Swanny, I’ve read, read again, and re-read your “tools and tips” article on using Alclad 2, I’m going to be brave and attempt a NMF on a 1/72 Hasegawa P-47, this will be my “trial run” for my next NMF, the same Tamiya 1/48 P-51D you feature on your site.
My question for you regards dull or flat panels…I see that on your P-51, the anti-glare panel is fairly glossy…if I want that panel on my model to be flat, how do I go about that? My initial guess is that I should mask it off one way or another, so that it doesn’t get glossed, or spray dull on that panel and that panel only. But since I’ve not yet done a true NMF, I could use some direction, tips, help, etc.
You got it on the first try - just mask it off and hit it with some Polly Scale clear flat. That’s one of the nicest things about Alclad on a lacquer primer - you can mask and mask and mask and never have to worry about anything lifting.
Thanks Swanny. When you name a particular coating (Polly Scale clear flat), are you being very specific, or “any clear flat coat will do” ? I’m very particular to the Testors clear flat, in the square bottle, that must be thinned w/ lacquer thinner.
I appreciate the tip.
Also…in your article, you mention that you apply Future onto the Alclad finish, with no effects seen. Have you ever put a dull coat onto Future, and if so, what were the results. Has anyone dulled over Alclad ?
Mitch, I used to use the Testors product but had several incidents where decals were damaged due to the aggressive nature of the lacquer thinner. Once decals are in place you need to be more careful of your top coats and that’s why I specify Polly Scale clear flat. It is an acrylic coating and has never caused me any trouble. It is also safe to use ON TOP of lacquer finishes. I also use it on top of Future with no ill effects.
But what about putting a dull coat over Alclad? That is specifically what I’m looking for…I’ll want to dull coat some surfaces, but don’t want to mess up a purty NMF paint job.
Or what about using the Tamiya flat base w/ Future?
One of the best (flattest) flats you can use is Tamiya Flat Base and Future mixed 1:2…give it a try on some “test plastic” first to see if you like it. When I tried it, I never went back!