Post by Firemist on Mar 19, 2021 2:40:51 GMT
The Testors Model Master Metalizer line of Metallic paints has had a fairly long run, but unfortunately it has reached the end of the line. I have used Metalizers as the go to for simulating exhaust pipes and aluminum valve covers as well as some other details on my builds. Although I still have some bottles on hand, I am starting to look for alternatives for my future builds.
One product that came to mind was the AK Interactive Extreme Metal line of enamel paints. The manufacturer refers to them as enamels, but they seem more like lacquers when considering their fast-drying times and the strong odors that they give off. I was browsing the shelves at AAA Hobbies and came across AK’s Stainless-Steel offering and decided to give it a try. Below are two plastics spoons that were painted with Metalizer and the Extreme paint in an effort to compare the two finishes. The paints were applied with a Badger single action airbrush.
My first attempt at applying the AK Stainless-steel came out a bit on the rough side, so I decided to start over and apply it to a fresh sample spoon. On my second attempt, I used a very fine spray and this seemed to do the trick. At this point, I formed the opinion that the AK product seemed to be much less forgiving than the Metalizer. In order to get a finish on par with the Metailzer, I am thinking of two possibilities. When I get the time, I am going to try polishing the unpainted plastic spoon before I apply the AK. My other idea is to treat it like Allclad II Chrome and paint it with a black base coat, then apply the AK. Needless to say, both routes are extra work. Of course for small parts, you may not have to treat the surface at all because the imperfections may be too small see.
Below is a close up of the spoon that was painted with the Metalizer showing a uniform finish with no apparent flaws; which leads me to believe the Testors product is a bit more forgiving and has the ability to cover some minor imperfections.
My final thoughts for now are that the AK product is a fair candidate for replacement because it dries very similar in color or tone to the Metalizer Stainless Steel and appears to be a bit more shiny. On the negative side, I feel the AK paint will require a bit more surface preparation than Metalizer; which seems to be much easier to apply. As far as cost, the bottle of AK set me back about $11 dollars for a full ounce as opposed to the Metalizer; which goes for around $5 to $6 dollars a bottle for a half ounce, so the price is just about the same. I haven't tried thinning the AK product with lacquer thinner or anything else, so it may require the AK thinner which will add some expense. I am also going to look at another alternative, so stay tuned!
One product that came to mind was the AK Interactive Extreme Metal line of enamel paints. The manufacturer refers to them as enamels, but they seem more like lacquers when considering their fast-drying times and the strong odors that they give off. I was browsing the shelves at AAA Hobbies and came across AK’s Stainless-Steel offering and decided to give it a try. Below are two plastics spoons that were painted with Metalizer and the Extreme paint in an effort to compare the two finishes. The paints were applied with a Badger single action airbrush.
My first attempt at applying the AK Stainless-steel came out a bit on the rough side, so I decided to start over and apply it to a fresh sample spoon. On my second attempt, I used a very fine spray and this seemed to do the trick. At this point, I formed the opinion that the AK product seemed to be much less forgiving than the Metalizer. In order to get a finish on par with the Metailzer, I am thinking of two possibilities. When I get the time, I am going to try polishing the unpainted plastic spoon before I apply the AK. My other idea is to treat it like Allclad II Chrome and paint it with a black base coat, then apply the AK. Needless to say, both routes are extra work. Of course for small parts, you may not have to treat the surface at all because the imperfections may be too small see.
Below is a close up of the spoon that was painted with the Metalizer showing a uniform finish with no apparent flaws; which leads me to believe the Testors product is a bit more forgiving and has the ability to cover some minor imperfections.
My final thoughts for now are that the AK product is a fair candidate for replacement because it dries very similar in color or tone to the Metalizer Stainless Steel and appears to be a bit more shiny. On the negative side, I feel the AK paint will require a bit more surface preparation than Metalizer; which seems to be much easier to apply. As far as cost, the bottle of AK set me back about $11 dollars for a full ounce as opposed to the Metalizer; which goes for around $5 to $6 dollars a bottle for a half ounce, so the price is just about the same. I haven't tried thinning the AK product with lacquer thinner or anything else, so it may require the AK thinner which will add some expense. I am also going to look at another alternative, so stay tuned!