Capt. Harlock
I would definitely go with Alclad or at least a metalizer paint, if at the very least a better quality hobby paint other than the Testors small bottle, and anything water-based. (Unless there is something really butt kicking out there that is water based now that Im not aware of or have tried).
I am using Alclad almost exclusively now for my metallized parts, applied over a coat of Tamiya gloss black that has been let dry for three or four days. Make sure the parts are smooth and do not show seams or defect, foil will cover just about anything but metallic paint shows all defect. I love alclad paint and they are intermixable, so I can come up with all sorts of wonderful shades for my Mecha by intermixing.
Second option--head to the discount aisle at Hobby Lobby (or use the downloadable 40%off coupon from hobbylobby.com) or Michaels or even a better home improvement store (perhaps even Wally world) and look for copper foil in the 99cent bin. That way , even though it is only the ten sheets you will only spend around a dollar on it, and last winter there was tons of this stuff in the discount bins at my local Hobby Lobby.
Third option: Copper spray paint. Not that great but quick dirty and can be had for a dollar or two.
Fourth option: Copper decal sheet if you can still find it, I believe Micro Scale had it. Or, spray paint clear decal sheet with the copper paint and apply.
Fifth option: Copper RubNBuff from Michaels/ hobby lobby. This stuff is very old school, it is a pigmented waxy substance that you apply and then buff to a shine. Its still used but not as popular as other spray on techniques. This will run in the $5 range.
Hope these help, Im giong to Google up these mecha and see where they fall in the line.
My regars to the Queen
David
Build to please yourself, and don't worry about what others think!
TI 4019 Jolly Roger Squadron, 501st Legion