Hi Everyone,
I just purchased two 1/144 High Grade Bandai kits namely Shiranui Akatsuki Gundam and Oowashi Akatsuki Gundam. These kits simply require the application of adhesive gold foil for most part and a little painting. However, I noticed that there are 5 small pieces per kit that are of metallic copper mold and according to the schematic diagrams, these don’t need painting.
Over time, I expect that the metallic copper mold will fade and thus ruining the models. If there were adhesive copper foil I wouldn’t purchase it just to apply it on a total of 10 small pieces. Therefore, can you provide me with some alternatives on how to maintain the metallic copper parts like for example, if Copper paint is definitely needed then what else needs to be added?
Thanks.
Capt. Harlock
I would definitely go with Alclad or at least a metalizer paint, if at the very least a better quality hobby paint other than the Testors small bottle, and anything water-based. (Unless there is something really butt kicking out there that is water based now that Im not aware of or have tried).
I am using Alclad almost exclusively now for my metallized parts, applied over a coat of Tamiya gloss black that has been let dry for three or four days. Make sure the parts are smooth and do not show seams or defect, foil will cover just about anything but metallic paint shows all defect. I love alclad paint and they are intermixable, so I can come up with all sorts of wonderful shades for my Mecha by intermixing.
Second option–head to the discount aisle at Hobby Lobby (or use the downloadable 40%off coupon from hobbylobby.com) or Michaels or even a better home improvement store (perhaps even Wally world) and look for copper foil in the 99cent bin. That way , even though it is only the ten sheets you will only spend around a dollar on it, and last winter there was tons of this stuff in the discount bins at my local Hobby Lobby.
Third option: Copper spray paint. Not that great but quick dirty and can be had for a dollar or two.
Fourth option: Copper decal sheet if you can still find it, I believe Micro Scale had it. Or, spray paint clear decal sheet with the copper paint and apply.
Fifth option: Copper RubNBuff from Michaels/ hobby lobby. This stuff is very old school, it is a pigmented waxy substance that you apply and then buff to a shine. Its still used but not as popular as other spray on techniques. This will run in the $5 range.
Hope these help, Im giong to Google up these mecha and see where they fall in the line.
My regars to the Queen
David