Hello,
Does anyone have any experience applying decals over Alclad's Clear Coat Light Metal Sheen? I am wondering if this is glossy enough to avoid silvering issues, or if a true gloss is needed?
The clear coat would be over combination of Alclad regular and Airframe aluminum, and flat Tamiya acrylics for the cowl, and wing insignia stripes. I am trying to depict a 57th FG Thunderbolt out of Corsica:
I have been away from the hobby for nearly 40 years, and this project is my first since returning. Obviously, it is also my first time using the Alclad metal finishes; really cool stuff. (Also my first time using an airbrush, but that is another story).
I know clear-coating Alclad is controversial, and I am still undecided. My plane's finish at the moment is a mix of the duller, lighter Aluminum with contrasting darker and shinier areas from the Airframe Aluminum. I did test a spare piece using the Light Sheen Clear Coat over the mix of Alclad metals, and while some of the nice variance in the surface sheen is lost, I can't say it looks nonmetallic. Thinking that I will eventually want something to protect both decals as well as any weathering washes or filters I add, I am thinking the slight give up in appearance is worth it (but I am very open to input from those of you with more experience).
So, as I asked before adding all of this extra background, is the Light Sheen glossy enough for decals, weathering washes etc., or do I need a true fully glossy coat? If that is the case, I am leaning towards the Alclad aqua clear gloss.
Thanks for any input.