What aluminum paint gives the most realistic looking finish? I have tried Model Master regular aluminum and the metalizer paints but I am not completely satisfied with either one.
Try our friend Hawkeye at www.hawkeyeshobbies.com , or failing that Alclad.
For me, Alclad II gives the most realistic NMF when applied over a gloss black base coat.
Regards, Rick
Another vote for Hawkeye’s Talon acrylics—superior paints. Be sure to follow his recommendations on application, especially the video on his site.
Alcald II are lacquers, and also produce excellent finshes, but I think them harder to use.
For actual “paint” I use Roundhouse “Old Silver”. However, as metalized finishes go, I use Alclad. Their polished aluminum gives a polish no paint can match.
Expanding the question, it depends a little on the aluminum surface you are trying to duplicate. Weathered aluminum looks far different than aluminum kept buffed and polished. And there are conversion/surface treatments that look different than either. Also, some aluminum alloys left bare look different than others. Sometimes a combination of paints and metalizers are best for large planes that have several types of metal showing.