- This topic has 4 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 4 years ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Wanted to know what would be recommended for a black base coat for using AK interactive Xtreme metal paints. I’ve read that some use the AK black base coat but doesn’t produce good results and some just use any black gloss acrylic paint. Let me know. Thanks all for your help
Edit your Profile to get a forum signature.
Have not used the AK black base coat, but I have used both the Alclad black base coat for Alclad metallics applications, and I have recently tried the Tamiya TS-14 gloss black as a base coat…simply because it was less expensive than the Alclad. I did use the AK Xtreme metal paint on top of the Tamiya. While the application was easy and less expensive, I found the Tamiya did not level quite as nicely as the Alclad black did. Tamiya is from a rattle spray can, applied much the same way as any other rattle can…light coats until achieving the desired finish. This causes the base to be thick and requires significant drying time. The Alclad black base comes airbrush ready, thereby making for a much more controlled and even application, beautiful leveling, very high gloss, and very quick drying time…and quite friendly to masking. While the experiment with the Tamiya was good and achieved a nice result, I will use the Alclad black base going forward for a better metallic finish for my taste. As for metallic finishes, I have used both the xTreme and Alclad products; I like both very much and both are very easy to apply leaving a fantastic finish. I suppose which one you choose would be a matter of taste or preference. Remember too, that metallic finishes are only as good as the prepared surface and base.
Paul
Edit your Profile to get a forum signature.
I’ve been using the Ak Xtreme Metallics almost since they came out. I use Mr. Color GX2 as my black base. Mix it pretty well with Self-Leveling Thinner and it makes a great result. It dries pretty quickly too.
The Ak Black base is not very good in my opinion. I don’t like the alclad black base either. I’ve tried both and never got a result that I was happy with.
Chris
"Sorry Goose... But it's time to buzz the Tower."
I just spray it on top of Tamiya primer that’s been slightly polished to be smooth, that way it looks nice but not too chrome-like. If you’re doing a polished intake, you can blast it on top of a smooth gloss gray. Here are some examples:
Leading edge over semi-gloss gray:
Intake over gloss gray:
Edit your Profile to get a forum signature.
You don’t really need a black base with AK Interactive. Sometimes a black base can make the model look like it’s been chrome plated, an effect which personally I don’t find realistic.
Like LH707 I usually apply AK Interactive over a grey base which has been polished smooth. To my eyes that gives a more realistic effect but I accept it’s a matter of taste or opinion.
On the very few occasions where I have used a black base ordinary Humbrol enamel has worked for me.
Edit your Profile to get a forum signature.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.