I simply scuffed up the heads of the pins with a bit of sandpaper and dipped them in some Testors Enamel Paints. These paints are specifically designed to bond with metal. Once the first coat was dry, I dipped them again.
So far, so good! The paint has held and I didn't notice any significant scratching or chipping while using them. They were really easy to make, look great, and add just a touch of color.
23 comments:
They look great...very good idea. Will they need any type of sealant?
Jenni
Great idea!
Are these the kind of paints that are used on model cars?
I love the colors! Where can I find this paint--as I've never heard of it before.
Thanks for sharing!
Brilliant!
I really like this idea, too. It's something different. I've never heard of the paint either, so will have to check out where to get it. Thanks
Thanks for sharing this amazing tip..now to find the paint. :)
Awesome! Really fun idea, thanks for sharing.
Hi Andrew, great idea! I have used the Testors before (for painting on glass and metal), and it can scratch off. I might suggest either dipping in (might put too much on though, and create a drip) or painting a light coat of resin on them to protect the color (I'd suggest ICE Resin as it won't amber). If the dangles are used in a pair of earrings or even a necklace it might not be necessary, but if they're going into a bracelet which gets a lot more wear and tear - the resin should seal the color well.
Jenni, so far they haven't needed it, but it wouldn't hurt them. There are all kinds of sealants that can be used.
For everyone looking for the paint: Check Michael's or your local craft store. Also check the local hobby shops and gamer kit shops, they usually carry it as well.
But here's the best: can't find the paint? Head over to your makeup cabinet and pull out your favorite shade of nail polish! You can get it in almost any color and finish. I would suggest using a sealant afterwards and cleaning the surfaces with alcohol after you scuff them up for best adhesion.
Brilliant! Nail polish is a great idea too. Long ago when I crafted beads from a homegrown corn starch dough recipe, I would paint them with nail polish and the finish was great. I love the idea of the ice resin sealer too.
ICE is a great option to seal! They have the convenient tubes that are perfect for these small scale projects. The other cool thing is that you can tint the resin with chalk pastel dust and metallic powders for added color. Might be neat to try a bright orange paint base with a translucent purple resin coating. That little sucker would look like a million dollars!
Wow, what a great idea! I have got to try this - and I have a rather embarrassing amount of nail polish, and even resin to seal. Hmmm, weekend project? :)
Just genius! Thanks for the tip!
Brilliant Andrew! Cant wait to try this!
Hi Andrew.
You're a genius! Those look fab...and I just bought the most gorgeous shade of green nail polish that might be useful here, too. Thanks for the tip!
t
It's nice to see what you've been up to. Let me know how you are when you can. Hugs!
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing ;)
These are super cool, Andrew, and it might be a solution for the persnickety enamel head pin! That's using your noodle!
What a great tip!! Thanks Andrew!
OK! Everyone thinking of nailpolish go look at Nufo Holographics in 60 and 62! Its so pretty. Like rainbows on your nails! And now on your head pins! I just got the bottles yesterday and I'm crazy about them.
Thanks for the tips on this brand of paint! I just bought myself a set. This should tide me over until one day in the distant future I start doing REAL enameling.
That is a brilliant idea! I really need to start making my own headpins and ear wires but so far I have either been too busy or too lazy! Enjoy the day!
Erin
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