aluminium block engines

[gionc]

Originally Posted by rsxse240

the BEST finish I have ever seen for an aluminum block is model master buffing metalizer airbrushed on, NOT BUFFED, and coated with a semigloss. then weather it as you like.

I agree, also MM sealer is ok as a matt convincing finishing: I tried all AlcladII gamma and how everyone know they're great but for casted rough alu best way to me is MM alu metalizer, not buffed

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by Mr. Me.

MPWR, I know that they are different. but i think that the colour is same

It depends on the manufacturer. Tamiya enamels aren't distributed in the US, so I can't speak for them. Model Master enamals and acryls are pretty close in color. Usually if a manufacturer puts out two different lines of paint, they will use the same pigment formulations. But whether colors will look identical is hard to say.

There seem to be plenty of opinions on what is the best finish for cast aluminum, everyone has their favorite. I've used Tamiya acrylics on engines for years and have been pretty happy with the results. But last year out of curiosity I decided to try Metalizers and acrylics on the 360 engine. I was really surprized at how little difference there was. I used metalizer steel for the valve covers and aluminum on the engine block. I also used Tamiya flat aluminum on the frame. When everything is put together, I simply couldn't tell any difference. They all looked good, but the metalizer looked no different from the acrylics. The difference between the aluminum and steel metalizer was so subtle that it was hardly worth the effort to spray them in different colors (honestly the real difference is that the steel came out grainier). Chrome or shiney aluminum would have looked wrong, but flat grainy metal was flat grainy metal. So I'll probably stick with what's easiest to use, and for me that's usually Tamiya acrylics.

[oregon3]

I agree with MPWR.

JB

[Eric Cole]

Originally Posted by JTRACING

I use Krylon Dull Aluminum spray paint, you can find it in any hardware store

Amen to that!!. That's what I use for all of my dull aluminum needs as well. Like James says, you can find it fairly easy, and it's real easy to use. If you want it a little more reflective, I have found that you can buff it like you would a testors metalizer for more of a polished look. To darken it use a thin wash of flat black.

[freakmech]

Alclad makes a Dull Aluminum and a Semi gloss Aluminum as well, FYI, thats what i use. I like MM Metalizers but they rub off on everything so becareful.

[mikemechanic]

Originally Posted by freakmech

Alclad makes a Dull Aluminum and a Semi gloss Aluminum as well, FYI, thats what i use. I like MM Metalizers but they rub off on everything so becareful.

That is my complaint with Metalizer's. Also they are becoming hard to find in my city. Most hobby shops carry Alclad so that's what I use.

Mike.