Metalizer abandonment

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.