I don't have an airbrush so Alclad is out for me. I really want to acheive the shiny metal finish but I don't know what would be the best way to go. Is there a preferred method of spraying steel and aluminum by you all?

Model Master Metalizer Lacquer Aluminum Plate (Buffing Metalizer) 1451 is what I use. Enhanced by Buffing with SnJ buffing powder, to achieve different textures.



Here's what just the buffed Metalizer looks like, no clear coat, no buffing powder used. Just buffed with an old cotton T-Shirt.

I hear great things about Tamiya AS-12. I've heard of guys going so far as to decant the spray can and load it into their airbrushes because they like it so much.

It also depends on which side of "the pond" you are on. I understand Testors / Model master products aren't readily available in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

Airbrushing will change your whole outlook on modelling. I know this doesn't have anything to do with your original posting, but I had to put it down in writing.

Does anybody out there have an old airbrush or compressor they would be willing to donate to this young modeler?

I have heard so many great things about airbrushing, and certain camo schemes are off limits to me. I appreciate the tips, Chuck those pictures look amazing! After it dries you can just rub it to polish it more? Carl I appreciate the gesture! I've certainly moved on from brush painting everything, and even though spray cans load the model with paint, i'm getting much better at it. I will probably pick up some model master paint today!

Yes you just buff it after it has dried for a day (you want it well cured before you start buffing). Practice laying down thin coats from the rattle can, keep some distance from the painting surface, spray just enough to cover the plastic. The Model Master paint does a good job of covering, looks kind of dark and "funny" at first but lightens up as it dries.

Oh, as a cautionary note, invest in some cotton gloves to handle the model with FINGERPRINTS.
I get them in the cosmetic section of my local drug store. I prefer the white ones, but you take what you can get.

I'm not that up to speed on paint compatability, if this is a lacquer spray, what type of gloss spray should I use before weathering? I have an acrylic gloss, but does that react differently on a lacquer spray?

SnJ Polishing Powders are available from my UK Distributor:

http://cammett.websds.net/

You can apply SnJ Polishing Powders over any gloss enamel paint. Using basic colors like gloss white and gloss black as a base then applying the SnJ Polishing Powders you can achieve spectacular effects in NMF. Using the various SnJ colors gives you even more variety when couple with the black and white paint. Just another option at your disposal if you are not airbrushed equipped.