First time posting here as I have recently started building models again for the first time since I was a teen (some 30 years ago.). I started off with an Airfix 1/72 F-86 Sabre (Maybe I should post a pic of it so you guys can have a chuckle at the newbie! But I have to say I’m quite pleased with myself for my first crack at it.). I’m moving on to a Mig-15bis to complement the Sabre. Now with this build I’m trying to get a more realistic aluminium metallic finish. I’ve ordered some Humbrol Polished Aluminium Metalcote acrylic spray. My questions are this…
I have also purchased a gloss black acrylic spray to prime. Yea or nay?
Once I’ve sprayed (spray can not airbrush) the Metalcote and buffed it up… Since it’s an acrylic I take it a humbrol enamel gloss varnish spay is a no go? I have a bottle of Humbrol clear too (I had a little shopping spree on their website). Would the Humbrol clear be the one I would have to use before decals OR could I use the gloss enamel spray on the aceylic Metalcote spray?
I have mostly enamel paints so I’m going to have to use an acrylic to paint the nose of my Mig 15bis overtop of the acrylic metalcote correct? (I would paint the nose red over the metalcote before applying a gloss finish prior to decals).
I think that’s it for now… Having a blast with the Hobby and this site! As you can tell I have a softspot for airfix…
Thanks guys, I appreciate any help you can give on my probably, very silly questions.
When I did my P-47 Thunderbolt kit, I used Tamiya Bare Metal Silver in a rattlecan. I didn’t use black gloss coat as primer, but straight up Rustoleum grey primer. That gave me the look I was looking for - a battle worn WW2 fighter. I’m quite happy with the outcome.
Keep in mind, not all bare metal aircrafts are shiny shiny per say. I think grey primer would be fine. However, I’m not familiar with Humbrol metallics though.
Do a test on a scrap kit - one with gloss black as primer, the other with grey primer. See which one gives you the best look you’re looking for.
I believe many Migs were painted aluminum/silver. Be sure you really want a natural metal finish on yours. I find Testors aluminum good for aluminum paint.
For a good natural aluminum finish nothing beats Alclad.
Not sure about using gloss black acrylic to prime, so I think I’m voting ‘nay’ on that.
Acrylic doesn’t adhere all that well to plastic, and that’s why most of us use a real primer. I just used stylenrez black primer under Alclad, and it worked fine. (Not a high polish Alclad color though).
When I switched to acrylic years back, I didn’t understand the adherence thing at all, and was used to the enamels of old just sticking to everything no problem. Was a learning experience.
Can’t comment on your metal-colored paints as I’ve never used any of them.
All great advice gentlemen thank you!!!
From what I’ve read the Soviet Migs in Korea were mostly natural metal with a clear varnish. So I’m gonna go with that… and hell, I’m just going to use this to experiment with a more metalic finish.
So once I paint it with an acrylic metalic paint. Can I use an enamel gloss varnish over top? Or is that a no-no?