What is the best metallic paints out there?

[dai phan]

Hello all,

 

I have been using Vallejo Metal Color line and I like it. However someone mentioned lacquer metallic paints are even better. Can someone give me a recommendation? Thanks Dai 

[gkwan]

My personal favorite is Alclad. Been using them for close to 20 years and never have had an issue.

 

Gordon

 

https://store.spruebrothers.com/category_s/2054.htm

[Ben Brown]

Same here with the Alclad.

 

Ben

[dai phan]

Thanks! Just ordered a bunch from SB. Thanks Dai 

[gkwan]

Here is the manufacturer's direction on how to use:

 

http://alclad2.com/how-to/

[Helmsman]

Alclad and AK Interactive

Edited February 21, 2020 by Helmsman

[11bee]

AK Extreme Metal is awesome.   Easy to spray and sets up very durable.  I’d say they are superior to Alcad.   

[skyhawk174]

I have not used Valejo as yet for a simple reason. My friends had a bunch of trouble with it. They are great modellers. They told me that it did not stick very well and lifted when masked over. He finally was able to finish what he was building but it fought him. The end results do look great though so Maybe the schemes with no masking might be okay?
 

I use Alclad 2 now and it is wonderful. Tough and no issues masking over it. Also don't dispel the Tamiya metallics in their spray cans. It is wonderful stuff and my go to for the first layer. I don't decant and simply spray from the can.

[Curt B]

I haven't yet done any serious spraying of the AK Xtreme Metal paints, but based on the limited experience I have, plus the videos I have seen, tell me that they are probably the best out there. Years ago, Alcad was the only game in town.  Today, some folks who have used both say that the Alclad is still more delicate and fussy, whereas the AK can provide a good metallic coating even without the primer coat that Alclad requires.  I'm sure the Alclad devotees will say otherwise, but I plan to focus on the AK when the need for metal surfaces present themselves on my models.  By the way, I do have a set of the Alclad II paints also...haven't used them yet.

[arnobiz]

Mr Metal Color are amazing. Some are buffable (e.g., Iron) and give an incredibly realistic shine to the surface. Vallejo cannot be buffed and have slightly larger pigments

[IPMSUSA2]

I still have some of the Model Master Metalizers and a bottle or two of the old original Floquil.  Both are/were solvent based, as is Alcad II and Mr. Metal Color.  Solvent based is the way to go, IMHO, in spite of the vapors and odor.

[Curt B]

12 hours ago, arnobiz said:

Mr Metal Color are amazing. Some are buffable (e.g., Iron) and give an incredibly realistic shine to the surface. Vallejo cannot be buffed and have slightly larger pigments

 

I agree on the Mr. Metal Color.  I have several of those and they are amazing!

[The Underdog]

20 hours ago, arnobiz said:

Mr Metal Color are amazing. Some are buffable (e.g., Iron) and give an incredibly realistic shine to the surface. Vallejo cannot be buffed and have slightly larger pigments

 

I use Mr Metal Color Iron and after it dries, I buff it to an amazing metal-like appearance.

For airbrushing, Mr Paint is a favorite and can be addictive because its so easy to use.

 

http://www.hobbyworld-usa.com/Store/index.php?id_category=1248&controller=category

[Thommo]

Alclad the best one I've used too.

[Mstor]

Used Alclad for years. MRP metallics are similar but I find the density of pigments to be less, i.e. it takes more coats, but it still very good. I have some AK Extreme, but I haven't tried it yet. Still have some bottles of Model Master metallics, but those are very fragile once sprayed and won't take much handling or masking except for damp newsprint. I'll say this, we are certainly not lacking for choices.