I've never used Alcad, SNJ, or Testor's Metalizer for metal finishes on my planes but I'd like to try Testor's Metalizer especially for exhaust nozzles on modern jet aircraft. Before I invest in it though I'd like to request some info on it from anyone who has used it before.
1) Must it be sealed with their Sealer or can I use Future's?
2) Can I mask it and airbrush acrylics over the top of it?
3) Does it react as poorly as Testors warns to masking tape (I usually use Tamiya)?

Any other advice or hints on it would be greatly appreciated.

TIA...Kevin

If you are going to be handlling the model, sealing is not a bad idea, but this will reduce the look of real metal. This is also more crucial on buffing metalizer, rather than the plina stuff



Buffing metalilzer is very fragile and doesn't like to be taped over. If you must mask it, try to use post-it notes. Almost any masking tape will pull it up. However, the stuff airbrushes super thin and can be retouched relatively easily. You might want to take the time to mask what will be natural metal and paint your kit's painted surfaces then come back and mask off the acrylics and hit the natural metal with metalizer.
Contrary to the cap, this can be applied to small plastic areas by brush and still be buffed (if it is a buffable color.)

Any other advice or hints on it would be greatly appreciated.

TIA...Kevin[/quote]

ahh good question Mac, was think that same thing today, thanks for the info AjLaFleche

Bender

Alcad does not require any sealer and can be masked and handled without any problems, but it normally requires an acrylic undercoat to protect the plastic and to get the proper metallic luster (particularly for the chrome). The others you mentioned, I understand, require and overcoat to prevent finger prints and cannot be masked over without a overcoat.

Try using Alcad over gloss black, it may sound strange, but it works great. I have also used 3m parafilm as a mask over metalizer with no problems. Also the Alcad will hold up to handling very well.

be sure not to touch the metalizer after it drys, it leaves the worst finger print so I would say seal as soon as possible (:-)