A while back I bought Tamiya’s 1/48 scale Mosquito kit and some decals to put it in Israeli Markings. I know the plane is silver in color and was wondering what color of paint would be closest to match the Aluminum Dope???( FYI I use Model Master paints).
I was wondering if it should me chrome silver, Metallic Aluminum of natural metal (metalizer) aluminum? I may not be a genius but I am aware the “Wooden Wonder” was not constructed of Aluminum, hence I do not think a NMF is appropriate.
I’ve always felt that the closest match for aluminum dope (it’s actually clear dope with aluminum powder or paste mixed into it) is flat aluminum. Although clear nitrate or butyrate dope is gloss, the addition of the aluminum takes much of the gloss out if it, much like the addition of baby powder (an old trick to dull the paint on flying models before flat paints/dopes became readily available). BTW, although the Mossie was built of wood, it was covered in fabric. A lot of civilian wooden winged aircraft are covered with fabric, which strengthens, smooths and protects the wood. (Bellanca and early Mooneys come to mind)
Consider using Floquil “Old Silver”. It’s in the Model Railroad paint line up, but gives a nice flat silver which is pretty durable & would come close to matching the Aluminum Dope used on the real bird.
Regards, Rick
Another option is Walmart brand cheap Aluminum spray paint. The big can is usually on sale for .88-.93. It sprays real nice, doesn’t attack the plastic and looks great.
Consider Humbrol Metalcote matt aluminium. This is a good, slightly dark, colour, and can be buffed to a slight sheen if you wish. That said, when I did a Tamiya Mosquito in BOAC colours a few years ago, I used ModelMaster non-buffing aluminium metaliser, overcoated with matt varnish, and that worked pretty well, too.
Chris.
I have always found that Model Master Aluminum Plate Metalizer is a good match for Aluminum Dope.
I have compared it shots I have taken of RAAF aircraft that have a similar coating and the match is spot on (to my eye anyway).
Cheers
Darren
Yes, for aluminum laquer as well as aluminum dope, I have found that nothing beats good old MM Non-buffing aluminum with a semi-gloss overcoat. Somehow, the overcoat (I’ve used Testors and, in a pinch once, even Krylon [I can hear you all gasping in derision!] and these clear coats seem to pick up the aluminum pigment and suspend it in the clear medium, which is the desired effect. That is, as opposed to a genuine metal surface, which should look more one-dimensional and have a sheen to it. I haven’t tried this with acrylic clear coats because, after a bad experience of the stuff turning milky on my beautiful finished plane, I stay away from clear acrylic.