Alcad II question

[Skyraider Maniac]

I have some models which I'll be doing in NMF, and I want to use Alcad II. I've not attemted a NMF before, so my F-80 will be a first. Can anyone recommend what particular Alcad II colors would work best with this sort of aircraft? I would normally buy a range of paints and test it that way, but with the Alcad running darn near $8 a pop; I figured it'd be cheaper to just ask.

Thanks in advance!

Justin

[gotarheelz14]

I hear what you are saying about price. I think I remember reading an article about Alclad II where the guy said that he started off with chrome or Highly Polished Aluminum and then toned down the colors from there with regular aluminum, etc where he needed it.

I actually think that Highly Polished Aluminum may be too shiny for some birds. I would be willing to bet that regular aluminum, white aluminum and duralunium would be more appropriate for a war weary plane.

I look forward to hearing other answers too since I will be using Alclad for the first time very soon!

[metroman]

My 0.02 (from a longtime Alclad user): get two shades, Aluminum for the base and one of the other Alums for a contrast shade, that way you won't be too much $ out of pocket and get to experience the subtle tonal changes (you can get a third for free by mixing your own between the two). Good luck and post some pics.

[Neptune48]

I have some models which I'll be doing in NMF, and I want to use Alcad II. I've not attemted a NMF before, so my F-80 will be a first. Can anyone recommend what particular Alcad II colors would work best with this sort of aircraft? I would normally buy a range of paints and test it that way, but with the Alcad running darn near $8 a pop; I figured it'd be cheaper to just ask.

Thanks in advance!

Justin

You can also get subtle shade differences by painting different color base coats. Just make sure the paint is well cured before applying Alclad II over it, as

Alclad is pretty hot. On this test shot the green and orange enamels were not sufficiently cured and the Alcald crazed them. I'd stay with gray primer, black, white and blue on various panels.

I'd recommend Aluminum if you're not looking for a high shine finish.

[mingwin]

if you want highshine colors, prepare youself for a lot of polishing work...

krylon colors are great primer for thoses. but any imperfections will be visible miles away!

i personnaly use polished aluminium, white aluminium and duraluminium, for toning down some panels on my first model done with alclads.

i had since buy many other alclads shades, but haven't try them yet.

yes, they might be expensive , in a certain point of view.

but the most shades are used on a model, the less the bottles emptied at a time...

as i got many models in shelf that i wish in NMF, that doesn't bother me to pay some 50$ for 6 alclads bottles(shipp incl.)

alclad have a pretty long shelf life (some 2 or more years)

my first attempt with alclads. 1/48 trump su-15A. protected with future (and then less brighter than before... ) ...it's not easy to capture NMF on photo...

...but, i presume that if you want to try alclad

it's probably for the stunning high shine finish that could be done especially with alclad!

so should go first with polished aluminium, whatever if it's realistic or not (i don't know much about your chosen model...)

Edited February 18, 2010 by mingwin

[Skyraider Maniac]

Thanks for the tips! That certainly helps!