Decals over Metalizer

Anonymous · July 30, 2003, 1:50pm

Hello everyone.
My name is Carlos and I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I´m 51and I´ve been modeling for the last 5 years and this is my first post in the forum.
Now I´m building an F 84G Thunderjet from Tamiya and I have a doubt.
Can you apply the decals directly over the Metalizer Paint without any kind of coat, or is this coat necesary like when you use normal paints ?
Thanks[:)]

rossjr · July 30, 2003, 2:30pm

Personally, I would put a couple of light coats of the metalizer sealer down before I put the decals down. It provides a nice barrier to protect the finish and insures a smooth surface for the decals.

erush · July 30, 2003, 2:32pm

Welcome to the forum Carlos.

I would definitely put a clear gloss over the metalizers before decaling. The main reason being that they are very fragile paints and will rub off with very little handling. Also a clear gloss is bound to be smoother giving you a better surface for the decals to prevent silvering. Put another clear gloss coat over the decals to seal them and blend them in and then if you want to reduce the shine you can use a dull coat if you want.

Eric

Anonymous · July 30, 2003, 3:07pm

Thanks erush.
But could the clear gloss afect the metal looking of the paints ?

erush · July 30, 2003, 9:54pm

It will a little, but you risk more by not sealing it.

Eric

Anonymous · July 31, 2003, 8:33am

Thanks, when finished I´ll post some pics.

Anonymous · August 1, 2003, 1:58pm

Hi Carlos!
I have been modelling since the early '50’s and using metallic finishes for about 20 years. I started with “Rub’n’Buff”, that’s how far back I go! The all-time, far and away, none better, is the line of Alclad II metallizers. They are a bit more expensive than some others, but for durability, variety of shade and reflectivity, ease of application and no decaling problems, the stuff is totally in a class by itself. Try it next model, I think you will be pleased. And the stuff has good shelf life. I just add laquer thinner (it evaporates) and a bottle of Alclad I,10 years old, is again serviceable.
Tony Ryan

Anonymous · August 1, 2003, 2:07pm

QUOTE: Thanks Tony. I´ve heard about that brand and read an article in FSM but here in my country you don´t find them. The only ones you can buy are Model Master Metalizers and Humbrol Metal Cote. I will try to get them throw the net. Thanks again.[:)]Originally posted by tonyryan

Hi Carlos!
I have been modelling since the early '50’s and using metallic finishes for about 20 years. I started with “Rub’n’Buff”, that’s how far back I go! The all-time, far and away, none better, is the line of Alclad II metallizers. They are a bit more expensive than some others, but for durability, variety of shade and reflectivity, ease of application and no decaling problems, the stuff is totally in a class by itself. Try it next model, I think you will be pleased. And the stuff has good shelf life. I just add laquer thinner (it evaporates) and a bottle of Alclad I,10 years old, is again serviceable.
Tony Ryan