i need some help with painting

phantomknives · Jul 21, 2017

so a while ago i got this head. i'v recently figured out its a belknap, judging by the paint.
speaking of which, i want to replicate.

i havent cleaned it for obvious reasons but how can i paint this guy. I'd like to keep the original design

Steve Tall · Jul 21, 2017

phantomknives said:
...i'v recently figured out its a belknap, judging by the paint.
speaking of which, i want to replicate.

How do you know it's not a Mann Indian Chief like this:

These Belknap Blue Grass axes (including the fire axe, pictured below) have a gold border along the red:

Vintage-Belknap-Hardware-Bluegrass-Broad-Axe-Blade-Louisville.jpg

FWIW, this Belknap fire axe looks like it has a gold border at the base of the pick, leaving the pick unpainted (unlike yours?):

Sorry I don't have any painting how-to tips, but these are some considerations about the colors.

phantomknives · Jul 21, 2017

thanks for the info, i dont have a mann so thats a plus

Square_peg · Jul 22, 2017

The paint line and overall shape of the axe sure match that Mann well. How do you know you don't have a Mann? Maybe Mann made them for Belknap.

phantomknives · Jul 22, 2017

i meant i didnt have a mann before. that came out wrong

Hickory n steel · Jul 22, 2017

Square_peg said:
The paint line and overall shape of the axe sure match that Mann well. How do you know you don't have a Mann? Maybe Mann made them for Belknap.

He didn't know he had a Mann.

Guitarist7.62 · Jul 23, 2017

Wirebrush it or some sand paper first, clean it up a bit. Follow that with some some rubbing alcohol, it will remove any oils and greases or dust left over from cleaning. Tape off the areas you don't want painted and spray it with red rustoleum Paint. Follow directions of the can. Remove tape and hang. Clear coat it if you want, it will protect the red paint and any other metal from rusting. Enjoy

phantomknives · Jul 23, 2017

no the issue is i dont know how to keep the pattern.

rjdankert · Jul 23, 2017

phantomknives said:
no the issue is i dont know how to keep the pattern.

I am guessing that you want to keep the "butt cheek" pattern in the same location. I realize the axe surface is not flat, but this may still work out. Of course if this isn't what you are looking for just go on to the next post.

It looks like there is enough paint left to trace and make a template.

Trace:

Make a template and put a reference line on the axe:

Tape the bit and align the template withe the reference line:

Cut the tape along the template.

Bob

phantomknives · Jul 23, 2017

thanks RJD. i think i'll make the template with maybe clear packing tape so i can see the design through it.