Tips & Tricks ep8: painting with Alclad

In this video I go over the Alclad system as well as a quick overview of the application process.
Website: www.seans-aviation.com
Facebook: / seans-aviation
SA035-T&T008

[@viper341]

I've been using alclad for a while now and in my experience its incredibly easy to work with. The high shine varieties you have to be a little bit more careful with, but the standard alclads are super easy and cleanup with acetone in the airbrush is a breeze, just make sure you have excellent ventilation and wear a respirator. I find them no harder to use than regular Tamiya paint. Also to get the sheen on an f22 raptor I'm working on I tested mixing tamiya acrylic paints with alclad standard variety and they both mix together really well. I love alclad because of their ease of use.

[@SeansAviation]

I find the hardest part getting all the sanding scratches out!!

Ah, you are suppose to do a black glossy background, never new that! Picked up the Alclad Aluminium for painting Foam etc. for cosplay, i just used it on a 29€ Lightsaber (that was Aluminum, but cheap looking), awesome to work with and age, add acrylic paint on top etc. Thanks for the education that gets added to all i learned from Adam Savage, KamuiCosplay etc. and will get put to good use, so awesome to make what ever look metal, or aged metal in a different Metal etc.

[@6605jeremy]

Question, rookie here, do i need a clear over the alclad if i want to do a wash? For instance, looking down an intake of a jet. Looking at the fan blades. If i wanted the to use an oil wash or the tamiya panel liner. Or neither if you say so. What clear, if any, should i use, without loosing that metal look? Thanks. Im dumb, so step by step would be great. Lol

[@SeansAviation]

Its always best to clear Alclad, even if you are not weathering. It is very easy to damage the final finish. Their own clear is great and doesn’t ruin the metal finish. Do lots of testing if you want to use any other clear as they are likely ruin it.

[@mikethebike2456]

🏍️ That jet next to the P-51 was cool. You got one going as fast as he can and one going as slow as he can.

[@SeansAviation]

If you mean in the intro, yeah it was the USAF heritage flight. I am pretty sure that one was at the CFB Trenton airshow. I have a number of different ones over the years.

[@NDWoj]

I need to paint a set of white plastic guitar humbuckers chrome. The Alclad II 5114 Chrome for Lexan 3oz (aerosol) was recommended. I do not have a spray gun. What should I put underneath the Lexan? Will a regular gloss black primer/paint work? If so....does it need to be enamel, laquer, etc? Getting confused. Thanks!

[@SeansAviation]

personally, I have only ever used the Alclad black primer. That being said, practice with a few options, but I would stick with a Laquer as it lessens the chance of a reaction between differing mediums

[@jamiesale9460]

The point, Sky Rider, was to suggest that since the message is in the medium, if the video were shorter it might say more in less time. And my opinion is that Alclad airbrushes well for me. Don't mistake constructive criticism or opinion difference for lack of positivity. You put yourself out there. Thanks for that but don't be hurt.

[@luiscorreia6977]

What kind of clear coat you recommend to use after applying Alclad? Gloss, satin or Flat? My idea is to create a protective layer but I want to keeps the exact same look as the original Alclad paint layer.

[@SeansAviation]

I have only used the alclad gloss and It works fine. The metal look doesn’t look any different after the gloss is added. Most clear coats will destroy the metallic look so I would recommend sticking to the Alclad clears

[@mickhope8702]

Hi, I've never used an airbrush before..., does Alclad come in a spray can? Thanks

[@SeansAviation]

Not as far as I know. I believe Tamiya and Vallejo both have metallics in their spray can line but I have never used them. I have always had bad luck with spray cans.

[@mickhope8702]

@@SeansAviation Thank you. I've alway's used brush n spray can's, never had a problem...must be 1 of the lucky ones. Tried air brushing once, or twice couldn't get on with it. never again. Thanks again.

[@daveo.1702]

Nice video

[@CFster]

Any issues masking over the Alclad?

[@SeansAviation]

I have always sealed it with one of the alclad top coats and have no issues masking. I can’t comment on masking directly on the paint as I haven’t done that

[@kevinm3751]

LOL, yes I can see how metal might have a metallic look to it... ROFLMFAO! FYI, the black base coat is not giving it depth, it is in fact absorbing light so that the reflection going back to your eyes is from the metal flake. The darker and the glossier (if thats a word) actually absorbs more light and causes the bounce back reflection to be even shinier (dont know if that is a word either;).

[@SeansAviation]

sort of...flat black would absorb light, gloss black is reflecting light. The black gives it depth and the gloss causes much of the light to reflect back up through the metallic flake giving it more "shine" so to speak. We are both trying to explain the same effect really.

