W900 Studio Sleeper Project

[Papy]

Nice build !

I've also been recommended to use alclad products for the chrome effect (and this includes a black coat as primer) but never tried.
Really interested to see how this will turn out !

I found this nice tutorial :

Chroming with Alclad

[Zabco]

I use Alclad II lacquers fairly frequently. They work well if you take your time and really prep the surface. Sand through at least 2000 grit, even finer if you can. Make sure surface is clean. Use the Alclad gloss black base for a chrome finish. I've been told you can use any gloss black but have always had the best finish using the Alclad. Very important to follow air pressure setting instructions on bottle for your airbrush. Mix paint in bottle very thoroughly before using. I use a battery powered mixer. Don't wait before spraying as the metal particles in the paint will start to settle out quickly. Very light, almost dusting coats. The Alclad will dry almost instantly but wait about 20 to 30 seconds between each coat and then gently buff with very soft cloth or tissue before applying the next coat. I usually wait about 24 hours between base coat and finish chrome coats. Alclad also now has a material called Aqua Gloss Clear ALC600 that can be used as a protective overcoat. It is, in my opinion, better than the modler's old standby; Future Floor Finish. Also you will want to use the Alclad airbrush cleaner. I use this on my airbrushes even if I've only been spraying acrylics, best cleaner I know of.

[HAZMAN]

I've purchased a can of Alclad Chrome a few years ago but never used it as it dried up. I'm gonna practice on some leftover styrene for good measure. I really appreciate the input on this guys.... Thanks!! I really want this KW to come out right. I've been in this hobby for twenty one years and this build by far has me shooting for a 1 to 1 comparison to the real W900.

[Zabco]

I should probably also mention that with the Alclad you will not get the real bright and shiny chrome finish that looks like the chrome plating on plastic models. To my eye I think it looks much more realistic and with proper surface finish before painting is very nice. I definitely recommend some practice before trying on real parts. But if you goof it can be removed for a do-over with the cleaner.

[Cossett]

Originally Posted by Zabco

I should probably also mention that with the Alclad you will not get the real bright and shiny chrome finish that looks like the chrome plating on plastic models. To my eye I think it looks much more realistic and with proper surface finish before painting is very nice. I definitely recommend some practice before trying on real parts. But if you goof it can be removed for a do-over with the cleaner.

Ive been reading 1/24-5 car and truck forums for years and if you do all the prep work before, during and after spraying with a air brush ( with it properly mixed ) Alclad comes dam close to mirror finish as I questioned a few guys on there chrome work as I though they used BMF or other chrome tape but they said no it was Alclad but takes time perfecting its use.

Cheers Tracy