The merits - or otherwise - of brass coloured paint?

[peregrinvs]

I was wondering if anyone had recoloured any WWII German steel cartridge cases with brass coloured paint? If so, how did it look?

I ask as I picked up an inexpensive dug but solid 7,5cm KwK40 case at Stoneleigh recently and I was considering whether a coat of antique brass coloured paint would be an overall cosmetic improvement? It will hold a restored projectile at some point.

 

[Tony Williams]

The appearance of brass is difficult to replicate with paint. I have had quite a few replica rounds (turned from solid aluminium alloy) made by Mick Wilkinson, and he has experimented with various brass paint finishes, but the result is not that convincing - see the four rounds in the centre of this group:

 

[kahu1]

Something like a pigmented wax,ie ,'Rub and Buff',can be effective,though it doesn't wear too well with handling.

 

[thekees]

If you want to have them new and shiny the best you can get is the result as Tony showed. However with a little aging allowed, you might find a way to mix some brown, green and red acrylic paint mix them, compare it with a old aged case you have, and if you found the correct color, put it over the brass finish, using a sponge or so, and after it, wipe it with a clean cloth. I did a few of the Finish 8,8 cases and i cant see the differance between the real and restored case without checking the headstamps.

 

[peregrinvs]

Thanks for all the replies. I shall take a policy decision when I’ve finished cleaning it and will post some pics if I paint it.