Leaning_Dog Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 (edited) Hi Shaka - So many variables when spraying - temperature, humidity, etc. so hard to tell for sure but my first guess would be too much air pressure...? Best bet would be to experiment with different pressures and mixtures (with the Testors Gold, I spray Alclad straight from the bottle) on a piece of scrap material to find what gives the best results in your environment. Cheers! John. Edited October 10, 2016 by Leaning_Dog Norm In Toronto and Shaka HI 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Peterpools Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 Shaka I've been shooting Alclad and AK Metallics for a long time and have crossed alomost every bridge when it comes to problems with the final finish. I'm not sure if it is the old lap top I'm using right now to look at the photos or the images I see on my screen are close. The Alclad doesn't seem to have a metallic shine and is grainy as well, which leads me to a few thoughts: Preparation and application. Preparation: Parts need to be clean and primed. I now prime parts and assemblies to have a NMF with either MIG Black Primer or AK Black Base. In either case I am looking for a super smooth base rather than a super gloss black base. Super smooth is the key and the black base will bring out the metallic look. Gloss is what we tend to think of for super smooth but I've been tickled pink with how smooth my primer coats have been coming out that they work perfectly for NMF's. I always thin my paints a minimum of 50/50 or more, shoot at low working 10-12 psi max and am about 1 inch from the model surface. Application: Alclad and AK: no thinning require. Numerous, thin mist coats, building up the layers and again a working psi of 10-12 psi max. approx 1-1.5 inches from the surface. If the Metallic paint is applied at too high of a working pressure , too far from the model surface or the base isn't super smooth. Sure hope this helps Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaka HI Posted October 10, 2016 Author Share Posted October 10, 2016 Thanks Peter...wow, 1 inch from the surface? The engine was primed with Vallejo's black primer which dries smooth with semi-gloss shine so I know the surface was fairly well prepped. But no way was I that close to the model and spraying with such low air pressure. I'll give your recommendations a try on my next subject (or just the prop). Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Peterpools Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 Shaka Sure hope my method works for you. let us know how you make out. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaka HI Posted October 10, 2016 Author Share Posted October 10, 2016 Thanks Peter. I'll definitely try your method for the cowling. I played more with the blue and yellow. Lighter blue, more red for the yellow. And noticed more seam correction is required as well and that's where I'm at...slow, but progress is progress! I'll be masking for the final color coats after the seam correction. Alain Gadbois, TorbenD, Leaning_Dog and 3 others 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leaning_Dog Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 Nice! John. Shaka HI 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubert Boillot Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 Very nice ! Hubert Shaka HI 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TorbenD Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 Ooooooh, lurvely stuff Shaka Torben Shaka HI 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn M Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 very sharp Shaka, that yellow is beau-ti-full Shaka HI 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ray Posted October 14, 2016 Share Posted October 14, 2016 Colors look good! Your Alclad finish looks like it is drying as it hits the model, so spraying closer and playing a little heavier and therefore wetter finish may help. The trick is wet, but no runs! Helps to practice on a scrap kit. Shaka HI 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaka HI Posted October 19, 2016 Author Share Posted October 19, 2016 (edited) I forced myself to make some progress this evening...the Prop's been giving me issues. I've must've stripped and repainted it at least 4 times (and even tried foiling it). But I got so frustrated that I decided to brush paint the blades with Testor's silver. It'll do for now. A bit grainy from Tamiya's AS12 from the rattle can, but noticeably shinier which is what I was striving for. Edited October 19, 2016 by Shaka HI Shawn M, Leaning_Dog, MikeC and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Peterpools Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Shaka Pretty nice brush painting on the prop; as it has a slightly worn look. What were the issues you were having with the prop? Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaka HI Posted October 20, 2016 Author Share Posted October 20, 2016 Hey, Peter, just the usual grainy, dull finish. I have some new found respect for you folks who do some really spectacular NMF. You're right -- it does look a bit worn, but I was trying to achieve a flawless finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaka HI Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 I hate masking..seriously detest this part of the hobby. That's the reason for such a long delay in continuing this project... Masked with Tamiya's latest flex tape, yellow and Frog yellow tape. Blue fully applied. Some touch up is required, but I'm pretty stoked with the result. I'll be stripping the prop for the 5th time or so for another repaint! . Rick K, MikeC, Lars Befring and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TorbenD Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 That masking pain certainly worth it.. and then some. She's a doozy! Torben Shaka HI 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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