painting photo etch

[Pierceb]

I feel if I paint the seatbelts then bend them into position the paint will crack and flake off. Am I right in my assumption. Should I glue the belts in place and paint.

 

[Airframes]

Probably. I've only used PE belts once - can't stand the stuff. Best to anneal them first, bend to the desired shape, then paint the main sections where glue will not be in contact. Fix in place, then paint the rest.
Alternatively, cut the buckles off, throw the belts away, and make your own from lead foil or paper, attaching the buckles from the PE belts.

 

[Crimea_River]

If you're using acrylics, I will bet you my left nut it will come off. Enamel or lacquer has a better chance but, if I were you and wanted to paint them, I'd first sand them down carefully with a coarse grit paper to get a good bonding surface, taking care not to knock off the little bent buckles. Then glue them to the seat and paint with a fine brush.