After looking at the Alclad sites, this is beginning to interest me. I've been shying away from metal finishes for the last few years, primarily because, the conventional paints were looking like well, paint. Basically my question is this, to start with alclad what shades to I need to start? I don't want to start investing a huge amount of money but I'd like to get the basic colors... Any pointers? Jim

i got aluminium, polished aluminium and steel. i find those the most commonly jused ones and they will work on most projects. You also need a primer and alclad black base coat paint. Then you get the best results out of it.

I just ordered Aluminium and Polished Aluminium last Monday. I am told (and the web site states) that Chrome and Polished Aluminium need to be applied over a dark (black) gloss.
Tamiya Model Magizine #99 has a short article on alclad2. Here is an e-mail from Alclad about using thier product. I found it posted on MondoHobby.com last night:

"APPLICATION GUIDE-PLASTIC MODELS:
For use on injection plastic kits a primer is necessary. 'Regular ALCLAD' is similar in strength to lacquer/cellulose car paints-injected polystyrene plastics frequently have areas which ALCLAD can craze.
Apply one of these primers before using Regular ALCLAD:
Tamiya Plastic Primers-white or grey
Auto Primer-white or grey
Future/Klear -floor sealer/polish
Plastic primers and auto primers should be lightly polished with 1000/1200 wet & dry paper to give a less absorbent glossy surface .
ALCLAD High Shine -Chrome and Polished Aluminium both require a dark glossy base. Polished Aluminium should be used over Tamiya TS-14 gloss black,or gloss black auto paint. Chrome and only chrome should be used over gloss black model enamel paint.
SPRAYING: ALCLAD should be sprayed at 15-20psi.
Spray 1 ½ -2 ½ inches away from the model.
Use the airbrush like a paint brush not an aerosol.
Buffing is not necessary-though tonal variation can be made by polishing selected panels with micromesh. A sealer is not required.
Regular ALCLAD can be masked and over painted Decal solutions can be used with Regular ALCLAD,but are not recommended for Chrome or Polished Aluminium.
Prismatic Finishes: -these colours should be applied over a dark base-auto paint or Tamiya TS paints. Spray ALCLAD Prismatic at 20pi-use a wide spray pattern-cover the model evenly with as few passes as possible. The Prismatic material will seem slightly rough when dry..this is normal. Build up 2-3 coats of clear lacquer or model varnish to obtain a deep reflective finish.
APPLICATION GUIDE-POLYCARBONATE/LEXAN BODY SHELLS: The surface must be thoroughly cleaned -remove release agent,adhesive residue and finger marks.
Regular ALCLAD -apply 2-3 light coats at 15-20 psi-back with any R/C paint.
High Shine ALCLAD -chrome/polished aluminium-apply 2-3 light coats at 15-20psi-large areas can be backed with water based black or silver paint.
Application Directions:
Shake well before use.
Thoroughly clean surfaces.
Remove Adhesive Residue, Release Agent & Fingerprints.
Spray light coats at 15 - 20 psi.
Back ALCLAD II with any dark color.
Clean with lacquer thinners.
CAUTION:
Highly Flamable
Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors
Ensure adequate ventilation
Irritant - In case of eye contact, rinse with water.
Harmful if swallowed. Call physician immediately.
Long term exposure may be dangerous.
Keep out of reach of children."

I havent built a plane in years, but I plan to do a Mustang to try this out.

HTH

I have built one plane using Alclad-2, Highly Polished Aluminum, and all I can say is it worked just as avertised.
I used the Alclad black lacquer base coat first and I just can't believe how much it looks like polished aluminum. This stuff is going to give MM Metalizer paints a real run for it's money.
There's just one problem. You use a lot when spraying. I used just over half a bottle painting my 1/48" scale Tamiya Thunderbolt. I don't know what it is about lacquer paints but they go real fast!
Happy Modeling