Concerning Alclad

[raildogg]

I have never tried Alclad as of yet, but, I am wondering for small part applications, could I brush on the black under coat?. I'm thinking, say for an engine block, then apply white aluminum, by brush. What would be the issues if any using this method. I haven't seen anything about this type of app. Comments??

[MAGNUM4342]

Agreed

[MrObsessive]

Alclad is definitely for airbrush users! You won't be happy with the results trying to brush it on!

[raildogg]

O.K., but the aforementioned use would be for, grained and cast surfaces only, like engine blocks and cylinder heads and those types of items. So what do you say for that type of application, yes, no!?

[Chief Joseph]

I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to apply a black enamel base to small items with a brush. Glossy enamel is very good at self-leveling and brushstrokes will flow into the paint and disappear if you're brushing with the correct wet-edge technique. BUT, if you have several parts to do, it would be much faster and easier to airbrush the black base. It's not like you don't already have the airbrush, right?

[Chillyb1]

I have never tried Alclad as of yet, but, I am wondering for small part applications, could I brush on the black under coat?. I'm thinking, say for an engine block, then apply white aluminum, by brush. What would be the issues if any using this method. I haven't seen anything about this type of app. Comments??

You only need the base coat for chrome and polished aluminum.

But anyway, I agree with everyone else. Always apply Alclad paints with an airbrush.

[Quick GMC]

Anything you apply with a brush will show texture. It will look like lumpy aluminum

[raildogg]

O.K. I will airbrush it, message received. Thanks to all.

[ScaleDale]

Keep in mind that Alclad is a lacquer and shouldn't be applied over enamel.

As has been mentioned, the gloss black base coat (it doesn't need to be Alclad) is only needed for the bright metal finishes. Any undercoat is ok for the other colors.

Paint chemistry can drive you nuts if you let it.

Dale

[MAGNUM4342]

Keep in mind that Alclad is a lacquer and shouldn't be applied over enamel.

I have applied Alclad over enamels like Testors classic black with no ill effects. The main reason for spraying the black basecoat is that best results are achieved in spraying the Alclad over a still tacky surface. This helps the Alclad bond to it's basecoat. When sprayed over a dry basecoat the Alclad has difficulty in adhering to the surface and will rub off with handling. Not so when sprayed over a tacky coat. Here is a great tutorial Gregg put together on using Alclad. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=62627

Edited April 26, 2013 by MAGNUM4342

[ScaleDale]

Thanks for the video link, the info is different from what I have read regarding Alclad on-line and from my local hobby shop. Too bad chrome is the one color they don't stock. I don't like doing business on-line when I could be supporting a local business.

Seems I've been wasting time letting the stuff cure between coats...

Here is what I previously knew about Alclad:

http://www.swannysmodels.com/Alclad.html

Dale

Edited April 27, 2013 by ScaleDale