Help! Alclad / airbrushing problem

Madoc · Post by **Madoc** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 11:41 am

Folks,

I need some help here.

I'm using Alclad paints for the first time and have run into some problems. I put on a primer coat of Alclad's "honey" primer and that worked fine. Yesterday I then sprayed on a coat of Alclad Duraluminum and it has come out looking and feeling "dirty." That is to say, somewhat rough in texture and appearance.

Early in the day I'd put down a coat of Alclad steel without issue. Same airbrush and all.

Any suggestions here?

I made sure to keep the model clean and I put the Duraluminum coat on lightly with repeated passes.

Your help would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Madoc

Ron · Post by **Ron** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 12:10 pm

I've only used it once, so I don't have enough experience to offer any solution. Prior to using it though, I did ask around for some advice and there were a few important points that were passed on to me:

- make sure the paint surface is clean
- make sure you have a good primer coat laid down first
- make sure the surface for the Alclad is smooth and free of any blemishs, including sanding the primer coat if necessary

You might find a few helpful tips here http://www.alclad2.com/lacquer_colors.html or here http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/ (go to "Tools 'N' Tips" and select Bare Metal Finishes)

Stubbs · Post by **Stubbs** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 1:04 pm

Was it the same mix of paint you'd set up and sprayed earlier? Are you doing this outside? Perhaps the humidity is affecting it? Holding the airbrush at the same distance?

Trekmanscott · Post by **Trekmanscott** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 2:14 pm

I had the same issue with a bottle of Stainless Steel Alclad. I spoke to the owner at Nats and it turns out there was a problem with the paint. He gave me a free replacement right there! Send Alclad an e-mail telling him what's wrong with your project and see what he says, you might get a free bottle.

ignatz · Post by **ignatz** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 2:54 pm

I've seen a couple of the bottles of the stuf turn "grainy". You can tell looking at the paint in the bottle. If it's turned, don't use it.

joewhite · Post by **joewhite** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 10:06 pm

Did you mix it well? I've shaken the heck out of some Alclad II before and sometimes it's still caked up at the bottom of the bottle. Not sure if this will help with your problem but I thought I'd mention it anyway.

Joe