Blank Painting

[WriteON]

Sorry to start another thread.......I'm working on Beast Cancer pens for a local fundraiser. Blanks are light pink. I'd like to paint the blank not the tube. I saw a uTube where indelible ink was used to coat the blank wall. Another showed acrylic paint. The indelible ink seems reasonable as it will provide a thin application and not hinder the tube insertion and possibly not scrape. Comments or suggestions please. I realize there is no substitute for trial and error. Thanks, Frank

 

[TonyL]

I used a solid light pink blank (just the standard 2.99 AA version) on a Princess Pen. I spray painted the tube and the inside of the barrel using epoxying to glue-in the tube. I didn't have a problem with anything sticking or scraping. Maybe the Princess kit has a thicker wall.

I gave found the acrylic paints (that come in the small plastic bottles) to be slightly softer the the Krylon/Rustoleum spray paints (which I believe are also acrylic). I do see that folks have great results with then though; I couldn't get it right.

Princess Pen

I would use the cut-off and test it with the marker (and let us know!)

 

[WriteON]

I used a solid light pink blank (just the standard 2.99 AA version) on a Princess Pen. I spray painted the tube and the inside of the barrel using epoxying to glue-in the tube. I didn't have a problem with anything sticking or scraping. Maybe the Princess kit has a thicker wall.

I gave found the acrylic paints (that come in the small plastic bottles) to be slightly softer the the Krylon/Rustoleum spray paints (which I believe are also acrylic). I do see that folks have great results with then though; I couldn't get it right.

Princess Pen

I would use the cut-off and test it with the marker (and let us know!)

I'm a big fan of the Princess pen. The chicks love em

 

[1080Wayne]

No experience with indelible ink . I just spray paint . Acrylics tend to be thicker . Most important things are 1) Tube must be able to fall through the hole before painting , to make sure there is enough room for paint without it being scraped off , and 2) Don`t be in a rush , give the paint ample time to dry , a day is good .

 

[WriteON]

I'm not opposed to spraying but would like to avoid it as I'm in a confined area. I understand about test fitting the tube..... If I do try spray.... Do I get flat, gloss, gliiter?..... What exactly are you using..... and I'm asking as I do not want to keep experimenting. Should the paint be slightly lighter or darker than the blank if I cannot come close to matching. These pens are being donated for gift basket raffles... I want the buyers to love them.

 

[austinsbarnard]

I like to spray the tubes with flat white, and then add one coat of a complimentary color of acrylic after it dries. That opens up you color options - metallic, glitter, holo, etc.

 

[1080Wayne]

Flat or gloss doesn`t seem to matter , as the finish on the outside controls the appearance . Glitter is on my list of things to try . I think it might work .

I usually use black spray , a bit sceptical that would work with a thin translucent pink , but maybe okay with a solid pink . A lot depends upon the thickness of material left on the tube . I certainly would try one before starting on a large batch

Another option that I know works is nail polish . No spray problem , and an infinite variety of shades to choose from . Gives you the ability to match the pink , or possibly enhance it if the opacity of the blank is low .

Very easy to get it on too thick , so be careful . Was about 12 years ago that I changed to spray paint because of the difficulty of applying a uniform coat . Can`t remember if Q tip or bristle brush worked best . Essential to keep the acetone handy .

 

[egnald]

Hi all, I used to use Testors enamel paint in the little jars made primarily for the plastic model builders. I did have a few instances where the paint thickness made the tube go in too tight. Since my favorite kits are Cigar style with 10mm tubes, to complement my standard 10mm bit (designed specifically for drilling plastics), I bought "X" (10.08mm) and "Y" (10.26mm) bits to complement them. Then I did a drill, paint, and tube fit test to see which one gave me the best fit.

Like 1080Wayne above, later on, I started using colored spray lacquer instead of the Testors enamel because the solvent in spray lacquer evaporates very quickly (dry in 10 to 15 minutes) and didn't build up very much. Although the blank is really what needs to be painted, I also give the tube a quick coat just in case I do scratch some off inside the blank when I put the tube in. No problems so far, however, most of the plastic blanks I use are on the opaque side of the translucent spectrum rather than on the transparent side.

