discussion Which metal effect paint

[Ian M]

Having found that my Two go to paint pushers are dropping Alclad from their stock I need to find an alternative.
The Question:
Which Metal Effect paints do you use and can recommend. Please only reply if it is something that you have used and can post a picture in your reply.
Must be available in mainland Europe too.
Been looking on YouTube but half the time they have no idea how to actually use them.
Rather a low oder Acrylic, but lacquers are OK, Just as long as they can be posted in EU!

 

[Jim R]

Although not up to Alclad standard I really like the Vallejo Metal Color. It is water based. It goes on over their black gloss base and seems to work. They also do a specific gloss varnish although I don't know if that is anything special.

The chrome




The aluminium, but here I wanted a duller finish so it is over a grey Stynylrez primer


I hope you find what suits you.

 

[Dave Ward]

Mig Ammo Metallic Silver 195

Applied over a black primer coat
Dave

 

[AlanG]

+1 for Vallejo Metal Colour. Sprays and brush paints very nicely indeed

 

[Tim Marlow]

Plus one on Vallejo metal colour. Brush paints as well as it sprays….
Here’s a brushed example for variety…

 

[yak face]

Another one for the vallejo metal color , i find them easy to use , low odour , hardwearing and dont change colour when sealed with clear varnish . All of these qualities means its no problem masking up and doing different shaded panels , as long as the masking isnt too sticky . Heres the super sabre i did which had quite a few different shaded panels
https://www.scale-models.co.uk/thre...n-1-48-part-1-the-na-f100d-super-sabre.26226/
Hth cheers tony

 

[Ian M]

Cheers chaps. I might just have a try of the Vallejo Metal color ones.
One thing I have found out since posting. The shop that did not have Alclad any more DOES have them! they are hidden under Ammo By MiG. Whom it seems has taken them over. or at least for the EU sales side maybe.
So If Vallejo dont cut it I can still get my beloved Alclad. Win Win.

 

[Mr Bowcat]

I prefer lacquers, my go to paints are Tamiya or Mr Hobby.

This is Tamiya LP48 sparkling silver:

And most of this was done with Mr Hobby:

Mr Hobby also do a limited buffable range which can be useful. The dark iron is particularly useful for tracks, engines, guns, etc.

 

[Ian M]

That swing arm looks pretty good. Hmm.

 

[adt70hk]

Thanks to Ian for asking this question.... And for the great response.

Had been struggling to remember previous recommendations on this very topic and has come at a good time for me.

Andrew

 

[Jim R]

That swing arm looks pretty good. Hmm.

Now you're confused again :rolling: :smiling:
I think that lacquers will always have the edge but you have to factor in ease of use and brush painting. Perhaps you need both!

 

[Flip]

I prefer lacquers, my go to paints are Tamiya or Mr Hobby.

This is Tamiya LP48 sparkling silver:

Bob,
How does the Tamiya fare anywhere near glue?
The reason I ask is that I have successfully experimented with the AK Extreme Metal paints which do produce a gorgeous finish; but I have also found that, when assembling, any glue seep INSTANTLY destroys all the hard work. I know you shouldn't glue painted surfaces but it would be nice if the odd seep didn't send me back to the beginning :smiling2:
This picture of yours is good - it actually looks like a plated cast part!
Regards,
John

 

[Mr Bowcat]

Hi John. If you are talking about TET I honestly don't know mate, I tend to use metals on cars and bikes, parts are either glued before paint, or attached with CA after paint, so there is no seep.

 

[PaulinKendal]

I use Vallejo Model Air too, in the main. But I recently tried the Molotow Liquid Chrome Refill, and it delivers an excellent result. I think it takes a long time (days? weeks?) to fully cure, and I don't know whether you can varnish it or not. But it does look good!

 

[Geoffers]

Vallejo Metal Color for me too :smiling4:

Not sure if it’s quite as good as laquer type metal paints but I find it looks good enough for me and it doesn’t stink which is a big bonus.

Geoff.

 

[Flip]

Hi John. If you are talking about TET I honestly don't know mate, I tend to use metals on cars and bikes, parts are either glued before paint, or attached with CA after paint, so there is no seep.

Bob,
Ah well, worth the question - thanks for the reply.
I guess there's only one way to find out, so I have bought some to try.
Cheers,
John