Alclad II Lacquer

[tempestwulf]

I got a prob that needs addressing. I'm using the above and LOVE the finish it gives, finishing my birds with a natural aluminium finish (just completed Dragon Mig-15 - wow...it took work due to the parts being horribly warped )

Now I'm probably going to figure this out while I'm writing it (or not) but I'm having an issue with the silver finish rubbing off during handling of the model. I tried about 2 thin coats of Krystal Klear (again, great stuff) which works but does anyone have any ideas to stop that?

I do use an under coat of Mr Surface 1200 Lacquer thinned accordingly.

[Bruce]

It is a common fault with Lacquer paints with a high metallic content, even experienced on the Silver cellulose lacquer used on aircraft such as the vampire. The cause is that the binder (the clear resins holding everything together) reduces as the solvents flash off, and as a result the metallic particles are not completely restrined within it. Spraying a clear coat over the top is the simplest solution as it re-encapsulates the metal particles - once again this fix is used on full sized aircraft and cars etc (metallic paint should always have a clear coat for this reason)
The issue will not be the undercoat, its the outside surface of the metallic coat which is the problem.
Some other brands of paint (e.g. the Tamiya rattle cans) gain a more stable coating by adding a lot of clear into the mix - the drawback is it is prone to runs and the surface can be excessively glossy. Other brands use larger metallic particles - which doesnt look right in scale. Possibly adding some clear gloss lacquer to the Alclad mix (not too much!) may give a more stable surface whilst working so might help, but not having used the particular product I can't guarantee how well it will perform - test first.

[kiwichappers]

Alclad, wonderful stuff. I spray thin coats straight from the bottle over either a black or dark blue undercoat, depending on the final tone I am after. I find this produces a finish which is robust enough to handle during assembly. Kleer is another great product but for final finishes on metal airframes I prefer Vallejo clear gloss as I think it gives 'just the right' tone for a 1/48th scale.

[tempestwulf]

In regards to weathering silver finishes (or even single coloured birds) I found Tamiya smoke an excellent medium for panel washes, even a very thin allover brush coat. Can dull the brightness of the silver and add a certain "smokey/oily" hew (smokey....considering it's Tamiya smoke )

Recently been in contact with Kerry Carlyle and got a list of pr lacquer & products just arrived. Might try some of the Mr Color metalic types, like their clear/flat varnishes.

Thanks for the heads up guys, always a help. Will have to get some pics.