My shop is a pretty confined space too, however, if possible I step outside to spray the lacquer and then bring them inside to dry. Considering the temperature swings here in Nebraska it limits my outside spraying to about 9 months out of the year.

Good luck on finding something that works well for you and your situation. - Dave

 

[TonyL]

I'm a big fan of the Princess pen. The chicks love em

I shoot for flat unless I can't find good match. I haven't noticed a difference between flat and gloss with respect to color or adhesion. I opt for a color slightly lighter. I do wait a full 24 hours for the paint to cure.

 

[sorcerertd]

Not to hijack anything here, but I'm interested in this, too. I've received some good advice here from your experience, but have not used spray paint yet. For those that spray, do you just put the nozzle up to the end of the blank and give it a quick blast? I know it will definitely run being that close, but don't see how else to direct it into the hole in the blank.

 

[WriteON]

Not to hijack anything here, but I'm interested in this, too. I've received some good advice here from your experience, but have not used spray paint yet. For those that spray, do you just put the nozzle up to the end of the blank and give it a quick blast? I know it will definitely run being that close, but don't see how else to direct it into the hole in the blank.

We're on the same page (and literally). I'm starting out by using the thin tube. Will follow up. Going to Home Depot tomorrow for spray.

 

[sorcerertd]

We're on the same page (and literally). I'm starting out by using the thin tube. Will follow up. Going to Home Depot tomorrow for spray.

I look forward to your results. I'm sure spraying the tube is easy. So far, I've just used acrylic craft paint for the blanks since I had some on hand already. It's adequate, but just barely (IMO anyway).

 

[WriteON]

Should look real nice when finished

 

[TonyL]

I just sprayed a flamingo pink (actual name on the blank) barrel and tube. It will be made into an executive which has thin ends. I do turn my pens slightly proud of the h/w and create small radius toward the h/w. That allows me to leave a little more material on the pen and potentially hide the tube better. I only had true pink paint. We will see how it goes. Sometimes, I guess wrong.

 

[qquake]

I used to use acrylic artist paint and a long q-tip to apply it inside the blank hole. Artist paints are cheap (50 cents at Walmart), and come in a plethora of colors. But I also like to paint the brass tube, and acrylic paint isn't very good for that. Now I spray paint the hole almost exclusively, and also spray the brass tube. I also color the epoxy with acrylic paint. Regardless of which method I use to paint the hole, I always stand the blanks on end, on a raised piece of aluminum mesh. Standing them on end allows the paint to run down, coat the inside more evenly, and leave very few, if any, runs. Even painting both the hole and tube, I very rarely have any problems inserting the tube.

 

[qquake]

A few words about backpainting colors. I usually try to use a complimentary color of spray paint. But with some blanks the color can make a huge difference in the look of the blank. I did an experiment a while back that illustrates just how big a difference. Below are photos of two halves of the same blank. One backpainted white, and the other backpainted black.

 

[1080Wayne]

Not to hijack anything here, but I'm interested in this, too. I've received some good advice here from your experience, but have not used spray paint yet. For those that spray, do you just put the nozzle up to the end of the blank and give it a quick blast? I know it will definitely run being that close, but don't see how else to direct it into the hole in the blank.

Yes , nozzle up to the end and quick blast , then stand on end as qquake suggests .

 

[WriteON]

Here we go. Not a big fan of the fumes. Good news is the respirator is in the basement. BTW… the color… it was the only pink available. Next time I'm using Qtips and a dipping paint

 

[TonyL]

That looks like a lot of paint. I barely give each hole 2 shots. Maybe not a good idea if you are sensitive to the fumes.

I wear a glove on my left hand, and spray the hole over a my shop, plastic bag line, garbage pail. I hold the spray tip about 1 to 2 inches from the hole.

Looking forward to seeing the pen!

 

[Monty]

Sounds like Tony and I pair them about the same way.
As an aside, I quit selling the Princess pens several years ago after several people returned them because the jewels fell out of the clips.

