Metal Finish

Michael B

I am looking to build a Lockheed P-38 in my first attempt of a natural metal finish.  I am looking for a paint, preferably enamel or?, which is easy to apply (yes, I know, nothing is easy) through my airbrush, or maybe even rattle can, that can withstand masking, minimal handling, light weathering and whatever top coat necessary to preserve my efforts.  First of all, is there such a thing?  Second, I want my finished product look used, but not abused.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  

Thanks in advance for your help  Michael B. 

 

While I am a big fan of Alclad myself, I have a few modeling friends who use paint to represent a natural metal finish.  I believe most of them use various weathering techniques to create a weathered finish, such as washes and drybrushing.  Some also do weathering with a DA airbrush adjusted to a minimal flow- I have used same technique over Alclad nmf. If you put down a good nmf with paint, you can weather it later.

I find matt aluminum paint leads to a more realistic finish than gloss silver, when I do elect not to use Alclad or such.  It is also easier to mix various paints with matt aluminum to vary panel appearance, but you have to all only small amounts.  Less is better when doing that.

Look for a video online at youtube for AK Extreme Metal paints. I don't know if these are enamel or acrylic but I think you will like the results you see in that video ( pretty sure they are enamel). It's easier to work with than Alclad or Testors metalizers ( which is what I use). You need to prime first I believe. Go find the video on it, he explains it all in about 20-30 minutes. He's a good painter too, does it commercially. I'll post an address up if I run into it meanwhile.

Thanks guys, I appreciate your input.  Now, I believe a have a few avenues to look into.

Michael B.