Painting a Resin Casting

[Guest]

I've a resin casting of a Cocoa pod that has been professionally made for me by a friend. It's in two halves so it can be opened up to see the inside (as yet there is nothing actually inside it). It's pretty much finished bar a little more work to get some of the surface detail a little bit more accurate.

I'd like the finished item to look something like http://www.worldcocoafoundation.org/learn-about-cocoa/tree-to-table/images/Ecuador-pod-image---maroon.jpg in terms of colour / finish.

[the red cocoa pod]

Whilst I could have a go at painting it myself, I've no experience in painting models of any type and I'm sure because of this I'll end up making a right old bodge of things. The model will be handled very frequently so the finish needs to be able to withstand everyday wear etc. I'm want to achieve a natural look as cocoa pods by their very nature are a combination of colours...in this case red & black

I've a couple of questions that I'd appreciate your advice on...

1. what type of paint would be most suitable if I were to attempt the task myself

2. are there folk out there who could paint it for me (on a paid basis) and if so how would I contact them?

Thank you in anticipation of your assistance.

[Guest]

Sorry I should have mentioned that I live in the UK in West Yorkshire.

[Guest]

I'm sure there are people who could take it on as a commission piece for painting.

For wear resistance and frequent handling i'd say Enamel paint and varnish if you do it yourself.

[stona]

I'm afraid it's outside my area of expertise if I can call it that. I'd agree with m1ks about the materials to use.

Steve