Hey,

I plan building some planes in the next time for a change and I was wondering if using Alclad paints for the exhausts is really a must. Can I maybe reach similar results with acrylic paints applied over the same glossy, black surface I would use for Alclad? There will probably be an edge of the Alclad finish over acrylics but how large would be the gap? Does anyone happen to have comparison pictures?

Thanks!

Hello,
the gloss black primer of alclad (or any other gloss black) is only essential for the chrome. Using it will help look other metallics like aluminium or gun metal better but it is not "unbedingt" necessary.

Obviously metallics will show any surface imperfections beneath them so a flawless base is required but either you get it by priming or very careful sanding is your option.

I like them. Especially the clear coats. best clear coats out there imho. I do not have any struggles with them. I do have a shoot them exclusively through my Badger 350 because i find they clog my other airbrush if the laqour and water based solvents get mixed.

I just picked up some of the new vallejo metallics and they work very nice as well.

- steve

Never had any struggle with Alclad. Very easy to use. I always use Tamiya gloss black as base coat. that goes on very smoooooth, so the Alclad looks fine on top.
The solvents for Alclad is VERY toxic, so positive ventilation is required. for this reason only, I am looking at Vallejo acrylic metalics for next projects.

Alcad isn't hard to use...years ago there was problems with the formation of it and it not setting up properly. I think that has been solved.

If anything, they are pretty easy to use...and having your surface prepped properly is the biggest issue with Bare metal finishes..which you'll run into with any type of metallic paint.

I was a user of Alclad for the great metal finishes, but with the new acrylic lines coming online, and looking great, I am switching, right now to Vallejo Metals. Much cleaner, and can be applied via brush for small areas and/or parts.