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Metalizer abandonment

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  • Member since
    November 2013
Metalizer abandonment
Posted by Teutonic222 on Monday, November 4, 2013 10:45 AM

Well, I got my first post in on Metalizers and already have a change. Since the post I did more Metalizer research. I'm not sure I want to deal with the headaches of trying to successfully mask Metalizer (which apparently doesn't work well), dealing with decals (and clear coating over them), or the delicacies of handling. I'm pretty adept at modeling, but have never worked with Testors Metalizer and don't plan on working with Alclad.

Are there other alternative paints that will get me close to the aluminum and magnesium look, such as...?

  1. VHT Nu-cast Engine Coating: they are all rattle cans, but they have a color called "Cast Aluminum Look," which I suspect might be similar to magnesium. I'm concerned that it might spray too thick, although previous auto experience with VHT paints were pretty good.
  2. Dupli-Color Wheel Coating: comes in silver and graphite. Used to dress up worn out auto wheels (acrylic enamel). Claims to have a highly reflective metallic finish with superior adhesion to plastic.
  3. Eastwood Factory Gray High Temp Coating Spray: it says cast iron color, so it's probably way too dark, but at least my B-36 model could now withstand temps up to 1200 degrees.

I'm looking for a finish that is not as delicate as Metalizers and I can still mask and decal (and handle) carefully, but without paranoia of damage.

Thanks.

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: State of Mississippi. State motto: Virtute et armis (By valor and arms)
Posted by mississippivol on Monday, November 4, 2013 8:17 PM

My understanding is that Alclad is the way to go. Kinda pricey, but they hold up better than Metalizer, and you can airbrush it.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Far Northern CA
Posted by mrmike on Monday, November 4, 2013 9:06 PM

Out of curiosity, what is your objection to Alclad? If you don't have an airbrush setup, then by all means look for alternatives, but if you can airbrush I think you'll find Alclad products to be the cat's meow for color choices, ease of use and durability.

  • Member since
    November 2013
Posted by Teutonic222 on Monday, November 4, 2013 9:26 PM

A couple of reasons. I still am reading a lot of issues with Alclad application; that it is better than Testors Metalizers, but still sensitive for adhering to plastics, masking affecting the finish, finish issues if not applied well (I know, that's the case with anything). Although my intention is not to play with this model like a kid running through the house, it will get handled during the production process. I'm looking for a finish that has a little better durability. I'm willing to compromise appearance a bit for that durability. I've thought about Duplicolor. Any experience?

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Monday, November 4, 2013 10:13 PM

This is obviously the wrong forum, you should post in the painting/airbrushing, or techniques?? Whatever you've read about Alclad seems to be wrong. It is the most durable metalizer paint period. It dries fast and I've found I can handle it after about 4-6 hours and mask over it all day long with no bad effects. They are pre-thinned and spray really nice. I can't even imagine trying to rattle can a metalizer when you have Alclad as an alternative. On another note, you can buy a rattle can metallic and decant it through your airbrush.

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2013
Posted by Teutonic222 on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 7:58 AM

My intent wasn't to place this post in this forum. I was in the B-36 group build and thought that's where this would have ended up. I was trying to get  some insight on how other B-36 modelers had pulled off the aluminum/magnesium skins.

  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: England
Posted by P mitch on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 8:31 AM

Just to add more to the voices in favour of Alclad. I've used it a lot and never had a problem with masking (as long as you use a primer). It can be difficult to get a full mirror finish but thats due to incorrect prep as long as you prepair well and keep dust away you cant get a better finish

"If anybody ever tells you anything about an aeroplane which is so bloody complicated you can't understand it, take it from me: it's all balls." R J Mitchell


  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Portland, Oregon
Posted by fantacmet on Saturday, November 30, 2013 10:07 PM

Regarding Alclad keep in mind it is designed for use with polycarbonate (Lexan), which is an acrylic based polymer instead of a styrene based polymer.  I did an RC Car body with the stuff and found it to be a little too translucent but most RC Paints are, though I did accidently stick some gorilla tape to some on the RC car body and was horrified, only to find when I finally got the guts to pull it off a week later it did NOT pull up the Alclad, but it was only half dry when the tape got put on.

    

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Sunday, December 1, 2013 9:00 AM

Like Nathan said, Alclad is the best for metal finishes. It's easy to apply, it's extremely durable and produces a realistic metal tone ranging from weathered oxidized look to shiny bright chrome finishes. You can tape off panels to get different shades and it will not pull up. As with any product, read and follow the directions.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    January 2014
Posted by Silver on Sunday, October 12, 2014 5:54 PM
Try Tamiya can sprays..BMS, Silver Leaf .Then use testors Metalizers as your panels.Great paints.I defeated Alclad on many contest w/Tamiya .
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