So my next project is going to be an F-84G (to practice natural metal finish before I attempt my F-86 and MiG-15). I've heard a lot of advice on using Alclad like:

-Remove ANY surface defects
-Sand and polish the surface ultra-smooth
-prime with gloss black

I have a few questions though:

I've heard that Alclad can lift if you mask it (for instance, to make certain panels a different shade) - have you guys had this problem?

If you have other colors, is it easier to paint them first and put the Alclad over it or can you paint them over top of the Alclad? (I usually use enamels). The F-84 has a non-reflective strip along the top of the fuselage that looks like it'd be easier to do after the Alclad.

Some have said it's hard to clean Alclad out of the airbrush and one guy even says he has an airbrush he only uses for NMF. Is this your experience?

Thanks for any advice.

rockhpi,

I have used Alclad several times, and I haven't had any problems with it. It goes on very thin, so it will show any issues with the surface of your model. Your prime coat can help hide some of those however. I do prime with gloss black, as it gives some depth to the color. You can prime with other gloss colors as well to change that tonal quality if you want. It doesn't have a huge impact, but there is some.

I have had zero issues with Alclad lifting once it's cured. I found that giving it two full days to cure is a good idea. It appears to dry faster, but I ended up leaving a minor fingerprint on the tail of a MIG 21 I built when I handled it after about 24 hours.

Clean up is easy with lacquer thinner.

I hope that helps... and post pics of your success!
Dud

Thanks, Dudley -will do! Do you put enamel colors on top of the Alclad or enamel first then Alclad?

I've done both with no issues... as long as the bottom coat is completely cured first. If you do the enamel first, you'll still have to mask it as the color difference between the enamel and your primer coat could show through the Alclad.

Best advice I can give whatever you use. Make sure it's COMPLETELY DRY. No matter how long it take. I have left stuff for weeks just to be sure.