Jump to content

Simulating Aluminum Lacquer (USAF 1950's)


Recommended Posts

Any particular favorite tricks to simulating the dull/boring Aluminum Lacquer used on some USAF birds in the early/mid 50's? In this case, P-51's in the Air National Guard. So far I've heard Testors/MM Aluminum Plate Metalizer with Metalizer Sealer over it produces a paint-like (versus metal-like) finish. Or, Alclad II Aluminum (just plain Aluminum, NOT polished, dark, airframe, etc) without any gloss black undersurfacing. 

 

Thoughts?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Alclad Dull Aluminum works just fine, and I don't understand " Much more forgiving than the metalizers ".  It is a lacquer. If you use it as a lacquer and don't fool around with a bunch of other products that might or might not be compatible it works.

Link to post
Share on other sites
37 minutes ago, nfiler said:

Alclad Dull Aluminum works just fine, and I don't understand " Much more forgiving than the metalizers ".  It is a lacquer. If you use it as a lacquer and don't fool around with a bunch of other products that might or might not be compatible it works.

I think he was referring to one of the ideas I listed in post 1 which had been suggested to me, namely MM Aluminum plate metalizer with metalizer sealer over it. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Andrew

 

 I would go with Alclad. To me it seems to go down thinner and smoother than MM meatlizers and I believe you can get away without the protective coat if you take your time with it. I have not used it on a full air frame yet just on test pieces. Wish I had kept them to show you what I mean.

Link to post
Share on other sites
1 hour ago, nfiler said:

Alclad Dull Aluminum works just fine, and I don't understand " Much more forgiving than the metalizers ".  It is a lacquer. If you use it as a lacquer and don't fool around with a bunch of other products that might or might not be compatible it works.

I prime with lacquer primer, and thin old silver with lacquer. It's rock hard, and to me, looks like aluminum filled lacquer that was often applied to aircraft. It needs no dull coat, so it removes a step. By forgiving,  I mean you don't need a flawless surface. I can get away with minor scratches not showing in the finish.

 

Andrew asked for suggestions, so I gave him mine. For bare metal I like alclad, but not for painted silver finishes. You like alclad, great, different strokes for different folks. 

 

Do a Google Image search for floquil old silver, you'll see lots of good examples. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...