Firewall Wiring Painting?

[Chevy II]

I see where people are showing the really thin wiring that shows up on the firewalls on some of the models. How the heck are you guys painting them? I have tried a marker, but it's not dark enough. Would appreciate any help.

[Chevy II]

These are what I'm talking about.

[cobraman]

I use a thin brush and a toothpick. I must admit my results leave much to be desired. I hope someone will respond here with a tip I can use as well.

[Fat Brian]

Just a small paint brush and a steady hand. Sometimes I'll paint more with the side of the brush that the tip for stuff like that.

[espo]

In addition, use a #11 blade to outline the edge of the wiring and anything else you're painting. This way any extra paint from the brush will stop at that edge. I'll often use the edge as a guide and draw the paint brush toward the center of whatever I'm painting.  

[TransAmMike]

Good tips here. I have been using point of tooth pick. Slow and tedious but usually comes out OK.  Gotta try that #11 blade trick.

[Snake45]

The cars I build mainly have semigloss black engine compartments so I don't paint them at all--they're just more semigloss black.  (Maybe that's why I don't build more MOPAR models. )

BTW, the first few models I built back in the day, I tried to paint those wires silver. Judging from old models I've bought on eBay and at the local toy show, and a few I've seen here, I'm not the only one who labored under this misconception. 

[slusher]

7 hours ago, espo said:

In addition, use a #11 blade to outline the edge of the wiring and anything else you're painting. This way any extra paint from the brush will stop at that edge. I'll often use the edge as a guide and draw the paint brush toward the center of whatever I'm painting.  

Great tip David, thanks you!

[ewetwo]

Good to know.

 

[Bills72sj]

Except for Mopars, most of my engine compartments are semi gloss black. Like you, I like to bring out the harness detail when it is present. My weapon of choice is a Sharpie brand ultra fine point marker. The black marker on the already black painted firewall gives enough contrast to show it was touched.

[Oldmopars]

I have used Gel pens and they seem to work well. I got a pack of 50 colors and I use them for everything from wiring to small embems, to door handles and locks. They work for dash details also. One word of warning, clear over it, it does not handle contact well. However if it is on a dash recess, it will never see contact and does not need the clear.