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AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
To buff or not to buff that is the question
Wad_ware
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Illinois, United States
Joined: September 09, 2002
KitMaker: 537 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 09:49 AM UTC
Hi Guys
I have a question on the Model Master metalizers. They have buffed and non buffed paints.
Do they both look the same when done? Does the finish of buffed look better than non buffed or visa versa?
Also how do the MM Metalizers compare to Alclad II metalizers. Are they pretty equal in quality? Is one brand easier to work with? I have read a small review in FSM about Alclad and each different type of metal needs a different base coat. Are the MM metalizers the same way?
I am going to give a try with metalizers on my next project which will be my first time with them and I'd like to get any advice or tips from anyone I can before I start.

Thanks everyone I definately appreciate it,

Wayne
CRS
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California, United States
Joined: July 08, 2003
KitMaker: 1,936 posts
Armorama: 406 posts
Posted: Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 02:31 PM UTC
Wad_ware - I've used both MM and Alclad metalizers.
1. First things first MM is easier to work with, and less expensive.

2. There is a difference between Buffing and non Buffing finish results with MM. If you want a shiny / polished look to panels you need to use the buffing mix the degree of buffing applied can change the look of panels across the model, some shiny, some dull, and some really shiny. The non buffing finish is overall flat when compared to the Buffing mix, but looks like metal.

3. If you are looking for a finish you can buff to a mirror like appearence you want Alclad II, MM is good but Alclad buffs out to a much great degree of smoothness.

4.The base coat recommendation ( needs is a little strong ) for the different metals is true for both MM and Alclad II, one basic reason for this, the primer enhances the top coat, just as some cars are primed white, some gray, and some blue. The larger the surface the more important the primer coat color. For small panels you may or may not notice the difference, most people don't. But it will cause a color shift in the metalizer top coat., remember you are applying very thin coats of metalizer. Everytime I use either I test the results on a "hanger queen".

Chuck

PS With Alclad II you need to prime with something it's "hot", with MM I've applied it with no primer coat.
Wad_ware
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Illinois, United States
Joined: September 09, 2002
KitMaker: 537 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Thursday, August 14, 2003 - 10:39 AM UTC

Thanks chuck,
Your info really helps me out and gives me some good basic guidelines to go by.

Wayne
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