is NOT a paint, it is a very thin foil product that you apply. Most of the kits I have seen have a special glue that you place on the part then lay the silver leaf on. The one Matt used sounds a little different, but probably the same results.

[matt glascock]

Yes Dale. Dirty is right. I didn't read your follow-up post accurately. I know Hobby Lobby sells silver leaf paint, but that isn't the stuff I was referring to. The silver leaf actually looks like insanely thin tin foil with a thin and very gentle adhesive backing and you press it into the area you want to decorate. It is not a paint on product.

[Dale]

Ah, it's starting to make sense now. Thank you both for the replies. I'll report back with results of my next attempt.

[matt glascock]

Dale, I just did a quick scan of the Hobby Lobby web site and did not see the product I used available. Its been several years ago I purchased it there. You might get a feel for what is available by searching for "silver leaf sheets" on Amazon. There are many options and most run and the stuff is not insanely expensive.

[viclioce]

I looked on Michaels.com & They have it! $11 for 18 sheets! Victor

https://www.michaels.com/artminds-ready ... af&start=2