Good Aluminum Paint?

Sorry Michael.  There really isn't a substitute for Alclad anymore.  They know this, which is why it is expensive.  You can try Testor's "metalizer" paints but they are fragile and you can't tape over them.  Tamiya XF-16 flat Aluminum thinned with their X-20 thinner might work as well.  You could always go the Tamiya AS spray can route too which. like Alclad, is lacquer based durable.   

Good Luck,

Joe

oops

Michael, not sure if you're looking for an enamel or Acrylic.  I've not used a NMF airbrushed (save Alclad), my experience has been very positive with MM Metalizers from a rattle can and they're relatively inexpensive (it's a lot easier too)  Joe is correct, they can be easily scuffed if not sealed properly.

I have had very good results with Humbrol. They make three different shades, two which are like Metalizer, with one being buffable, and both being on the lighter side. And one that is in their standard paint type and more of a faded grayish shade. It looks really good for weathered aircraft. I have also had good results with Tamiya flat aluminum.

I have had reasonable results with Citadel metal paints.  They thin forever and can be durable.  Just got to get used to the funny names they give the paints.

The P-47 Thunderbolt I'm working on is spray painted with Tamiya Bare Metal Aluminum. Never had a problem using it in rattle can form. Maybe you can try that alternative instead.

I've sprayed with the MM Metalilzer's as well as Mr Metal Color, and although I like them and how they come out they are VERY delicate and easily damaged. Not what I'd try to use on the overall scheme. I only use them on small parts.

Two tough Acrylic paints are Floquil Polly Scale Stainless Steel and Sante Fe Silver.

Both are available at these sites www.internethobbies.com and www.internettrains.com/.../merchant.mvc

There are some around on Tower Hobbies also, both Polly Scale and Floquil Enamel, but, I didn't check there for the colors.

hope this helps

Rex

I just watched a vid on youtube about this problem. I'm currently building a P-51 and I'm gonna do it this way just to see how it works. I'll be base coating with Rustoleum gloss black and top cut with Dupli-color chrome. It's not Alclad, which I have, but it doesn't look half bad. I will decant both before I spray and I'm hoping for a smoother finish than I get now with Alclad gloss black base but it's most likely just me. I will post picks when it's done, good or bad so we know. It will be a cheap paint job for sure. I hope it works.

There you have it. Lots of options yet so hard to pick what you want to do. :))

If you want the model to look like metal then you go with Alclad.  It takes very little  Alclad to get the metal effect because it's extra thin and goes a long way. I'm just very happy at the realistic metal tone that Alclad delivers out of an air brush that other metallic paints fall short on.

I would first like to say thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to give me your opinion and time

I was not looking to necessarily to replicate a natural metal finish as much as much as just make it look presentable.  BUT I think I will just break-down and buy Alclad.  It seems like one of the few finishes that EVERYONE loves AND can be easily masked over.

That being said, I definitely don't have the funds to buy every shade of aluminium they offer.  So what is a good shade of aluminium that they offer that is a good general shade.  Not factory fresh, but not heavily oxidized either.

I have never had any trouble airbrushing Testors flat aluminum.  While I prefer Alclad, I do occasionally use the Flat Aluminum enamel.  I thin to the amount I ordinarily use with Testors enamels, and it works fine.

Instead of buying multiple shades of Alclad, you can use several shades of black and grey paint on the panels as primer. Just vary the shades between panels.  Glossy paint will give a more shiny metal appearance, flat paint gives a weathered look. By varying the primer shades, one shade of Alclad will yield several tones on the panels.  This is one way to keep your cost down.

The trick to Alclad is to spray it thin to let some of the primer background come thru giving some depth. Just shoot light coats and look at the effect. If you don't want a shiny clean look then go with the non high shine tones.

Make certain that the surface is perfectly smooth and that the primer goes on smooth and not pebbly. If you get some orange peel then lightly polish the area out before using the Alclad. This will give you the metal look you want.

I find Tamiya XF-16 flat Aluminum  to be too grainy to look good.  But that's me.  When someone comes out woth something that beats Alclad, I'll try it.  But in the mean time...

I like using Tamiya Flat Aluminum to represent lacquered surfaces such as P-51 wings, 60's era Century Series fighters, etc. Once gloss coated for decals and sealed with a satin coat, it really looks the part.

I can't add anything to this discussion. Except that the "liquid crap" comment was very funny! My brain is weird that way, sorry. Bob