How To Use Testors Metallizer for Mirror-Like Polish?

The most important thing is that you apply it to BARE, CLEAN (washed) PLASTIC.  Do not apply over primer or any other paint.  This is per Testors' instructions in an old flyer I picked up at a hobby shop years ago.

I have found that one thin coat of metallizer works best.  But I have never been able to get a "Mirror-like finish" with it.  The only thing I know of that will produce such a result is Alclad Polished Aluminum, but that is a whole different process and can be tricky to get right.

I think if you want to get the high shine or mirror like finishes Alclad II is your best bet by far.  They have Polished Aluminum, Chrome, Airframe Aluminum and Stainless Steel.  Just prep the surface, use a glossy black undercoat (I recommend their gloss black base) and you're good to go.

One can get a mighty shiny finish using SnJ aluminum polished with their aluminum powder.  Maybe that's too "old school" though.  But, I've had real good results with it.

This Monogram F-80C was painted with SnJ and some areas were polished with the powder, some were polished with just a clean cotton cloth and some was left in the unpolished state.

Texgunner, I have the 1996 issue of Finescale Modeler where they show how to use SnJ paint + aluminum powder but I'm concerned that's an old product and it's no longer available.

MZ, I'm sure I have that issue in the stack somewhere.   Well dang, I thought one could still buy it from Hawkeyehobbies, but alas, not anymore.

Read this:

http://www.hawkeyeshobbies.com/

Gary

edit to add:  I guess that falls under the old adage, "nothing good lasts forever".  Come on some of you young entrepreneurs, buy out Gerald and keep the SnJ going!

G

A lot of people have expressed concern over Alclad II lacquers like they're very tricky to do right. What's the trick? I've checked out their website, read the instructions and watched their videos but didn't see any red flags. Of course, maybe they're just not telling the truth what the catch is.