 

[jrista]

I used to use acrylic artist paint and a long q-tip to apply it inside the blank hole. Artist paints are cheap (50 cents at Walmart), and come in a plethora of colors. But I also like to paint the brass tube, and acrylic paint isn't very good for that. Now I spray paint the hole almost exclusively, and also spray the brass tube. I also color the epoxy with acrylic paint. Regardless of which method I use to paint the hole, I always stand the blanks on end, on a raised piece of aluminum mesh. Standing them on end allows the paint to run down, coat the inside more evenly, and leave very few, if any, runs. Even painting both the hole and tube, I very rarely have any problems inserting the tube.

So, you paint the inside of the hole, as well as the outside of the brass tube? I've been spray painting the tubes, but, I haven't tried painting the hole. Ironic, as I just turned a red acrylic blank for a black enamel Wall Street II. The blank was sufficiently painted, but I think I can see some of the epoxy through the thinner parts of the blank. I hadn't even considered tinting the blue with acrylic paint...

I am curious...how do you spray the hole? Do you just put the nozzle right up to the opening?

 

[WriteON]

That looks like a lot of paint. I barely give each hole 2 shots. Maybe not a good idea if you are sensitive to the fumes.

I wear a glove on my left hand, and spray the hole over a my shop, plastic bag line, garbage pail. I hold the spray tip about 1 to 2 inches from the hole.

Looking forward to seeing the pen!

It's a lot of paint plus. I was in a rambunctious mood. I miss the smell. I miss nearly passing out from it. I will most likely never use the can again so I wanted to get my monies worth. But seriously and honestly just wanted to get it done quickly. Was rushing a rush job.
Princess or any pen. I understand about the crystals falling out. However I made a baseball pen for someone. The cap was crushed. Bent pretty good. Tells me he's not sure what happened. I asked him if he or one of his friends owns a vise. He laughs. I laughed back and say next time you take a pen apart let me put it back.

 

[qquake]

So, you paint the inside of the hole, as well as the outside of the brass tube? I've been spray painting the tubes, but, I haven't tried painting the hole. Ironic, as I just turned a red acrylic blank for a black enamel Wall Street II. The blank was sufficiently painted, but I think I can see some of the epoxy through the thinner parts of the blank. I hadn't even considered tinting the blue with acrylic paint...

I am curious...how do you spray the hole? Do you just put the nozzle right up to the opening?

Yes, I paint the hole and tube, and color the epoxy. Painting the hole is important, because theoretically the paint will be between the blank and tube. I have had blanks where I didn't paint the hole, just painted the tube and colored the epoxy. You could see the epoxy through the polished blank. A lot of times you can't tell until the blank is turned and polished. That's a lot of effort just to find out at the end that it's ruined. Many times I've turned a blank off a tube and started over.

I hold the spray paint nozzle a few inches from the hole, and do that on both ends. I move the blank around a bit to make sure it's covered inside.

 

[TonyL]

It's a lot of paint plus. I was in a rambunctious mood. I miss the smell. I miss nearly passing out from it. I will most likely never use the can again so I wanted to get my monies worth. But seriously and honestly just wanted to get it done quickly. Was rushing a rush job.
Princess or any pen. I understand about the crystals falling out. However I made a baseball pen for someone. The cap was crushed. Bent pretty good. Tells me he's not sure what happened. I asked him if he or one of his friends owns a vise. He laughs. I laughed back and say next time you take a pen apart let me put it back.

Next time, I will video what I do. It literally takes me long to put on the disposable gloves.

 

[WriteON]

Next time, I will video what I do. It literally takes me long to put on the disposable gloves.

Thanks TL. Right now.... The paint is dry but will let it fully cure. I did test fit the tubes a moment ago..... I'm satisfied with the appearance and the test fit. Yes I'll use a little more finesse next round. The spraying will be outdoors....not in garage.

 

[WriteON]

Not bad for the first job. The trained eye might see some flaws but I'm happy with the result. The tubes went in with no resistance. The paint did not add much dimension. Glad I waited 24h to cure.

Next time I will:
Try a darker color.
Clean the blank wall better before painting.

Thanks for all support.

 

[WriteON]

Not bad for the first job. The trained eye might see some flaws but I'm happy with the result. The tubes went in with no resistance. The paint did not add much dimension. Glad I waited 24h to cure.
Next time I will:
Try a darker color.
Clean the blank wall better before painting.

