I am just returning to modeling after about 40 years. My first attempted project is going to be the Academy 1/72 scale Boeing B-29. I want to give a try to airbrushing with Alclad II metal lacquers, but have no idea how much Alclad II to buy. At around $8 for a one ounce bottle, I would hate to buy more than I need. But more than cost, I am concerned that I will run out of paint in the middle of the project, and will have to wait 2 weeks to get more paint (there being no local source for Alclad II metal lacquer). I have done extensive Internet research on this topic of “coverage” using Alclad II, but to no avail. I have calculated that total surface area for this model which will require the Alclad II metal lacquer to be about 200 square inches, but I have no idea how many ounces of Alclad II that would require. Any suggestions?
Not an expert here, but I would say about 3 bottles - as you will know it’s ready to airbrush, so you cant stretch it.
If you have never used it before, I would advise doing some test work on an old model or a plastic bottle so that you can get a feel for it. I would also advise using a syringe to draw it from the bottle, as it has a nasty & wasteful habit of pouring down the outside of the bottle & your airbrush cup / jar (it has a very low viscosity).
Someone with a bit more knowledge will maybe chime in with a definite quantity
Never used Alclad on something that big, but I get about 3-4 models, say 1:48 scale fighters, from a bottle.
Check over in the NMF II Group Build. There’s a B-36 over there that just got Alcladed up.
Related comment: I would not recommend that you apply masking tape on an Alclad finish. Every time I tried it, it pulled the nice shiny finish completely off. Maybe I did something wrong- but I won’t use it except on a model where I won’t need to mask over it.
One bottle should do it but I’d get 2 “just in case” [:)].
Regards, Rick
Never shot anything that large with Alclad but it does go a long way. You just mist it on to get coverage, you don’t lay down a wet coat like you do with other paints. If you lay it on too thick it just looks like silver paint. I’d go with the suggestion above. 2nd bottle just in case.
As far as masking over it, I’ve had the engine areas of a 1/48 F-15 buried under Tamiya tape that was burnished down tight since end of March, first part of April this year and pulled it off last week. I’d been sweating it but none of it lifted and it was unaffected by the tape. It’s Alclad stainless steel over gloss black enamel over grey automotive primer.
Tony
Thanks for the reply (and this “thank you” also goes out to everyone who responded to my earlier question about coverage of the Alclad paints).
About that gloss black enamel primer - I’ve read bad stuff about the Alclad primer, and some folks have suggested using either Tamiya or Model Masters as a substitute. However, when looking for these paints at megahobby.com, I can’t seem to find them. Can you (or anyone else) suggest primers (gloss black and grey) by manufacturer and item number for use under the Alclad paints? (Or perhaps suggestions for getting good results with the Alclad primers?) I understand that gloss black is recommended under the high-shine Alclad finishes, and grey for the “regular” finishes.
I was actually planning on using 2 (and maybe 3) different Alclad paints for my B-29 (to give it some variety on different areas), so I appreciate the comments about masking. To be honest, I’m probably trying to get a bit too-advanced too soon with painting this model based on my low skill level, but I was seduced into trying by seeing all of those wonderful models in FSM magazine over the last 15+ years that I’ve been a subscriber. But I figure “what the heck” - if I make a complete mess of it at least I will have learned something.
Regards,
John R.
I think it’s a great idea to go with 2 or 3 colors. That really adds some sublte realism to the finish, and I think you’ll be pleased with that.
For the primer, I’ve only ever used Tamiya TS-14 gloss black. I use it under all colors of Alclad and have never had a problem with it. I think it is only necessary for the high shine chrome and stainless steel, but it looks fine with the others too. Regardless of primer coat, the key is to have a smooth surface with minimal flaws because they really get exaggerated under Alclad. For me, Tamiya spray cans achieve that surface easily and consistently with little fuss.
The first time I used Alclad, I started by replacing chrome on a car kit. It was intimidating at first, but it was really easy to learn and get used to. It is not as difficult to apply as some folks suggest; as long as you know how to use your airbrush, you’ll be fine.
I like the SNJ metal finish. Had very good luck with it.
Bill
What kind of tape were you using? As I understand it, the big advantage of Alclad over Model Master Metalizer and the like is that it’s pretty tough and can be masked over. In fact, I’m counting on it for several upcoming builds.
You know, the next time I shoot some Alclad and mask over it it may all lift but so far I haven’t had any problems. I was worried about that F-15 but it worked out. If you’re concerned about lifting then maybe Post It notes for masking individual panels would be the way to go.
I used Floquil CSX Gloss Black F110354 till I ran out. I’ve used Model Master Classic Black 2721, a big bottle of Testors Black 1147, Kustom Kolors Gloss Black, DupliColor aerosol gloss black lacquer, PlastiKote Touch Up lacquer. It isn’t critical. As long as whatever gloss black(enamel or lacquer) you use will dry the Alclad will work. So, when I used Testors or Model Master I usually thinned with lacquer thinner. I’ve used it over gloss white, blue, green. I would have tried Tamiya sprays but no one around here sells them.
Tony