Good idea
 

I hadn't thought of that either, it might be a lot easier since the pieces are so tiny, I would say 1/4" or shorter and unless I square it up and everything I was thinking it would be hard to get an exact fit. Thank you so much for your suggestion.

I have seen some posts about people using black stove or shoe polish on the irons any thoughts about that? Or would the old paint need to be stripped down first?