Thanks for all support/replies

 

[jttheclockman]

I am in the paint the inside of the blank only. Why because when you start painting the tube and the blank you now have 2 points of possible release due to adhesion problems. If you are careful sliding in tube there is no reason to paint the tube. Sometimes I will tint the epoxy if i feel a need to. I too will many times try to get close to the primary color of the blank. But with that said it is also a good idea to experiment with different colors for a whole different look of the blank. Here is an example. This is called Mexican Agate trustone. It is a beautiful material but needs some coloring when turned. Blank in the middle is what it looks like before turned. The tube on the left is with the blank painted white. The blank on the right is with a redish brown on the lower halve and the blue metalic spray paint on the top halve. In the end I went with the blue spray paint and glad I did. Here is the finished pen and the photo with the trial blanks.

 

[WriteON]

I do turn my pens slightly proud of the h/w and create small radius toward the h/w. That allows me to leave a little more material.

Good point. That comes up a lot

 

[WriteON]

I am in the paint the inside of the blank only.

View attachment 318342View attachment 318343View attachment 318344View attachment 318345

Beautiful work. I agree with paint blank only. It worked and I'll keep repeating.

 

[WriteON]

I look forward to your results. I'm sure spraying the tube is easy. So far, I've just used acrylic craft paint for the blanks since I had some on hand already. It's adequate, but just barely (IMO anyway).

We're on the same page (and literally). I'm starting out by using the thin tube. Will follow up. Going to Home Depot tomorrow for spray.

I want to clarify. What I said about using the thin tube I was thinking the spray can had a thin tube. My error here. I did not spray the brass tubes

 

[sorcerertd]

I want to clarify. What I said about using the thin tube I was thinking the spray can had a thin tube. My error here. I did not spray the brass tubes

Like a spray tube on WD40 I presume? Haven't seen paint like that yet, so I'll just assume it will be messy and do it outside weather permitting so I don't mess my wife up with the fumes.

 

[WriteON]

Hi all, I used to use Testors enamel paint in the little jars made primarily for the plastic model builders. I did have a few instances where the paint thickness made the tube go in too tight.

I ordered Testors enamel. I'll thin it and see how it goes. Will use a a-tip or similar

 

[WriteON]

I bought the Testors enamel set. Does the paint get thinned or use right out of the bottle. I'd experiment but too lazy...rather get an answer from someone that uses it. Will most likely use a Q-tip unless I can find my brushes. I know...buy them again and they'll show up.

 

[TonyL]

PM sent

 

[WriteON]

I spray painted a blank this past week. Turned it Fri and must say I'm loving the look. Thanks again you IAP members. Keep your techniques, opinions, finished pen pictures coming.

 

[WriteON]

Base colors.... sorry if a vague question but what colors are the best to have around. A simple base inventory. I realize there are different shades of each color. Is this a good start? Thanks.
Red
White
Blue
Green
Brown/Gold

 

[qquake]

Base colors.... sorry if a vague question but what colors are the best to have around. A simple base inventory. I realize there are different shades of each color. Is this a good start? Thanks.
Red
White
Blue
Green
Brown/Gold

And black.

 

[Stephanie]

Sorry to start another thread.......I'm working on Beast Cancer pens for a local fundraiser. Blanks are light pink. I'd like to paint the blank not the tube. I saw a uTube where indelible ink was used to coat the blank wall. Another showed acrylic paint. The indelible ink seems reasonable as it will provide a thin application and not hinder the tube insertion and possibly not scrape. Comments or suggestions please. I realize there is no substitute for trial and error. Thanks, Frank

I use the paint that comes in the small plastic bottles. Two light coats of paint. I have lots of colors. Changing it up makes for different looks from the same colored blanks. Have fun with it.

 

[TonyL]

I store.....

All of the primer colors (white, gray, rust, etc) and one shade lighter than your frequently turned acrylics. I go slightly lighter than the lightest color of the blank unless it is a very dark blank. However, I favor brightening the blank versus darkening the blank - purely a personal preference. You can always test it on the cut off side.

I probably have 12- 15 cans of spray paint. I also try to find flat, if not I go with whatever is available.