Painting replica weapons

[marksx]

Obviously not scale models, but this may be the most relevant forum.

I have a few old replica weapons to put up on the walls in my bar.

The previous owner (s) have rubbed them down to give them a 'weathered' look. I'm not overly fond of it, but they were next to nothing so hey ho.

How would you go about painting something like this to look how a rifle/pistol should? The metal looks similar to zinc die cast models.

I tried painting one of the pistols with spray enamel paint, but it hasn't held.

Any ideas welcome!

[Eric Mc]

Have you tried primer paint first?

[robemcdonald]

I’d paint the metal parts black and then dry brush with a gunmetal paint.

[marksx]

Eric Mc said:

Have you tried primer paint first?

No, no primer was used. Guess that explains why all the paint fell off! What type of primer would be best?

robemcdonald said:

I’d paint the metal parts black and then dry brush with a gunmetal paint.

Do you mean like this? Dry brushing is something I haven't heard of before.

Similar question to above, what type of paints do you think are best suited to the base coats and dry brushing?

Many thanks

[sausage76]

As above.

Best to sand with a fine grit sandpaper. Then use a primer would suggest Tamiya TS as a base.

Then for weathering there are so many options, dry brush, specialist paints that are deigned for weathering ie Vallejo/MIG/Tamiya

Youtube weathering techniques and there are so many videos of what and how to get many finishes.

[Ayahuasca]

Actual antique Winchester. Is that the look you want? Tried Hammerite?

[marksx]

Yes that's the sort of look I want.

[Some Guy]

I would use halfords etch primer sprayed on for a decent base coat.