I decided I’d use Alclad to get a metal effect on those parts of a Nieuport 17 bipe. It’s the standard parts of a WW I plane that are almost always done in metal, basically everything from the front of the cockpit forward, which on a model this small in 1/48, isn’t much area to cover.
However, I was wondering: Can I use plain old gloss or semi-gloss black acrylic by Model Master for the primer? Or even a gray for that matter. I’m not looking for a really shiny finish, but I suppose the undercoat doesn’t affect that, does it? This will be my first attempt to use Alclad before attempting an entire F-86F in various shades of it.
Thanks.
TOM
Hi Tom:
One word. Future. You can use your MM Acrylic paint, but Future is so much better and a lot less costly. For the regular shades of Alclad, Future is great. If you are going with the polished shades, you need a gloss black primer and the MM Acryic Gloss Black will work although the Alclad primer is the best.
If you choose Future, let it cure for at least 48 hours before airbrushing your Alclad.
Mike M
Thanks for the info. One question, though. Isn’t the reason for the black or gray undercoat to compensate to the transluscent property of the paint? I mean, will the bare plastic show through with nothing but Future underneath?
And as long as we’re on the subject, in NYC, I’m suddenly having trouble finding Future. I used to get it in the supermarket for about five dollars for a lifetime supply. Well, my last bottle, three years old, recently got thrown out by a stupid roommate who didn’t know what the precious liquid was for. Now, the only Future I can find costs nine dollars for the same size bottle, and only in certain large hardware stores. Where do I find it for a reasonable price? If it really has doubled in price in three years, then I’ll pay it, considering how long the bottle lasts.
TOM
Heya tom,
Your best bet would be a Lacquar gloss black as ALclad is a Lacquar. Yes the black is for the see through qualities of the ALclad but Youll find you need a couple of coats to get a good finish when it dries. I would really go with a lacquar, if their own primer is nnot available Krylon gloss black is an excellent choice too.
Swanny’s site, www.swannysmodels.com has some great advice.
Jeff