Hello all.
I have a 1/48 b-17G that im getting ready to start on. I want to paint it in a polished alluminum. Using model master metalizers, what is the best way to prepare the surface for painting? Is it better to polish the plastic, or use gloss black paint? I would apreciate the advice of anyone with experience in this area. Plus any other advice other than just the surface prep. Thanks
Brian.
I would use gloss black paint before the metallizer. Just remember that you have to seal the metal paint BEFORE you handle the model or do anything else. Testors has a habit of rubbing off and masking tape and decals will not stick to it without a sealer like Future.
If the surface of the plastic has a rough or textured surface it will need to be filled and/or sanded smooth. Try painting a test piece. If the surface is not smooth you can sand it with wet/dry (wet) sandpaper, say 600 or 800 grit (400 if it is really rough).
You can either fill it with coats of primer, or polish it (the surface) with something like Novus plastic polish or a mild rubbing (polishing) compound if it is nearly smooth or only slightly textured.
I polish any model that is going to be painted with a NMF. Be sure to wash the model very well after polishing, so as not to have the paint react to the polishing product. rangerj
Brian,
I’m working on a P-51D with a NMF and I would recommend several coats of future or sealer before trying to mask on the metalizer - even using low tack Foto-Frisket film and it marked up the metalizer.
Steve
Brian,
I’ve used and had great success with the Testor’s Metalizer range for years. The buffable paints are just great and give fantastic results…the only thing I don’t like is that the stuff is so fragile - you just can’t handle the model after you’ve painted it - and you certainly can’t mask over the stuff.
A clear coat dulls the paints a bit, too.
For larger planes I prefer Alclad - when the stuff is dry, it’s nearly as hard as a rock.
I paint with the Alclad, and shade with the Metalizers. Works really well that way.