Hi guys,

To the modelers that are having difficulty with your Alclad-2 finishes; respectfully just a couple of tidbits:

1. If your airbrush came with extra needles and aircaps (like the dual-action Paasche' VL kit) rather than using the medium sized set up, go with the smallest one (fine). For the Paasche's this would be the #1 needle/aircap combo.  The atomization is much finer.

2. Air pressure.  I've noticed modelers spraying Alclad2 metalizers at 20psi and higher (Yipes!) .  Try going with 12 to 15 psi coming out at the tip (10 to 11 psi if using a fine needle/aircap set up). When you set your air regulator, take air pressure drop into account if your airhose is 6 feet in length or longer. One modeler I communicated with kept complaining about his NMF appearing too silver-like and dull. After he told me that he sprayed Alclad2 on at 30psi , I fully understood why! He got better results once he turned down that air pressure knob. 

3. ALWAYS USE A WATER TRAP (Nuff said).

4. NMF should be sealed to prevent scratches and nicking to the finish. Some modelers complain about dulling. Often times this is due to the clear beaing applied either too thick, too dry, or being piled on. 

When sealing Alclad2 or other NMF's, it's often best to spray one very thin, medium-wet layer of the clear, whether gloss or semi-gloss. When done in this manner, very little sheen is lost. Practice applying a thin, smooth layer of sealer or clear on scrap plastic. Worth the effort. (same for basecoat foundations colors/primers).

NOTE: Compact CD cases are excellent samples to practice on! If you know school teachers, ask them if they have any CD's that they no longer want. Schools often have piles of obsolete instructional CD's and teachers tend to store and forget about them. They're usually glad to give them away. I received a huge pile of CD's and CD cases  (Windows 95 and 98 versions) by simply asking.

Not being presumptuous, but when I started out with NMF's I experienced a number of the problems that other modelers have reported.  Once I started practicing airbrushing metalizers on scrap samples and fine-tuned my techniques, I've greatly enjoyed metalizing ever since! All you need is patience and a dust free environment.

PLEASE USE A RESPIRATOR.

Don't give up on it guys, go for it! 

Interesting inputs.

I have had exelent results with Alclad and it is true about the bese prep.

If there is not a substantial difference in either price or quality between AK and Alclad I for now will just stick the the stuff I know  :-)

Theuns

Yeap, can't see it making too much difference either way, I've used Alclad and Testor's Metalizer and both work equally well. I can't imagine the AK product being much different. As the guys said above the big issue is making sure the undercoat you apply before the metallic paint is perfect since any flaw or blemish no matter how tiny will stick out like a sore thumb.

For those who are having trouble with Alclad, I agree with Marco.  The base finish before applying the Alclad must be perfect, and glossy.  The reason is that the Alclad must be put down very thin- much thinner than with normal paint.  So it will NOT cover any flaws in the base/undercoat.  And, many folks are not used to applying such a thin coat. It takes a little practice with the airbrush if you are not skilled in applying thin coats.  And you must put it down in a single coat.

However, you can use the variation in tone with thickness to vary the gloss/polished look by putting down just a slightly thicker coat on some panels to break up the appearance of different panels.  This is a subtler affect than using the different alclad shades, but can look nice.

The thing with NMF is that they are unforgiving! If you have a scratch in the model, it will show, so they demand surface preparation like no other finish. AlcladII is still my preferred finish, but you do need a ventilated area to use it. Independent of what paint you're using a particle mask is always recomended when airbrushing any type of colour (even "non toxic" ones).

Besides AlcladII and Ak, you also have a new range of metal finishes from Vallejo. If you're used to Vallejo Mode Air, these are thinner and airbrush without much fuss (even the typical tip dry I get with Vallejo's is not as frequent). As far as I know this new range uses Alluminium pigments instead of mica, used in previous vallejo's metals and although I can be wrong, I guess they are using their urethane vehicle (as in their primer or premium air colours, but I'm not sure of this).

Cheers

thanks for the info, been wondering about that AK metals. I love Alclad finish, but the smell is practically toxic.

I've used AK Xtreme Metal on a couple of builds now, the engine areas on an F-15E and currently on a Mig-21PF. The work almost identically to Alclad 2, but I have found that it scratches a little easier than Alclad 2. On the F-15 build I didnt notice any issues and they applied beautifully. On the Mig-21; however, I had some issues with scratches, but I was able to use fine sanding pands and sand down to the primer and recoat and they are completely gone. I have not had any issues with masking over AK xtreme metal at all. The paint is dry to the touch pretty quickly, but I have waited at least 24 hours before I have applied any masking. I have not had any areas where the paint has lifted and there is no dulling of the finish from the tape. I use primarily Tamiya tape; but I have also used 3M Blue Painters Tape on it as well.

The product is fairly new since it was released A year or so ago - maybe 2 years now. I've never used it but I have heard good things about them.

Ty for the AK link BrandonK, Eye opening information. That stuff looks great as long as you don't use tape or decals.

chukw

I hate NMF finishes.  Boring!  

 

Not when done properly!  Granted, I am not a big fan either lol

I've been looking for something to replace using Alclad, I just don't like working with them, although they look awesome. AK looks appealing. 

You should take a look at this review. It is an honest review and not a sales video.

BK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbnCdM-Rd3Y

I've never used Alclad- it always seemed to be tripping people up and frankly, I hate NMF finishes.  Boring!  I have bought some Xtreme Metal for my MiG buil;d and I am completely sold- see my build thread here:  http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/2/t/166053.aspx

HTH-

chuk