Mickey Thompson's Challenger 1, 1959 press intro version, in bare metal

[Platerpants]

SWEET

[buffalobill]

Saw it @ NNL South this past weekend - really an excellent build!

[Webb]

That turned out great Bill. The panel fit and shape look spot on and the finish is perfect! As far as a clear overcoat/sealer, have you ever tried Micro Gloss? It's a water based clear made by Micro Scale. It's the only water based clear that I've found that will polish out similar to lacquer. It dries with a high gloss but I'm thinking you may be able to get the effect you're looking for if you sand it with some 2400 +/- grit. I have NO idea if any that would work, but I guess it could be something else to try. The stuff seems to be pretty bullet proof when dry so you wouldn't have to worry about gloves anymore!

[Chuck Most]

Bill, seriously... you can't colorize rare press photos of the Challenger and try to pass it off as a model you built.

On a serious note, that's a fantastic looking finish- it looks just like the raw, naked alloy metal hiding under the 1:1's paint.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Thanks guys, for the kind words. The little car really appreciates them too.

And thanks Chris, for the heads-up on the Microscale Gloss. Sounds perfect, and I'll definitely give it a try. Thanks again.

[Roncla]

That finish looks amazing. Alclad make a water based gloss that they call Aqua Gloss #ALC 600. It may be another option to consider.

[Art Laski]

I think it looks fantastic. Great finish, Bill!

-Art

[aurfalien]

I'm looking for a water-based clear sealer to solve the tarnishing problem; all the solvent-based sealers (including hair-spray, artist's charcoal fixative and Testors own product) make the surface look like muddy silver paint, and I'm still working on application techniques to provide consistent results.

Well, attached is this stuff I got at Michaels.

Its one coat shot over some test fromage I have.

Its very very shiny but perhaps you can explain why it sorta started to peel like dead skin.

Perhaps because it was over bare plastic?

Anyways its water based clear coat.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Hmmm...interesting...but I'm not thinking the "peel like dead skin" look is exactly what I'm after.

[aurfalien]

Well I don't think you are serious, but if you are here it is;

http://www.michaels.com/search?q=americana ®

Its the Finisher, Gloss Item# 10254975

It really is very very very shiny.  I may keep experimenting with it as its got potential.

PS Doh, just noticed its water proof so I don't think its water based.

Edited August 23, 2015 by aurfalien

[rmvw guy]

Very cool, nice work on the finish.