How to paint a raised surface

[DD931]

I'm looking for advice on how to paint a raised surface - the challenge is an aftermarket radio with raised letters on the plastic faceplate. The letters need to be painted. The faceplate is off the radio and is flat. Tight nap roller? Some sort of felt rig? How about laying down a coat of paint on a piece of cardboard that you lightly dip the piece into/onto? Of course my fear is applying too much paint and having a crappy mess when I'm done. I'm out of ideas and was hoping to gain from others mistakes before I have to learn it all the hard way!! Thanks for any help you all can offer!!!

[Capt Kirk]

I have zero experience in what you're wanting to do but just reasoning through this, I'd think that you don't want anything with a "nap". Flat hard surface with a thin coat of wet paint on it then press your part onto it. Guessing first try may not get full coverage...wait till tacky and repeat. Minimum paint on the surface and multiple coats would be what I'd do.

[Charlie Stephens]

Stores that specialize in "art" supplies (or maybe children's craft supplies) may have a rubber roller that would work. Especially true if you could use black ink.

Charlie Stephens

[FlatheadTed]

Rubber roller X 2

[Ross F-1]

I've tried the rubber rollers on larger pieces. You've got to have something to hold the roller "flat" and at the correct depth for a chance of success. Getting the correct amount of ink/paint on the roller, and the right viscosity, is another challenge.

There is a gum rubber product sold at art supply stores that brushes on and dries, so you can mask the sides of the raised letters. The gum then can be peeled off.

[Lawson Cox]

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You probably will have to use a printer's ink. Paint on a roller will lift part of the paint and leave little stringy thingies that will make a mess. I've tried it and that's what happened to me trying to roll on painted numbers on a license plate. I ended up painting the whole thing the color of the raised letters, then painting the background color and compounding off the raised letters to reveal the color of the letters. My 2¢.

[Vics Stuff]

Take your paint that you are going to use and apply a thin coat on a piece of glass. While the paint is wet , take your part and lay it down on the glass. Immediately lift straight up to prevent runs off to one side or the other. I would recommend to also reduce the paint about 10%. This will allow the paint to cover the lettering well. You may need to do this several times in between allowing paint to dry.
Have don it many times with great results.
Vic

[ford38v8]

As others have advised, Hobby shops carry small, soft rubber rollers, and also have Testors model airplane paint, which works very well with the roller they sell. One stop shopping!

This method is also the best way to paint the (gold) Ford Script on 6V batteries.

[outlaw]

There are paint pens available at hardware stores. I have seen red, yellow, silver, white, black, green, & purple that I can think of. We use these at work. Lumber yards also carry a paint marker referred to as a lumber crayon. Sharpies also come in various colors & work well for this. Also napa & carquest amongst others should have automotive touch up paint pens in a multitude of automotive colors to choose from. This would be the easiest way that I know to re color your letters. I just did this on a Kohler 8hp motor. The motor color is red & the letters needed to be silver. It's just like using a crayon. Just my opinion. Bill

[cmbrucew]

Buy nail polish at the dollar store, they come with a brush. If your hand is not steady, take the panel to a nails shop and have them do it.
Bruce

[DD931]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!

[grumppyoldman]

I like what CM said, go to nail shop, look at pretty girls while they paint your letter's.Al

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by Vics Stuff

Take your paint that you are going to use and apply a thin coat on a piece of glass. While the paint is wet , take your part and lay it down on the glass. Immediately lift straight up to prevent runs off to one side or the other. I would recommend to also reduce the paint about 10%. This will allow the paint to cover the lettering well. You may need to do this several times in between allowing paint to dry.
Have don it many times with great results.
Vic

Vic is correct. I use painter "One Shot" I comes in numerous colors and I roll the paint on the glass until it becomes sticky, then roll the surface you want painted.

[Fibber Mcgee]

I don't know if it will work for this but I know for license tags I've seen people fill the low areas with water leaving just the numbers exposed and then spray paint it. Maybe you could submerge the faceplate leaving only the letters exposed and paint it.

[hotcoupe]

I would advise you to go to an art supply and get a "brayer". It is a rubber roller, made to do exactly what you are attempting to do. Use a sheet of glass to evenly load the brayer with material.
Hope this helps,
Tom

[stangblue]

My .02 I would try to put a track (guide) on either side of the faceplate the same the same height (or a hair less or higher depends on coating) as the letters. numbers. Then using the rubber roller to apply coating.

[Planojc]

Merc Cruzer has it right. You can get the roller at Hobby Lobby. I've done many license plates this way.

[DD931]

Consensus seems to be the roller with a sheet of glass. I'll let you all know how it works!! Thanks again for all the help!!