Alclad vs BMF Results Compared

Just a quick little video on my experience with Bare Metal Foil on an entire plane; vs using Alclad on the same plane, Eisenhower’s VC-121E Columbine III
My modeling story video sparked a few ideas for follow up videos on various topics, like this one, so watch for those coming up. And the Lady Lindy is on the bench, and I'll cover that in a single video soon.
Thanks for watching and happy modeling!

[@thescalemodelcarguychannel8681]

Great comparison!

[@ramblers69]

That's a big project to attempt to foil, still doesn't look that bad, :)

[@deanmaguire6701]

Firstly...all your models displayed look magnificent, but don't give up up on Foil Finishes too easily. Even though flawed, the Constellation looks fantastic and considering it was your first attempt at a difficult technique and using a product not suited to covering aircraft, it is very encouraging result 👍 Normal Kitchen foil and " Micro Scale " Foil Adhesive is a better option for covering 1/72nd scale aircraft than BMF ( There are thicker foils available which are better for larger scale aircraft : 1/48, 1/32, 1/24 etc. that are much more forgiving in terms of creases and blemishes as the can be burnished or sanded out ). BMF is great product for small chrome/metal areas on car models, which I think it is commonly used for. In my limited experience with BMF I have found that the pre applied adhesive is too aggressive. Just removing the foil from the backing paper puts the foil under tension, hence the tendency for the foil to want to curl up once removed from the backing paper and increasing the difficulty of application over larger complex surfaces. Micro Scale Foil Adhesive gives you the freedom to place an unstressed piece of foil over the area/panel you want to cover, burnish the foil lightly to outline the area you wish to foil, before applying glue only to the area within the outline while leaving the outer areas free of glue allowing much easier handling of the piece. After burnishing the piece of foil to the chosen panel it's then just a matter of trimming the piece to the outline of the panel with a sharp blade. Yes, the foiling process can be tedious , but no paint, no matter how good it is ( and there are some very good Metallic paints out there ) can match the look, handling durability and authenticity of real metal. 🍻

[@mightyjjk1298]

Thanks for the kind words and info. I agree nothing looks as good as actual metal, ie., foil. Here and there I still use it, but it's a trade off between time/effort and results and I all too often take the easy way out. Thanks for the sub as well. 😀

[@charlie418791]

BMF is one of the hardest things to master in modeling. Practice. Practice. Practice. 👍

[@michaelhintzmikesminiature1812]

The Eisenhower plan looks Good. Do you aqua clear over the alclad. Did you use chrome? Polished aluminum? Stainless steel??? Maybe you said it and I missed it? Thanks for sharing

[@mightyjjk1298]

I have only used Future/Pledge over my planes. I used Chrome on the Connie and Sacred Cow; and Airframe Aluminum on the two C-118s. Thanks for watching and the kind comment.

[@MadGeniusProductions_MGP]

Yeah I'm not sure I would ever want to try and BMF an aircraft....to me it seems like it just covers all the details up. But yours does look pretty good. Are you using DuraAluminum for the alclad or polished aluminum?

[@mightyjjk1298]

I built these years ago. I used Polished Aluminum on the Connie and Sacred Cow, then Airframe Aluminum on the other 2. Yeah, there's so many choices of metallic paints now, I only use BMF for smaller applications and details.

[@deanmaguire6701]

"....to me it seems like it just covers all the details up. " ...Actually, foil brings out surface detail like nothing else ! The downside is it will also highlight any flaws or blemishes on that surface. A pristine surface is essential for a successful foil finish. 🍻

[@charlie418791]

BMF is one of the hardest things to master in modeling. Practice. Practice. Practice. 👍

[@charlie418791]

BMF is one of the hardest things to master in modeling. Practice. Practice. Practice. 👍

[@mightyjjk1298]

I doubt I'll ever try something like that again, but yes, for details, etc., it does indeed take practice.