Has anyone used the Model Masters Metallizers for a NMF project? Wondering if I should prime it at all (Testor’s “technical” manual offers little help), and if so what works best? Testor’s recommends NOT priming, as the lacquer-based Metallizers are designed to work best on bare plastic. Any and all suggestions appreciated!
JK
I really don’t care much for the buffing metalizers. They look ok when put on but you can’t mask over them without damaging the surface and normal handling may result in a marred surface. The non-buffing ones are more durable, but for a NMF do yourself a favor and get some Alclad II.
I’ve used the MM Metalizers for NMF, but thet are VERY fragile, and require a clear coat, which changes the reflective properties of the “metal” finish.
I prefer Alcad II. It does require a gray primer for most shades (I bought theirs), and a gloss black acrylic for their “polished” colors (also bought theirs, but you can also use Tamiya acrylic gloss or Future). It is pricey (about $7 for a 1 oz. bottle). It can be safely masked (these panels were masked with drafting tape) with low-tack tape, Metalizers will lift with masking.
This Dragon Me 262 Mistel “bomb” was painted with a base coat of Alcad Aluminum, followed by Duraluminum & Dark Aluminum.
Hope this helps.
Hey Pix! SWEET!!
I am going to have to give alclad a try too.
jkelleycrna - After having used MM’s buffing metalizer (Aluminum) I would try the Alclad. The MM looked great right after spraying it (without a primer), but a clear coat gave it a totally different and unnatural look, and it does need to be clear coated. The Alclad does need a primer, though from what I have read here in the forum. Swanny swears by it, as do a few others. Wish I could give you better news.
Pix-
Nice looking Mistel, there! Which kit is that, and in what scale? I have a nice hardbound book on the Mistel projects and have always been fascinated by them. Just saw on www.greatmodels.com that there is a 1/72 scale glider kit to go with a BF109 Mistel. My book shows some really great details on the attachment points for that combination. I have the 109/Ju88 model in my unbuilt pile, but when I saw the 262 combo, that really got my attention.
Hope to see some more pics from you of that project!
stinger
Thanks, balta1 & stinger. Its the 1/48 Dragon Me 262 Mistel. You can see more pics in the “Me 262 Group Build.”
If your hell bent on using mm metalizers I suggest using using Floquils Old silver as a primer/base coat I’ve had really good luck - and Its another shade of silver add to your varied panel look. Another really super bullet proof method of metalizing involves varnish and SNJ silver powder … good luck
I’ve had good luck with the metalizers, and, after sealing with the Metalizer Sealer, I have been able to carefully mask over it and move on with other colors. Overall I would agree with others that Alclad produces a more durable finish hence I would recommend it over the MM Metalizers.