Thanks for the kind words on my models - greatly appreciated!
How did you like doing a natural metal finish and what did you use ?
Alexis
Thanks for asking, Alexis. I used Alclad's gloss black primer first, followed by AK Xtreme Metal Polished Aluminum for the natural metal finish. I experimented on the drop tanks first, and it went well. When I continued onto the rest of the model, things went not so great with the gloss black primer. My coverage was not as smooth as I'd have liked, and I ended up with some really compromised areas. Plus I got a few dust elements here and there. Trying to sand it down didn't work perfectly...but I battled ahead with Aclad II Duraluminum for the wing sections where it was puttied and painted on the actual aircraft. I'd love to try the whole process again on something similar and make a better go of it.
On another note, the decals started to come apart on me after applying a few of them, and I had to "phone a friend" to ask about what to do. Micro Liquid Decal Film came to the rescue -great stuff. I luckily bought the last bottle they had at Hobby Wholesale last week! I can now get on with my new ICM 1/48 Hampden that recently arrived
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Yes , natural metal isn't as easy at it looks at all , good choice for the Alclad paints , love that stuff ! The key is have a smooth finish once i have the gloss black laid will let this dry for a day or two and go back and polish or buff the model .even then there is no beat it will be perfect . Dust always ruins a few of my paint jobs not to mention the odd cat hair which is in all my finishes ! Damn cat !!!!
You did a super job on your first go which surprised me actually considering your skills you have and I do hope you do another one ....P-47 or a P-38 comes to mind ....hint hint

Ah so when I go to Hobby Whole this weekend to do a supply run , if they are out of something I know who to blame !

I do miss the Testor's decal film in the spray can . it was my back up when Microscale didn't work . I have also use clear lacquer in the past as decal film and work well with setting solutions .
Alexis