Lee and Clyde: Once you have finished decaling an NMF, what do you seal the decals with? I've finally been successful with Alclad and don't know what to seal the decals with. Please let me know. Thanks, WoodyG
Woody,
As much as I dislike Future, I had pretty good results applying it over Alclad on my F-86A conversion. It didn't tone down the metal look very much. I've heard Metalizer Sealer will work well, too, but I've never tried it.
I usually don't put anything over Alclad, though. You have to be careful handling the model so your fingers don't pull up the decals, but I haven't had any issues with the decals flaking off & taking the underlying paint with them, like I've had happen with Metalizer.
Ben
For me, it depends on how big the model is and how extensive the decals are. If the model has a lot of stencils, then you pretty much have to seal it. I used a light mist of Future or Testors Acrylic Semi-gloss clear.
On a big model, like the 1/32 scale P-47 or P-38, I will only overcoat the decals themselves. I will shoot semi-gloss clear through a paper mask and do everything I can to avoid getting the varnish on the Alclad finish.
Lee K
Woody, I sealed my f-86D with Metalizer sealer. go with light coats or until it looks right to you. be sure to thin the sealer with metalizer thinner just a little. clyde
Lee, Ben and Clyde: Thanks for the info, it's a 1/72nd scale JUG so I think I'll try Metalizer sealer. It's only taken me 5 yrs to get a decent paint job with Alclad. Ben, I've had the same experience you've had with Metalizer Aluminum non-buffing, but have gotten some great paint jobs. Don't know why I don't stick with it; I guess I just didn't want to let Alclad beat me. When done right, you're absolutely correct, dry in 15 minutes, and ready to do some other panels. Cheers, Woody G.
Woody, your Thunderbolt looks great. Real nice job on that one, especially the finish.
My plan is to do an F-86 (Monogram 1/48) for the Seymour-Johnson group build, so I may use the Metalizer sealer thinned with Metalizer thinner trick on that one since it's going to have a lot of decals on it.
Cheers,
Lee G.