First NMF...advice?!?

I have used MM exclusively for all metal finishes. From my experience, black is not required with MM metalics, however it doesn't hurt. MM can go right over bare plastic, use several thin coats to keep it from crazing the plastic. I usually prime all my models with good old Testors Flat Grey, several heavy coats. Because, I usually have imperfections in the plastic and filler material that need to be fixed. After all the imperfections are fixed, I spray it with a coat or two of Flat Grey again, without doing any sanding on it. This leaves a good, smooth coat to work with. Then, will overcoat with a gloss coat if I want a real shinny metal finish. I use either white or black. Then, apply the metal finish. Apply a thin to medium coat, does not have to cover completely. Let dry for no less than 10 minutes, then buff it out with a soft rag until it turns the flat finish to the shiny metal color . I have been using SNJ powder, brings out a good color and does not take as long as just using just a soft rag. Then put another coat on and buff again. Three coats ususally gives all the coverage needed.

Let it dry for a week, then follow up with Future all over to seal it. You loose a little of the metal petina, but still looks great. It seals the surface and decals go on great.

MM has to be sealed or it comes off on your hands and fingerprints show and are permanent.

That's how I have been using MM metalics for years, want to get into Alcad as it is reported to be more durable than MM.

You got it along with Schuler's comments. I've used both and continue to use both Alclad & MM. The problem with MM is as described, it comes off on your hands, decals don't stick as well also. So I've gotten to usling Alclad for large coverage. But for smaller areas or some little piece, I sometimes us MM in a spraycan, its just so easy.

Whether you use MM or Alclad, prior to painting you need to rub the model clean to get rid of finger prints. Depending on the humidity, be very careful with dust that got stuck on the model by static electricty. You don't want dust to be sealed in by the paint.

Personally I find MM BMF far to fragile and prefer Tamiya AS-12 BMF Lacquer. Alcad is a rock solid BMF as well.

AS-12 can be masked over without lifting or marking and can be sprayed over a primer. This is a bonus if you have filled areas.

cheers

Mike