What's a good alternative for Tamiya AS Bare-Metal Silver?

Tamiya X-11 is not bad for a metallic acrylic, but like most metallic acrylics it suffers from a larger metallic grain size than its enamel or lacquer counterparts. What this means is that while it's acceptable, you don't really get that deep, lustrous metallic sheen that enamels and lacquers provide.

I haven't tried them but I've read good things about Gunze's "Mr Metal" range. I believe they are a lacquer based product.

I recently painted a bmf that called for Tamiya AS Bare metal by using a 50/50 mix of Tamiya Chrome Silver and Yamiya Aluminum.  That was you don't have to buy the aresol can and you can apply with your ab.

I though the finish came out nice.  Although I have not tried it yet I hear nothing but good things about Alclad.

Svengoolie wrote:

I recently painted a bmf that called for Tamiya AS Bare metal by using a 50/50 mix of Tamiya Chrome Silver and Yamiya Aluminum.  That was you don't have to buy the aresol can and you can apply with your ab. I though the finish came out nice.  Although I have not tried it yet I hear nothing but good things about Alclad.

Thanks Svengoolie, I might try that. I just wish Tamiya would make acrylic AS paints. It's such a pain when you don't want to use spray cans or other lethal vapor products.

I have to agree with Hawkeye.  I tried Talon acrylic NMF recently and was very pleased with the ease of use.  First, here is a pic prior to using the aluminium polishing powers:

After polishing powers and a coat of Future (and decals):

Easy application & cleanup...well worth a try.  It has cured my fear of NMF.

HawkeyeHobbies wrote:

Have you checked out the Talon Series NMF Acrylic Paints yet? Visit the website link below signature for more information.

Hey Gerald, I'm assuming you are the owner of the Talon paints correct? Are you the only site that carries this stuff or is it something I might find locally? 

I'm also wondering how well the Talon acrylic will lay down on a layer of Tamiya acrylic? Have you noticed any issues with painting on top of other acrylics at all?

Centurion-the upper pic is the paint alone.  Probably with a coat of Future, it would have been a good finish.  If you look closely on the bottom pic, the nose cone is not polished with powers.  Polishing didn't cause any problems with the Future top coat.  Just dab a small amount on the panels, use an soft cloth and there is no residue left.  It was my first experience with a NMF-I only airbrush acrylics so the Talon product has been a blessing.

I'm sure that Gerald can add a lot more info & advise.  Check out his site....some good stuff there.