Brass Information

Once mastered, the effects that you will be able to acheive with the brass will be luverly!
As with anything new though there are a few things to consider.

I have copied an instruction sheet below from Scalelink (with their permission) and it makes interesting reading.

Tools & fixing

Most adhesives adhere easily to a grease-free surface, so you can use UHU, Araldite Rapid or Superglue. Dont forget though that brass will solder well as well.
Dont use too much glue or it will take forever to set

I found that the easiest way to cut the frets was with a pair of small pointed scissors (the same ones as i use for decals actually!). Large pieces can be cut with a sharp scalpel but make sure you use a cutting mat as the thicker brasses require you to press hard. Try not to use normal scissors for 'long' areas as i found that it caused the brass to curl at the edges.

Painting

You will need to apply a base coat of cellulose primer or the paint may not stick to the metal surface.
A nice effect is to apply a wash of inks over the surface and let the brass show through. You can amplify this effect by scratching into the surface of the brass first.
A good tip is to paint most of it whilst it is still on the fret and cut it loose to assemble it when it is properly dry. Once assembled it will be easier to 'touch up' anything you may have missed. Also keeping it on the fret will help with any dry-brushing on half-etched pieces. You can cut it off first but it may get a little fiddly to paint!
Use your normal acrylic paints that you use for your figures.
It may help to put a coat of matt spray varnish over it when you have finished all assembling.

Help ?

Firstly, DONT PANIC.
Secondly, Email me at the usual places or leave a message for me on the Forum of Doom.


Enjoy!