Alclad II help needed

Based on favorable reviews, I am ready to apply Alclad II white aluminum to my T Bolt. I will prime with Krylon auto body sandable primer. My question. Do I need to wet sand the primer even if the surface looks ready for the Alclad? If I should wet sand, what grade of paper should I use and are there any other steps that need to be taken prior to using the Alclad?

Mike

Hmmmm, if it is a clean and smooth surface you should be able to go right to the Alclad. I prefer to use Krylon Gloss Black and there is no sanding needed with that. In fact, I just finished priming several pieces for my P-51 and am here doing this while it dries.

Oh yeah - wait 24 to 48 hours before shooting Alclad to let that primer cure all the way.

Swanny. Thanks for help. Glad you mentioned the cure time.

Mike

if you are using a “flat” primer then you need to sand it before using Alclad…this is to give a perfectly smooth surface as well as to reduce the porous nature of the flat paint which can leave a grainy effect on the Alclad

Sounds like a plan since I am using flat primer. Question. What grit sandpaper is best? Would 0000 steel wool work as well?

Try to have a look at Alclad’s homepage thay have a guide for aplication of Alclad II lacquers http://www.alclad2.com/index2.html
I have taken the liberty to copy the text from their home page. Enjoy it.
APPLICATION GUIDE-PART 1 PLASTIC MODELS Regular Alclad: is similar in strength to lacquer/cellulose car paints-injected polystyrene plastics frequently have areas which Alclad can craze. Apply one of these primers before using Regular Alclad:
Alclad Grey Primer
Alclad Gloss Black Base
Future/Klear-floor sealer/polish

Plastic primers should be lightly polished with 1000/1200 wet&dry paper to give a less absorbent glossy surface.

High Shine Finishes-Polished Aluminium, Chrome for plastic and Stainless Steel require a dark glossy base,use
Alclad Gloss Black Base

SPRAYING

Alclad should be sprayed at 15-20psi.
Spray from1 1/2 -2 1/2 inches away from the model.
Apply light coats.
Use the airbrush like a paint brush not an aerosol.
Buffing is not necessary-though tonal variation can be made by polishing selected panels with Micromesh.
A sealer is not required.
Regular Alclad can be masked and over-painted.
Decal solutions can be used with Regular Alclad,but are not recommended for Polished Aluminium,Chrome or Stainless Steel.

use future… let that dry for 48 hours… then alcal away