Question about using metallic colors *PICS*

[Max Power]

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:

[primera man]

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.

[jimbob]

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

[Vric]

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..

[Max Power]

try it on a scrap piece..

Excellent idea! Now why didn't I think of it!?

[Forhod]

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

[Max Power]

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:






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.

[TheSyndicate]

Sweet!

[Vric]

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

[Sob]

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 Just kidding.
You did a great job on that body! Looks hella cool!

[|Banchi1O5|]

looks beautiful
how many models have you built?

[Max Power]

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.

[Sob]

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

[Max Power]

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"!

[primera man]

Looks to be coming along well.