ALCLAD 2 PLEASE REPLY AS I AM MAKING MIG-17 AND WANT TO PAINT WITH ALCLAD

Do a forum search for Alclad.  There are numerous posts describing how to properly apply it and the techniques involved.  Basically, the plastic needs to be very clean.  Use a good primer and spray the entire aircraft.  Once that is completely cured, spray the plane with gloss black.  That will create a very smooth surface for your Alclad II.  Give that several days to solidly cure.  Then spray the alclad.  Again, allow it to completely cure before moving forward with decals and the like.

There are much better posts out there with clear instructions.  The is also an excellent article on Swanny's website, which you can find here: http://www.swannysmodels.com/Alclad.html

I hope that helps! 

By the way, DJB, I don't mean to sound picky, but it is considered bad form to use all caps.  It looks like you're shouting.  Just thought I'd let you know.

And there is no need to add, "Please reply."  Someone will almost alway reply rather expeditiously. 

When properly applied, Alclad is tough and will not rub off on your hands.  Heck, it won't even come off with masking tape.  In my opinion, Alclad is for experienced modelers.  First, you are working with a pretty toxic substance and second, you have got to be able to prepare a perfect surface prior to Alclad application.  Of course that pretty much applies to any bare metal finish.  If you have no experience with bare metal finishes I might suggest trying Model Master metalizers as they are more user friendly except that they are somewhat delicate and can come off when improperly masked.  Be advised that these products both contain lacquer based paint hence you need to take proper precautions when airbrushing.

Mike

I've used three different shades of Alclad 2 and always had excellent results. You must prime your model's surface with either grey auto primer or enamel gloss black, depending on the shade of Alclad you're using. Allow a few days for the primer to dry. The great thing about Alclad is that you don't have to thin it - it sprays straight from the bottle. Allow it to dry for a couple of days, then give it a coat or two of Johnson's Klear to protect the finish from decalling and weathering. I wouldn't agree that it's for experienced modellers only - apart from being careful to use the correct primer - this stuff is actually quite easy to use, and you don't have to worry about thinner ratios. And it gives a superb finish. Give it a go - it's the only way you'll find out for yourself!