Buffing

Model Masters have a line of paints (laquers actually I think) that can be buffed after they're on the model. From what I've read the way you buff it and what you buff it with a creates different finishes. It's supposed to be a good way to customize NMF's. As for how it works, I'm sorry I can't help you there. This is all coming from what I've read so hopefully someone who knows more can help you a little more.

WARNING! DANGER, WILL ROBINSON! DANGER!
Buffing metalizers shine like the sun after buffing, but If you plan to mask and paint anything over the buffing metalizers, be advised that your masking tape won't stick! And you will not get good adhesion of any subsequent design or color you spray over the metalizer finish, as well. I learned all this the hard way. On the other hand, you can get near equal results with plain ol' silver (like Testors Metallic Silver). Spray it on, wait a day, then with a soft cotton cloth, gently rub out the finish, turning the cloth often, as the silver will build up on the cloth. You'll see your plain silver transform to what looks like industrial aluminum paneling. When masking and painting subsequent colors over the silver, your tape WILL stick, but use the lowest-tack tape you can get away with, as most tapes will leave a "mottled" appearance on the silver upon removal. This can largely (tho not perfectly) be alleviated, however, by re-buffing the affected areas. Hope that helps!

ModelNerd, thankyou. I've got a few NMF's in the to do pile... I won't waste the money. Another tip in the bank of modeling know-how.

Modelnerd, did you try to seal the metalizer before you masked? I sealed metalizer with furture on some test strips I did and was able to mask without any problems. The plastic was untreated before the Metalizer was sprayed and the metalizer was buffed to a high sheen. I also saw no adverse effects on the sheen after applying the metalizer.

Hmmm... on the other hand.... what to do.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bones-coa Modelnerd, did you try to seal the metalizer before you masked? I sealed metalizer with furture on some test strips I did and was able to mask without any problems...

After buffing, I sealed the finish with a few coats of clear laquer. I let it dry for a week. When I applied the mask (a low-tack mask), it pulled up the laquer sealer when I repositioned the mask. The culprit was the metalizer, as there were metal flakies stuck to the laquer, which was now stuck to the tape. It was apparent that the fine, powdery finish lingered, even after a thorough buffing. However, I have never tried sealing with Future, and if you say you had good luck sealing metalizers with Future, it may behoove me to experiment with it on my next abomination. Another thing I had not considered, but just occurred to me, would be to rinse off the model in water prior to masking, to possibly remove the fine powder.

Well, I'd read where some had said they had problems and some who had none at all. I decided to try for myself. I still haven't decided yet if I'm even going to do this on a model.