Testor's Model Master Metallizers for NMF

I really don't care much for the buffing metalizers. They look ok when put on but you can't mask over them without damaging the surface and normal handling may result in a marred surface. The non-buffing ones are more durable, but for a NMF do yourself a favor and get some Alclad II.

I've used the MM Metalizers for NMF, but thet are VERY fragile, and require a clear coat, which changes the reflective properties of the "metal" finish.

I prefer Alcad II. It does require a gray primer for most shades (I bought theirs), and a gloss black acrylic for their "polished" colors (also bought theirs, but you can also use Tamiya acrylic gloss or Future). It is pricey (about $7 for a 1 oz. bottle). It can be safely masked (these panels were masked with drafting tape) with low-tack tape, Metalizers will lift with masking.


This Dragon Me 262 Mistel "bomb" was painted with a base coat of Alcad Aluminum, followed by Duraluminum & Dark Aluminum.

Hope this helps.

Hey Pix! SWEET!!
I am going to have to give alclad a try too.

jkelleycrna - After having used MM's buffing metalizer (Aluminum) I would try the Alclad. The MM looked great right after spraying it (without a primer), but a clear coat gave it a totally different and unnatural look, and it does need to be clear coated. The Alclad does need a primer, though from what I have read here in the forum. Swanny swears by it, as do a few others. Wish I could give you better news.

Pix-
Nice looking Mistel, there! Which kit is that, and in what scale? I have a nice hardbound book on the Mistel projects and have always been fascinated by them. Just saw on www.greatmodels.com that there is a 1/72 scale glider kit to go with a BF109 Mistel. My book shows some really great details on the attachment points for that combination. I have the 109/Ju88 model in my unbuilt pile, but when I saw the 262 combo, that really got my attention.
Hope to see some more pics from you of that project!

stinger

Thanks, balta1 & stinger. Its the 1/48 Dragon Me 262 Mistel. You can see more pics in the "Me 262 Group Build."

If your hell bent on using mm metalizers I suggest using using Floquils Old silver as a primer/base coat I've had really good luck - and Its another shade of silver add to your varied panel look. Another really super bullet proof method of metalizing involves varnish and SNJ silver powder ...... good luck

I've had good luck with the metalizers, and, after sealing with the Metalizer Sealer, I have been able to carefully mask over it and move on with other colors. Overall I would agree with others that Alclad produces a more durable finish hence I would recommend it over the MM Metalizers.