Painting raised letters? -Success!

[Kit Basher]

I always have a hard time painting tiny raised letters, like body scripts or on valve covers. Specifically, right now I'm trying to paint the "HEMI" on the valve covers of an '09 Challenger. I've tried four times and failed each time. I've tried dry brushing (as best I understand it) with a 10/0 brush, and a toothpick, both the pointy end and a flattened end. I also tried a Sharpie. I either get too much paint, which flows down onto the valve cover, or not enough, and sort of blotchy coverage. I am painting the letters withTestors aluminum paint over semi-gloss black.

Is there some trick to this that I'm not getting? Would a different tool or paint be better? Or is it a case of "practice, practice, practice"?

Edited October 2, 2014 by Kit Basher

[Pim]

Here's what I do i take a flat surface and put a very light coat of coat of paint on it and then lightly press the part with the lettering.

[Snake45]

In this particular case you could foil the part, paint the part, and then rub the paint off the letters with something like a toothpick. I've used that trick many times (also works with kit chrome).

[ChrisPflug]

^{Another option for parts like the valve cover is to paint the aluminum first then black then rub the paint off the raised parts}

^{Using a more "durable" paint underneath like a silver lacquer may make this process easier}

^{Looks like I got beat on this post LOL}

^{Other than that- small brushes and lots of practice}

Edited October 1, 2014 by ChrisPflug

[ChrisPflug]

Far from perfect but all the emblem detail painting was hand done on this older build- down to crossed flags in the center of the steering wheel over a fairly thick coat of DupliColor from a rattle can

[Kit Basher]

Brayden- That's a good idea, but the shape of the part won't allow it in this case.

Snake- I've done that on body emblems, it works great. Unfortunately, the color of these letters is aluminum and red.

Chris- That looks great, how did you do it?

Thanks for the input, guys!

[Kit Basher]

I got it! I forgot I bought some artist's blending stumps for just this purpose. Worked perfectly!

[Snake45]

Glad to hear it worked out for you. Model on!

[Kit Basher]

Thanks Snake!