Thanks a lot guys for the advice. If I had the extra cash dr. Cranky I would get some new materials but for right now I have to work with that silver, a brush, and a scotchbrite pad.
Fatkidd, I was doing something similar to that already. What I did was use the pad to scuff them up, painted silver, then took the pad and wet sanded, then I put another layer of silver on and wet sanded again to take the shine out a little and give it nice brush marks. It isn't coming out so hot so I'll have to get stripping and try it your way.
Thanks again for the help, you both build some really nice models. I can't wait to finish off this model and post my first finished model up here.