Paint recommendations for N&W J class main and connecting rods

I use "Neo-Lube" on rods without removing them.     It is a graphite impregnated alcohol based lubricant that is also conductive.    So it does not interfere with anything on the rods and actuallly provides a little lube.

  I use a small brush and just paint them like  using paint.    Now it is not opaque, it drives sort of translucent black.    It makes them look more like unpainted steel.      Also it is not a hard finish.    I does rub off if rubbed much at all.    

Micro-mark sells it or used also BTS Models I think sells it.

.prrjim posted:

I use "Neo-Lube" on rods without removing them.     It is a graphite impregnated alcohol based lubricant that is also conductive.    So it does not interfere with anything on the rods and actuallly provides a little lube.

  I use a small brush and just paint them like  using paint.    Now it is not opaque, it drives sort of translucent black.    It makes them look more like unpainted steel.      Also it is not a hard finish.    I does rub off if rubbed much at all.    

Micro-mark sells it or used also BTS Models I think sells it.

I’d like to try for a clean/shiny look for the rods as the locomotive paint is a beautiful satin-plus finish with no weathering.  Considering this, do you still recommend “Neo-Lube” ?

What about just painting them silver?

I have lots of different rods - brass, nickel silver, plated, and solder-wiped. The ones I have painted silver look as good as the polished nickel silver.

There is a French company that sells pens with stuff that looks like chrome for not so cheap.  See previous threads here.

Neolube will make them look dark/weathered. If you brush paint the rods you can usually leave them on the loco. If you spray, they must be removed.

bob2 posted:

What about just painting them silver?

I have lots of different rods - brass, nickel silver, plated, and solder-wiped. The ones I have painted silver look as good as the polished nickel silver.

There is a French company that sells pens with stuff that looks like chrome for not so cheap.  See previous threads here.

Solder-wiped, interesting, I’ll have to investigate that technique.  As for paint, do you have any recommendations such as “Model Master FS 17178” Chrome Silver or something else?

Chris

I think Model Masters is buffable, and  needs to be sprayed like Alclad II.  Try the French stuff.  Let me see if I can find a link - we discussed it in my Erie-built thread.  What can you lose by just getting a bottle of silver and brushing it on?

Let me see if this works:

Thanks!

-Mario

Page 2 of the Erie-built thread - he has a link.

There’s a paint marker available at Hobby Lobby or on line called Molotow Liquid Chrome......it’s available with a super fine tip, practice with making it flow on some scraps. You may be able to touch up your rods with out total repaint.....that paint pen is amazing!..........Pat

Anyone ever try “True Metal Steel Color Wax” by AK?  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fe...be&v=rfLlmmu_rDg

Mario's link.

With a brush, you might be able to pull off a grained metal look. Spray; it is thinner.  Mask holes and thrust areas or chipping there will start. Powder coating is likely too thick to not mask it; closing holes inner diam3ter up and thickening the rods.

Too smooth?You may have issues long term with chipping & flaking if painting over chrome. An etch, metal etching primer paint, or removal of original chrome plate will help.