Brass name rings - any tips ?

What are the preferred methods for attaining the red background / brass lettering look on the name rings. Spray the whole thing red and then reveal the letters by hand sanding or dremel. ?? .... try to paint it with a small brush between the letters ..?? Any tips would be much appreciated before I tackle it.
Thanks very much !

I did mine with small brush, any stray drops of paint are easily removed when dry with a bit of wet&dry on a block.

Barry

Did you etch prime it first?

Dan wrote:Did you etch prime it first?

I used red VHT paint I got from Halfords, I laid the ring flat on the table then dripped the paint into the areas around the letters using an artists paint brush.
I just kept working the paint in to the corners until it filled all the required area in one hit, no primer but a real good cleaning of the brass first.
A soak in brake cleaner or cellulose thinners first then after drying straight to paint.
Simon C

Thanks very much for the replies - some excellent tips there for when I tackle it !

I have finished the name ring and the smokebox

If you want to keep it looking that good put some insulation in behind the baffle plate and seal the edge with clear high modulus silicone. It stops the brass going all colours with the heat.

Thanks Steve - just to clarify - you mean insulate the baffle plate which is behind the door ....and seal the edge of the name ring with silicon ? What kind of insulation would you recommend ?

Hi Milford
If you look at my photos (Mark steven Enchantress) in owners photos you will see my smoke box door
I used ceramic insulation

Mark -thanks very much - I see exactly what is required now, after looking at your pictures.