Here’s the question. Is decaling over a NMF different than a painted scheme? My concern is that with a NMF I can’t use a clearcoat of Future to prep for deacling and then a final clearcoat of Dullcoat or MM Semi-gloss over the decals without changing and/or losing the subtle sheen differences I have achieved with a polished SnJ aluminum finish, so will the decals need to have the clear edges trimmed off, which I’m sure I can’t do without screwing them up or leaving some on? Does anybody have a suggested sequence for decaling over an NMF? ANy suggestions and/or help is greatly appreciated.
BTW, the subject is an Accurate Miniatures P-51A done as “Slick Chick” the second P-51A built and supplied to the airforce for testing in a very clean unpainted condition.
I have had no problems with decaling directly onto a natural metal finish, when I used either Testor’s metalizers or Alclad II paints. I’ve not used SnJ. Future or a gloss coat is not needed, as decals just need a smooth surface with which to adhere to. Future or any other gloss finish applied to the NMF would indeed detract/destroy the appearance. I would suggest using rubber/plastic gloves when handling your P-51 when applying the decals to avoid fingerprints; something you probably already know. Hope this helps and good luck!
I guess I’ll try just going straight to the decals. If you haven’t tried SnJ please do. I too have used Metalizers and Alclad. The SnJ is like steel clad compared to those two. You can tape on it, you can fondle it all you want, even after polishing with the tape, and I mean you can even tape over the polished areas and the SnJ is uneffected. For those reasons I am really happy with it. It is definitely smoother than Metalizers and Alclad, for me anyway, but I think that is my inexperience with the airbrush, not the products. Thanks for the info and I’ll let you know how it turns out.
I am glad I stumbled upon this posting. I have a 1/72 Curtis C-46 made by Williams Bros. I have no idea how old the kit is, but I know I have owned it for 10 years. There are two build/paint schemes. One is the military version, olive drab, etc., and one is the famed “Flying Tigers Line” which is painted NMF. I have had a bottle of SnJ for quit some time and have never used it. Now I have to make the decision as to what scheme I like best. I am just afraid that the FTL decals may be to old to use. I too have wondered about Future and NMF. Thanks for the insight.