Scale Aluminum Panel Enhancement
with
BVM Metal-Kote

   Many scale models are now painted ARF's and look pretty good as you receive them.  If you wish to improve them, i.e., have something a bit better than stock, BVM's sample size Metal-Kote + kit (PA-SR-1975), an air brush, and a little hobby time will produce some rewarding results.
   The presentation below describes how to enhance the Speed Brakes on the BVM MiG-15 ARF.  Photos of real bare metal MiG's show the Speed Brakes to have a more polished aluminum appearance.  Prior to applying Metal-Kote, we suggest that you read the Metal-Kote instructions and practice the various techniques on scrap fiberglass or plastic parts.

Note:  Metal-Kote will provide the brightest and most polished finish when applied over a perfectly smooth black surface that has been wet sanded with #2500 or finer grit paper.  This bright and polished look is also best achieved with no Enhancer added or clear coat applied.  However, this bare Metal-Kote finish is the least durable option.  Adding the Enhancer, Bonding Clear, and Thin Urethane Clear makes the product much more durable to handle, but with some dulling affect.


   For the MiG-15 Speed Brake shown below, we used Metal-Kote with the Enhancer (10%) and a few misty coats of 50/50 Bonding Clear and Metal-Kote Thinner.  As always, practice on scraps.  For BVM MiG-15 owners, we have computer cut vinyl masks * (BVM # PM-FO-0014) to make the masking chore easy.
 
□   Apply a fine mist of soapy water to the area, then peel the vinyl mask from its backing paper and apply it to the Speed Brake panel lines.  The wetted surface allows you to manipulate the vinyl as necessary.  Use a soft balsa stick to "squeegee" out the water.  Seal the gap in the vinyl mask with 3M plastic tape.

Note:  3M Blue Plastic Tape can be used to mask off panels or create new ones.
   
  Use masking paper to protect from overspray.  Use one or both of the following techniques to prepare the surface for Metal-Kote.

  1)  Wet sand the surface with 1000-1200 grit finishing paper.  After wiping with a paper towel, scrub residue from the panel lines with a brush.

  2)  Scuff the panel with a 3M #7447 red scuff pad.  Try to keep the strokes parallel to the panel's long axis.  Be careful to not peel up the vinyl edges.

Note:  Method #1 and #2 will give slightly different metal grain appearances.  Practice on scraps to select the affect you prefer.
   
□   Thin the Metal-Kote about 25% and apply 3-4 coats with an airbrush.  Heat gun dry, then wipe the surface with soft cotton cloth or Micro Mesh #12000.

This is important to remove any Metal-Kote "Fuzz" that will detract from the polished Aluminum look after the clear is applied.  Thin the Bonding Clear 50/50 with Metal-Kote Thinner and mist on a few coats.  Allow to dry, then peel away the vinyl mask.

The results!


click to enlarge
   
*  Air Brush - We use the Single Action Paasche because it does the job and is quick and easy to clean.  It is available with parts from most hobby supply stores.  The #3 needle works well with Metal-Kote.

* Vinyl Masks - MiG-15 Speed Brakes L & R (2 pair, one is for practice) $12.00 + $7.00 Priority Mail (USA)

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