Awhile back you posted a great sounding technique for spraying Alclad, and I don’t know where it is. Could you please help me out???[:)]
Thanks
Sure!
The technique comes from the July 2005 MRR issue, though I suggested a slight variation. I like this method because there is no need for buffing or to be overly delicate when handling. IMHO, the effect is stunning and just as comparable to the finish on the new KATO passenger cars (though the Katos have a slightly “yellowish” tint to them).
This gives plastic HO and N scale streamlined cars a realistic stainless steel appearance. I’ve always disliked the grayish-silver that model passenger cars have come with for years!
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First, strip the factory paint off of the passenger car shell(s). On my Bachmann Metroliners and Rivorossi cars I soaked the car shells in 91% Alcohol. Paint started to float off in less than 10 mintes. I scrubbed the shells with a toothbrush. When finished, wash with a gentle soap and warm water. Allow to dry thorougly or blow dry with your airbrush.
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Pick off any paint flakes left in the “nooks and crannies” with a toothpick. There’s usually a flake here or there in the corrugation next to the vestibule doors. If the body is clean, you won’t need any primer.
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Test your airbrush and make sure it is spraying cleanly and is not spitting or sputtering.
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Paint the shells a high gloss Charcoal Black. (Just add 1 part white to 5 parts black). Whether it’s solvent based or acrylic based paint, take your time and make sure it goes own “smoothly” as this is critical! If you’re spraying solvent based paint like Floquil or Scale Coat II, spray in thin coats. Don’t pile it on. Practice on a piece of scrap plastic or junker car.
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When finished, check the body carefully and make sure there is no paint cracking, lifting, or flaking. Check that you have full coverage. Make any needed fixes. Allow to dry and cure. Some guys rush, but I’d give it at least one day. When you comeback for the next stage you’ll be relaxed and sp
Thanks a million!!! I just got a new aribrush and figured this would be a great way to break it in.
Hope you fun!
BTW: A correction, the article was July 2004, not 2005.
A modeler did an incredible job on some N Scale RDCs. The photos of his metalized models would fool a lot of people!
I actually had that issue of MR, but a certain somebody was doing some cleaning before our last move, and it found its way into the garbage. I am really looking forward to seeing how those Hi Level cars turn out. I do have a “scrap” hi level shell to test on (I sat the shell on some plastic cement that I had out for another project, AFTER it was already detailed and ready to go!!!).
I understand…mine drives me crazy too sometimes! (though I wouldn’t trade her for anything)
Oh man, sorry that happened to you. [B)] I know that must have been a “sick” feeling. [:0] Been there. [;)]
Hope all goes well. [:)][:D][8D] Please, post your results when done. [;)]
OOPS!! AGAIN!
Sorry…the article is in the July 2003 issue of Model Railroader magazine. Man, does time fly!
BTW: I just finished spraying a Rivorossi 85ft. streamlined observation car a gloss dark Charcoal Gray. Looking good so far. I’m letting it cure for a day. I should be hitting it with the Alclad Chrome soon.
I can’t emphasize enough that it helps to have a “scrapper/junker” car standing by. Before I sprayed the paint on the car shell, I first shot one side of an old Bachmann boxcar shell that’s one of my “paint samplers”. Good thing as the paint was going on dry! I then thinned the Acrylic another 15%. Tried again and it was going on smooth and wet. I was tyring out Testors Model Masters Acrylic, but I think I’ll just stick with Badger Modelflex and Pollyscale acrylics from now on.
However, since I still have a full jar of it, I may also go ahead and use up the Scale Coat II solvent based black paint on the remaining Metroliner shells.
Antonio - do you have any before-and-after pictures?
Hello Mr. Beasley.
I’ve been procrastinating so long on getting a digital camera. I plan on getting one this month. I should have long ago. Thanks for asking.
Since I have 7 more cars to paint, I will still be able to post before and afters in the future.
Just my opinion, but I have a feeling that paint metalizing passenger cars will become more popular in the near future now that Kato and BLI have beautiful looking metalized cars on the market. When sprayed correctly, the Alclad finish looks just as good
( or better) than the finish on the Kato passenger cars.
Finished metalizing my Rivorossi streamlined observation. Looks good!
One tip I forgot to mention…
When airbrushing the Alclad; use a narrow fan setting…not a wide fan. Distance should be 2" to 3" from the surface. Stroke it like you would a “paint brush”. The thinner you put it on, the better the final finish.
Should you decide you really like the final results and rather have the streamlined car look like it’s new, then instead of spraying clear, spray Johnson’s Future Floor Finish onto the shell after you’ve applied your decals. It won’t dull it down and will seal the metalizer.
High Greens.
I do have a spare hi level shell that I plan to use to test all this. I am interested to see how the Future turns out. And those BLI pax cars look a little too “yellow” for my taste, although they do look nice.