How to apply Heraldry to a shield?

[Lord Tristin]

Would paint work of course? but what kind of paint would you use that wouldn't mar easily?

[Sir Wolf]

its gonna get messed up if u do anything but have it on the wall. Milk paint would prob be the most period, but i used acrylic i think. i already have a scratch and all it did was sit on my mantle.

[Sir Edward]

Acrylics are readily available, and have the right kind of look. But any "flat" paints (that is, non-glossy) will be close enough for most purposes. Flat enamels will be durable, just less period in composition.

[Lord Tristin]

Thank you gentleman, your advice is much appreciated.

[Sir James A]

As Sir Wolf hinted at, what will you be using it for? Allan of MercTailor did the painting on mine, but it's just decorative. I've had it out a couple times, and once for a "show and tell" with kids, and it's held up fine.

[Lord Tristin]

It would be for combat.

[Sir Wolf]

its gonna get messed up lol. look for milk paint online.. here: http://www.milkpaint.com/  and get this. it holds up the best against battle.

[Sir James A]

its gonna get messed up lol. look for milk paint online.. here: http://www.milkpaint.com/  and get this. it holds up the best against battle.

Yep, what Sir Wolf said, and just realize it won't stay flawless forever. Maybe not for one battle.

[Sir Brian]

Of course if you just want outright durability you can use an epoxy based paint which is almost like a shield for the shield or adding a +3 AC if you prefer terms of roll playing games. 

[B. Patricius]

Of course if you just want outright durability you can use an epoxy based paint which is almost like a shield for the shield or adding a +3 AC if you prefer terms of roll playing games. 

"I don't care who you are, that's funny right there!" 
  I can imagine a shield painted with an epoxy and the opposing knight just looking at it weird and thinking "wth?! Do I need to recalibrate?!"

[Sir Edward]

Those epoxy paints are crazy-tough, I have to admit. Not exactly period though.

The shield that we did the epoxy paint on that I have is holding up really well. The charges I painted on with enamels are scratched off in some spots, but the epoxy underneath is still there.

[Sir Brian]

About five years ago at my work, we started using the epoxy based paint on radar pedestals that are exposed to the elements 24/7 and they are now starting to come back to us for their five year overhaul and the integrity of the paint is perfect. We typically just have to wipe the outside down and they are still good to go.

[B. Patricius]

that is some wicked awesome paint!  Man oh man, what I wouldn't have given for some of that back in the day on my cutter!  We used to joke, "she goes out white with a red stripe, comes back red with maybe a white one!" 

[Sir James A]

Wow, that's some durable stuff, Sir Brian. I used appliance epoxy paint on the inside of one of my leg harnesses. Not as durable as truck bed liner, but better than regular spray paint, which I had used before.

[B. Patricius]

truck bed liner... who knew?