Sealing buffable metallizers`

[PetarB]

Has anyone had any experience in sealing buffable metallizers - ie, Testor's metallizers, or Alclad? Is it necessary, and if so, what do you use, and what effect does it have on the surface luster.
Thanks for your time!

[Kylwell]

I use Testor's sealer for Testors, Future for Alclad. Testors says you have to seal theirs, never had an issue with not sealing Alclad.

[macfrank]

I've sealed both the buffable and non-buffable (which are far more durable) versions of the Testors Metallizers with Future.


Future adds a sheen that takes away a little of the metallic look, but you can minimize it with very thin coats of Future.

This Ki-201 has an overcoat of Future.

Frank

[TREKKRIFFIC]

I've used the non-buffing metalizers and would appreciate if someone could tell me the differences between buffing and non-buffing.
Is there any advantage to using one over the other ?

[macfrank]

I've used the non-buffing metalizers and would appreciate if someone could tell me the differences between buffing and non-buffing.
Is there any advantage to using one over the other ?

The buffing goes on flat-ish, and you have to take a cloth to it to get it to shine. The non-buffing metalizer goes on pretty shiny and looks metallic without buffing. The main difference is that with the buffing version you can adjust the metallic shine by how much you buff it. Also, at its best, it's slightly more reflective/metallic than the non-buffing version (because it was buffed).

You can also buff the non-buffing


As with all metallic paints, you have to start with a really, really smooth surface.


Frank

[TREKKRIFFIC]

I've used the non-buffing metalizers and would appreciate if someone could tell me the differences between buffing and non-buffing.
Is there any advantage to using one over the other ?

The buffing goes on flat-ish, and you have to take a cloth to it to get it to shine. The non-buffing metalizer goes on pretty shiny and looks metallic without buffing. The main difference is that with the buffing version you can adjust the metallic shine by how much you buff it. Also, at its best, it's slightly more reflective/metallic than the non-buffing version (because it was buffed).

You can also buff the non-buffing

As with all metallic paints, you have to start with a really, really smooth surface.


Frank

Thanks macfrank. That explains a lot. One more thing, what's the best material to use for buffing ? I'm assuming some type of cloth rag ? Do you recommend using a buffing compound ?

[macfrank]

Thanks macfrank. That explains a lot. One more thing, what's the best material to use for buffing ? I'm assuming some type of cloth rag ? Do you recommend using a buffing compound ?

I wouldn't use any buffing compound on the metalizer; it's probably not strong enough. I've used a soft wool cloth (like the cloth that comes with the micro-mesh polishing kits) and that works well. I've also used an old sock and that works almost as well (as long as it's cotton).

To get the best results though, you really must have a smooth, shiny plastic surface. If you can see a scratch or a pit in the plastic, it'll become glaringly obvious after the paint goes on. I even polish out the primer coat. The Rub N' Buff can be used as a polish of sorts, too; it's wax based and once it dries, you can use an old rag to buff it until most of it comes off the plastic. The plastic will be a lot shinier and smoother. The Rub & Buff will also let you know if there are any scratches or rough spots on the plastic.


Frank

[Lt. Z0mBe]

Has anyone had any experience in sealing buffable metallizers - ie, Testor's metallizers, or Alclad? Is it necessary, and if so, what do you use, and what effect does it have on the surface luster.
Thanks for your time!

I seal buffable metallizers with LIGHT misting coats of Future. Seems to work great. No loss in sheen. I use Testor's and Alclad.

I hope this helps.

Kenny