Sealer coat over NMF?

I recently tested out a few things over MM Metalizer Aluminum (buffing). All 3 things I tried over it were easy to flake off with a toothpick. So, try Future over metalizer on a test part before going to the trouble of doing the entire model like that. It does work, but it is not very chip resistant.

Of the 3 things I tested over Aluminum (buffing) metalizer, even metalizer sealer was rather easy to chip. The runner up was Future, so Future was a little more flaky. The most easily chippable was Acryl clear green.

Another option is to put the non-buffing Aluminum metalizer over it and let it be as it is without a sealer. The non-buffing ones do great without a top coat or sealer. I don't know why; they just don't rub off as easy. They aren't as susceptible to fingerprints. They just seem to dry like regular paint. That metalizer might be more chromelike than what you are aiming for though.

I just remembered... those clear lacquers from Testors in the bigger jars work great over mm metalizer.

Thanks, Jdavidb! My primary reason for wanting to apply a topcoat is to blend in the decals. Having the plane less prone to fingerprints and a bit more "handling resistant" is also a desired goal. So are you talking about the Testors' flat topcoat in the ol' rattle aerosol can?

You provided some great info! I never realized that the overcoats were prone to chipping and flaking off. Very interesting!

Best wishes,

Eric

The lacquer clears that I've used over metalizer is Testors in the liquid jars applied with an airbrush. They're 1 oz. jars... a little taller than other Model Master jars. They have the black Model Master label like the small jars. There's a thinner for them too. The racks might have 4 slots: flat, semi-gloss, clear and thinner.

I used semi-gloss once, and it was a bit too glossy. I mixed it half & half with the flat one. That was the top coat on my tie fighters.

You might be satisfied with Future over aluminum metalizer though. See how it turns out on a small part. I'd say it qualifies as a legit top coat over metalizer. It's just less than the kind of durability I go for, especially on transformable Macross mecha.

Use Alclad II and you don't need any sealer.

Mike

yeah Alclad II or Spaz-Stix

I've got an F-86 sitting on my shelf that will be my Alclad test bed. Can't wait! I've heard so many good things about it. I know you have to use something like Krylon gloss black (or a similar product) under the Alclad Aluminum. I bought a spray can of the Krylon and tested it out on a hack model I have lying around to test how glossy smooth the Krylon will be. It seemed okay. It was glossy but not glass smooth like I was hoping. I guess I'll have to keep experimenting until I apply it to the F-86. Practice, practice, practice! :)

Eric

You wont get the glass smotth effect from the black paint until you sand it with really fine sanding paper.
I use the Micromesh stuff for my BMF, and it works a treat.

I use Future applied in a light thin coat over BMF aircraft that I have done. Does not seem to be any tonal change in the BMF finish and seals all the decals in nicely.

cheers

Mike

Thanks for all the great tips guys! I've got a set of micromesh polishing cloths so I'm going to give that a try as well. Tweety, do you do it dry or do you wet sand it?

Mike, I thought I once heard that applying the gloss over NMF can change the tone but if you said your models come out just fine then I'll give it a try as well.

Thanks!

Eric

Eric

Here is a couple of pics of my 1:72 Hasegawa F-86D Sabre Dog. It has a thin sealer coat of Future.




cheers

Mike

I tell ya, Mike. If I can make my F-86 look like that then I'll die a happy man. Looks REAL good!

Thanks for the pictures!

Eric

It is a great kit, my only, very minor gripe is that it has the airbrakes moulded shut

I have a couple of the Aifix ones and another Hase one to do as yet.

I think you should be please the way the Future goes. Remember, a thin coat , perhaps applied with a flat wide brush.

Test on a inconspicuous area first to be certain it gives the desired finish.

cheers

Mike