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Saving buffed aluminum sheen

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Saving buffed aluminum sheen
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 21, 2004 9:32 AM
I don't know how many of my builds were, if not ruined, certainly degraded and a waste of some hard work because of this problem. I use a lot of Testors Metalizer. No matter what I use to seal buffed aluminum, steel, et al, the nice, desired sheen I've carefully buffed is ruined. It seems the Metalizer sealer, put on very sparingly, should not flatten or otherwise made the metal finish look artificial and "model-ly", but it does. I can't afford alclad right now, and anyway I don't know if it has the same problem. I really like the toughness and natural sheen of SNJ, but it doesn't buff sprayed on. The buffing powder is really messy to use and it too loses its sheen when any kind of fixer is sprayed on it. I've never seen a foil covered plane that a) looked truly realistic b) could be done at a reasonable price. I recently tried to do it on F-86D and it was a disaster, though I used inferior, wrinkly Model Master foil. Any help would be most appreciated. I really want to do a decent looking Tamiya F-84 after my beautiful multicolored panels on the Pro-modeler kit were ruined by fixative.
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: A Spartan in the Wolverine State
Posted by rjkplasticmod on Monday, June 21, 2004 11:44 AM
Sad but true. I have never found a topcoat/sealer that didn't degrade the natural metal effect.
RICK At My Age, I've Seen It All, Done It All, But I Don't Remember It All...
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 21, 2004 12:45 PM
Yep. I agree with Rick. Alcad is really the only way to go, as far as I'm concerned. It IS expensive, but the cost is less than the kit whose finish was altered with a top coat. About the cheapest I've seen Alcad is at Squadron, where a bottle costs about $6.95. It is enough to cover a 1/48 WW II bomber, or two or three 1/48 fighters. Maybe buy one less kit, and a couple bottles of Alcad. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Their Polished Aluminum & Chrome are mirror-like, and don't require a sealer. I'm about to start a 1/48 Monogram B-29, and I'll be using seven shades of Alcad on it.
Might not be the cheapest way to go, but I feel its the most cost-effective.

Hope this helps.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 21, 2004 1:31 PM
i cant' stand the fact that i cant use a top coat on decals! drives me nuts
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 21, 2004 1:50 PM
Ok how do you make the decals look "painted" on over Alclad without that top coat to mix them in?
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: The Hoosier State
Posted by plasticmod992 on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 2:07 AM
I highly recommend using Future as a sealer. I've quietly used it for years with award-winning results for my natual metal finishes, specifically over MM Metalizers and Alclad. The Future does'nt deminish the sheen or dull it out. If you airbrush several thin coats, you'll avoid the painted aluminum look. Future also provides a tough barrier for any subsequent washes and as most are aware, it provides an excellent survace for decals. Give it a try!
Greg Williams Owner/ Manager Modern Hobbies LLC Indianapolis, IN. IPMS #44084
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 10:55 AM
I've started using Future more and more, but haven't got up the nerve to cover a whole model with it. Tell me this: does tape lift it off? I generally use post-it notes to mask where possible, but when tape is required I use the old body oil trick to reduce tackiness. It's hard to imagine that with its great sheen, it wouldn't alter buffed appearance. But I'll take your word and try it. Thanks to all of you.
Tom Bell
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 11:11 AM
Future before and after decals on NMF??
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 11:17 AM
I hadn't thought of that. Anybody out there got a recipe for the process?
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