Suggestions on how to paint the base this way?

KnightTemplar5150

Have you considered using a paint marker for the lettering? Testors and Tamiya both make markers in a wide range of colors, including metallics. Airbrush the base, then simply run the marker over the raised lettering - no need for masking. Tamiya's line has fairly fine points and you can trim Testors to a size which is comfortable (or practical) to use.

They have paints for doing lino cut prints with but you could probably use anything. Just keep in mind that enamels will probably not come off of the roller so if you go that route, buy a disposable roller.  It will take quite a bit to coat the roller so you don't want to use your expensive model paints.  

A trick to keep the roller from touching the base where there are large voids between letters/words is to use cardboard to roughly mask off those areas.  The roller will just roll over the cardboard and not touch the base.

CN Spots

If I'm looking at what I think I'm looking at...  the base is that large turquoise panel with a smaller panel on top that has raised letters on the smaller panel?  Why not paint the entire base the way you want it and go over the raised letters with a lino roller (think small, rubber paint roller)?  It will only deposit paint on the raised parts of the base.  

That sounds like a cool approach!  Prolly get the roller at Hobby Lobby? Need a specific type of paint?

If I'm looking at what I think I'm looking at...  the base is that large turquoise panel with a smaller panel on top that has raised letters on the smaller panel?  Why not paint the entire base the way you want it and go over the raised letters with a lino roller (think small, rubber paint roller)?  It will only deposit paint on the raised parts of the base.  

OK - So I'm at this step of the process.  Please refer to photo above.

I bought some "Frisket Film" to try masking. Clueless on this!

From prior suggestions I Think I should paint the lettering 1st - no masking anywhere.

Then mask the lettering tops and paint the base coat light "aqua".

Then oil "wash" - picking up areas randomly.

Then spray flat acrylic top.

Seem right? I'm really a rookie modeler so could use any comments u care to share!

Is  the surface of the lettering too rough for a decal?

Don Stauffer

Making homemade (inkjet) decals of markings is an alternative to airbrushing them.

Don The lettering is cast in the resin base (I re-added the photo above). I'm trying to work out best way to paint the base and then the lettering a different color.

Making homemade (inkjet) decals of markings is an alternative to airbrushing them.

Thx! How does that die cut mask work? Do I have to supply a model for them to create or?

I'd paint your scheme, mask and spray on your lettering.  Maketar makes nice masks, die cut.  If you're doing light colors, remember, several light coats.  Masking and spraying looks far better than hand painting in the end, especially with small scales.

Would be easier to paint lettering last.