Question about using metallic colors *PICS*

Haha, when I first typed in the subject, I spelled "metallic" as "metallica"! Anyways, the MINI is almost complete, so I thought I'd get a head start on my next project, which is the Nissan 350Z. My choice of color for this one is TS-38, Gun Metal. I was wondering if Tamiya metallic sprays require a clear coat or will it be shiny enough without one? Can I polish the paint just like any regular opaque color? I was just worried about something weird happening to the metallic flakes. Finally, if I do need to add a clear coat, should I polish/sand the base coat so that it's smooth when I add the clear?

I know you guys love pictures, so here is what it looks like after a couple of coats:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/142285350z02.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/916295350z03.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/700775350z04.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/743995350z05.jpg

If it was me i'd go for the rubbing compound followed by a good wax. This should be enough to give it a good shine.
Remember you wont get a really deep shine as you do with other paints as it's the flakes in the paint that will give it a "different" look.

Most will tell you i'm not a big fan of clear coating models so i'll leave those comments to others.

Im of the opinion that u should clear coat
Especially over a metallic paint.
This will add depth and shine to ur model.

You have nice even paint coverage at the moment on the model
So i would clear coat over what u have done without sanding or polishing and then polish up the clear cote - You may have found that the metalic is slightly rough in texture - leave this as it will act as an adhesive for the clear.

JIM

I put clear coat on one of my silver model, and finally it turn out less shinny that before the clear coat...

try it on a scrap piece..

try it on a scrap piece..
Excellent idea! Now why didn't I think of it!?

Because you were busy thinking untill you forgot that way..
:apoke:
no offence :)

Okay, I think I'm gonna have to go with P-Man on this one. I am quite happy with what a little wet sanding + Tamiya compound (you can still see some in the cracks) has yielded:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/183225350z06.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/590966350z07.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/913694350z08.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/442818350z09.jpg

Oh, and I'm sorry if this thread is getting a little big for those on dial up. I hope you guys don't mind a few pics here and there.

Sweet!

does the rims and tire are from the model or it's an addon ?

Originally posted by Max Power

Oh, and I'm sorry if this thread is getting a little big for those on dial up.
You're not forgiven. GRRR!! HAHAHA :D Just kidding.
You did a great job on that body! Looks hella cool!

looks beautiful
how many models have you built?

Thanks for the compliments guys. I am nowhere near as fast as P-Man, so it'll be at least a couple more weeks before this is finished, but when it is, you can be sure I'll have a new thread up with tons of pics.

Vric : The wheels are the ones that came with the kit.

|Banchi1O5| : This is my 7th attempt at car modelling.

Ok this is completely off topic, but seeing the name Max Power reminds me of when Homer Simpson picked out that name so he would have a cool name. HAHAHAHA Do you remember that, he said "I got it off a hair dryer" HAHAHA :D

Er, that's where I got the name "Max Power." Check my sig. What Homer says is my favorite line in that episode. I just love how he thrusts his hips as he says "feel the G's"!

Looks to be coming along well.:)

D'oh! I feel like an idiot now. I have sigs turned off 'cause of so many pictures in peep's sigs. It takes too long for my dialup to load! Hehe.

I thought you got the name from the European magazine called "Max Power." Almost 300 pages of awesome cars and topless women, I love that book.