Need Help!- Question about finishing projects

[JC50]

Need some advice. I'm wanting to paint the whole surface of a project, then have the engraved letters or whatever is below the surface a different color so they stand out and can be seen. I tried using a small artist brush and painting in the engraved portions, but I not getting good clean crisp lines, basically looks pretty bad. What's the trick, if there is one?

[jjacstcy]

Paint the engraved letters first, then use a foam roller and put the top coat on. After you get your roller all wet with paint roll it out on a piece of cardboard to remove excess paint and smooth out what paint is on the roller.

[gearsoup]

Option Number 2 is: paint the item the base color. Let dry. Mask where you will be engraving. Engrave the part, right through the masking tape. Paint the new color into the engraved area (assuming your masking held well). Peel off masking tape when dry.