using alclad

[ramonesblues]

Does anyone know if Alclad can be used over any black base or does it have to be Alclad black?Also can it be brushed on small parts? The valve covers on my T bucket project has lost its chrome with age and they ain't going to come off easily(the kit is 15 yrs old). Thanks in advance.

[Zoom Zoom]

It's best to apply it over the smoothest black ENAMEL paint job possible. It doesn't stick to lacquer (it'll look fabulous but it won't hold up to any handling). Testors or Hubrol black enamel is perfect. You can get reasonable results brushing tiny spots of it. Good luck!

[MrObsessive]

I ditto what Bob said...............It also doesn't do very well over the water based acrylic gloss blacks. You can get a decent sheen, but it's not very durable.

Also, it's not a good idea to gloss coat the Alclad after it's put on. It loses all of its impact if that's done.

[James W]

Dennis, I would try to mask off the valve covers, maybe at the flange and air brush the Alclad onto them. No disrespect to the other gentlemen, I'm sure they have used Alclad more than I. But I did use some to touch up the chrome on a Duval style frame that I had worn off by handling. It was then mounted and has not been touched

Since it sounds like the valve covers will not be handled. it might be worth a shot.

[ramonesblues]

Thanks guys. all the info helps. I'm sure this won't be the last time I'll face this problem,so I'll get to try all of your hints.Thanks again.

[Modelmartin]

I use Rustoleum black enamel and can say that stuff is super shiny. I decant and airbrush it. Ditto on the ix-nay regarding clear. It looks like silver paint after. :cry:

[ismaelg]

I agree with what they all say. Also, I did something weird: I actually READ and followed the instructions on the bottle!

For the chopper headlight I did 2 mist coats instead of a heavy one and it's the best alclad job I've ever done!

Thanks,

[larrygre]

My best results have been with using Humbrol #21 Gloss Black. There is a caveat though: Humbrol paints need a ton of time to cure. Generally I leave the part alone for 72 hours before I take it to the next level.

I've ordered some of Alclad's gloss black base to see if it works as well in less time. Any of you guys have any experience with the stuff?

[Marc @ MPC Motorsports]

I've ordered some of Alclad's gloss black base to see if it works as well in less time. Any of you guys have any experience with the stuff?

I've used almost everything mentioned in this thread as a base for Alclad Chrome and actually I like Alclad Gloss Black base the best. It airbrushes real nice right out of the bottle and if you let it dry overnight like the directions tell you, your results should be good.

I've also used Spaz Stix Mirrorchrome with excellent results and it is compatible with Tamiya TS Gloss Black. Here you go...another alternative.

[mr moto]

I use Ace Hardware "Deluxe" black enamel. Comes in a big can for a little money and it's the fastest drying enamel I've ever used. Then I put the Alclad on with a few mist coats until it looks right. Took a while to get the hang of it but there were never any total failures. You just get a better effect with a little practice. Sometimes I spray it over white enamel and get a little different look.

[larrygre]

Thanks, Manuel. I'll give that paint a try.