How do I paint wires?

Could you paint it with gray metal primer first, then overpaint it with the black or copper?

Pat

Copper is easy - just find another stranded wire that is not tinned. It will have natural copper color (as that is what wire is made of).

Black and other colors: Do not use paint. Use permanent markers. In USA there is a "Sharpie" brand of permanent markers. I've seen dozens of colors available. I use black and silver and since the ink layer is so thin it stays on the wire even after flexing it.

Peteski

[...]

If you're building for permanence - museum display etc. - it might be worth considering the longevity of the pigments and binders these 'permanent' markers use.

There's a discussion the subject here:

In my experience permanent markers tend to fade - especially those that use dyes rather than solid particulate pigments.

I haven't tried it but maybe a mix of J&J floor polish (Kleer, Future, One-Go etc.) and India ink?

Krylon primer does a good job on both plastic and metal. That is what I use.

Took the words right out of my mouth Peteski.... I second his remarks.

--- Stephen

Not sure how well it works as I haven't tried it, but Micro-Marc has a product called BLACKEN-IT. Claims to blacken brass, steel, nickel-silver and most metals except aluminum and stainless steel.

I use Blacken-it but it gives a sort of dark gray aged finish (not a solid black) and sometimes it develops a slight "frosting" after some time. I suspect that happens because I don't completely clean it off my parts.

If this type of finish is desired then Blacken-It will be perfect.

Peteski

You really need to put some primer on the wires. I use Tamiya metal/ plastic primer. Also, there's a Mr. Metal Primer available.