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Sean I’ve been experimenting with the alclad paints with my badger dual action airbrush and you are correct it shows everything. I also noticed it leaves particles behind in my air brush cup. Am I doing something wrong or is it normal that it needs a good through cleaning during and after use ? I know more questions. Let me know if I ask to many. Thanks in advance. Can you also give me a list of alclad paints you use mostly for aircraft or is it just personal preference. Artie 🇺🇸

[@SeansAviation]

Sorry, not sure why I never replied. I find you need to do a good, thorough cleaning with the Alclad airbrush cleaner ASAP after painting. For aircraft, i usually use a mix of Aluminum and Airframe Aluminum to mix it up a bit. I have also used Stainless steel and jet exhaust to make convincing looking exhaust stacks and burner cans. Experimenting is the best way to figure out what look you like the best.

[@Mark-Milw42]

I appreciate the work you did. You definitely have a great understanding of this product while all the models in the background show me you're serious about your work. I've worked with a lacquer paint on Lexan model truck bodies years ago but this is a new system to me. What size air brush nozzle and needle do you use so the carrier and metallic don't plug up? Are there any plastics that will not stand up to being exposed to this lacquer primer? I've got a special application where I ve got to match grey plastic to real aluminum to make the plastic look like aluminum. I'd appreciate hearing back on this post. Thank you ahead of time.

[@martinsam2000]

I am using an Iwata Eclipse CS with a .5 needle. Never had an issue with this gumming up the airbrush. It is mostly a laquer base with a small amount of metal flake. As for plastic compatibility, I would recommend a test if it is not styrene and something you haven’t tried before. The paint itself is pretty “hot” but I am not sure how the primer will react on different surfaces

[@SeansAviation]

sorry Mark, I responded earlier using my personal account and not my channel.

[@jamiesale9460]

Alclad was one of the first paints I airbrushed. It was no more difficult than the others for me - I like it. And maybe the video is a little long for your message.

[@skyrider4789]

Thanks for contributing nothing, except for your opinion and negativity. I appreciate the effort put into this video & found it informative and of value, unlike your lame comment.

[@AdamKummrow5436]

Do you have to apply a primer before applying the black gloss primer?

[@SeansAviation]

I have used it both with and without a primer, I can’t see much difference. The black base has a good “bite” so it should be fine on bare plastic. I normally use the Vallejo primer if I do prime.

[@AdamKummrow5436]

@@SeansAviation Did you find the top coat to be just as durable to handle once fully cured, after applying only the gloss black primer straight onto bare plastic? I have some pieces with very small details, i dont want to apply to many layers of paints in case i loose the details!

[@SeansAviation]

I usually do a thin layer of black, a thin layer of metal and then a thin layer of gloss clear to seal it. The metallic paint will very easily wear off if it isn’t sealed i have found. I haven’t seen a difference between the final coat with primer or without. You can always practice on a spare peice or kit to see how much detail Is lost with a layer of whatever primer you normally use.

[@AdamKummrow5436]

@@SeansAviation Thanks Sean, i will do that! I know from past airbushing, alclad's gloss clear doesnt dull there chrome 😉👍

[@optronixatron]

What do you use to clean Alclad II from your airbrush? I've seen people mention using hardware store lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, Alclad II airbrush cleaner, and Mr. Leveling Thinner.

[@SeansAviation]

I have the alclad airbursh cleaner. My dad bought it by accident instead of regular thinner and it works great. product #ALC307. I usually use a tiny amount, once maybe twice, then flush with my usual paint thinner to clean out any residue. No issues so far!!

[@girijaa1]

I've been using Alclad II for many years now and I love this stuff. I have a question for you. I want to custom paint Funko Pop Vinyl figurines. Will Alclad II work on vinyl? Thanks

[@SeansAviation]

To be honest, I have never tried. It would be worth it to buy a test piece and try it out. The Alclad primer MAY affect the vinyl, so I would try both the alclad primer and something like a Tamiya gloss black. Once you have a good gloss black base coat, the Alclad itself shouldn’t affect the underlying material at all.

[@gordonyork6638]

Floating at the bottom. That's a concept.

[@tomdunbar1614]

Another likes to hear himself talk..no actual demo

[@SeansAviation]

Yep...not really set up to film at my paint booth and to be honest, painting this is no different than any other paint. Most important step is the clean surface, and a nice smooth gloss black base. After that, mist on the Alclad and you are done!

[@skyrider4789]

Tom Dunbar, another cup is half empty person who likes to complain. Wahhh.

[@n7bansheebait299]

Expensive & difficult to work with. No thanks!

[@danzo5521]

its worth trying

[@SeansAviation]

yes and yes..but as Danzo said, worth a shot as the final product is one of the best out there!