I've not had much success either on such small items. And when I do get it close to right, it just seems too bright for the scale anyway. You might want to try Metalizer Paint, polished aluminum and do the polishing with a Q-Tip. Good Luck, Chris
On the bench: Academy 1/72 B-17G 'Blue Hen Chick'; 1/48 Tamiya Mustang III; Kitty Hawk 1/32 P-39.
Completed: 1/48 Tamiya P-51D Mustang - 'Show Bird', 1/32 Dragon P-51D Flying Tigers 'What if'; 1/32 Tamiya P-51D Big Beautiful Doll
Group build:1/48 Tamiya Mustang III; 1/48 Tamiya P-51D Show Bird