Hi, I’m going to be building a 1/48 De Havilland Beaver floatplane for my Dad’s desk as a birthday gift, and I have a technique question. I believe that the floats were made of aluminum, and I know that they were left bare-metal. I am wondering what technique(s) you guys and gals recommend for getting a realistic aluminum bare-metal finish. The metal would have been in the water, and would look very weathered, if that helps. Also, I would prefer to use acrylics. Any brands, techniques, or links are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
While I use Alclad for polished or almost new aluminum, and even though Alclad makes a “white” aluminum that does represent a more weathered surface, I use paint for weathered aluminum. I mix about half and half flat light grey and aluminum paint. This also works for aluminum castings. It needs to go down on a really good, smooth surface, with a very light coat.
Check out my lines of NMF paints…link in signature below. Also check out the IPMS-RI BONG chapter, they meet the second Friday of the month. If you need more info drop me a note.
Do you guys have a webpage for your chapter? I’ve been wanting to join the IPMS for a while, is it worth it?
By the way, not to ask a stupid question, but is there any age requirement for the IPMS? I’m sixteen