aluminium block engines

[Katsura]

Hi, I've been painting aluminium block engines with Alclad2 aluminium, but not quite fond of the finish, it looks a bit too shiny for my liking, what other paints would you recommend? Cheers.

[tigeraid]

Originally Posted by Katsura

Hi, I've been painting aluminium block engines with Alclad2 aluminium, but not quite fond of the finish, it looks a bit too shiny for my liking, what other paints would you recommend? Cheers.

I like to use Testors "steel," which surprisingly looks more like dirty aluminum than steel

Sometimes I mix it up and use regular silver, but then give it a flat black wash, which helps as well.

[Mr. Me.]

Tamiya XF16 maybe?

[MPWR]

Alclad aluminum is for recreating the bare aluminum finish on aircraft skins- it's much too shiney for cast alumium engine parts.

Try something like Tamiya acrylic flat aluminum- the finish looks spot on, and the slight grainyness is perfect for a cast appearence.

[Mr. Me.]

MPWR, whats the difference between acrylic and enamel? I think they are a like...

[MPWR]

To put it simply, acrylic paints are water based/compatable, and enamels are based on oil/mineral spirits. Chemically they're very different.

[rallymaster]

Citadel paints are the best for that.
I use three different ones to represent clear aluminium, dark aluminium and bolt metal.
It also exist gold and bronze in several tones.
they really are the best and moreover are acrylic paints, so very easy to use and wash in case of mispaint.
they are provided in Games Worshop hobby stores.

Phil

[lumpulus]

I used MM Metalizer Steel, and flat coat it.

[924_CarreraGTS]

Model Master Metalizer aluminum, airbrushed. It is very realistic. For an engine, you might want to cover it with a wash to make it look dirty. But otherwise, it is a highly realistic looking finish. Why would you use steel Metalizer when aluminum is available? I have both, and they are notably different.

[slk320]

I use Testors Metallizer brand for all my finishes - they are the most realistic bare metal finishes in my opinion.

Also you can play with variations of semi-gloss or dull laquer on the regular Silverleaf Tamiya can...the various applications of dull coat will make the part look more flat, more unfinished metal-like.

[daklunk]

MM Aluminum metalizer, airbrush or spray can, gives it a little bit of a grainy cast texture, and Tamiya Smoke wash. if you don't like the shiney the wash can give you, hit it with dull coat. Me likes

[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.

[JTRACING]

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

[mooble117]

I use XF-16 with a black or smoke wash.

[Mr. Me.]

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