The test has had some problems along the way, but it's working better now. One good thing about Metalizer is that you can usually spray a new coat over mistakes and repair bad areas easily. The pigment is so thin that it doesn't build up into thick paint like enamel or acryl.
I'll use the horizontal stabilizers as an example of how to get the different shades of aluminum: First the surfaces were made completely smooth with 4000 grit sandpaper. Then I washed the parts throughly and dried them. No primer was applied (this is, in part, due to the excellent molding of the kit parts--no filler was needed at the join seams!) and a coat of Aluminum Metalizer was sprayed. This goes on with a slightly rough finish. Next step was to put on cloth gloves (skin oils leave huge fingerprints on Metalizer) and very carefully polish the shiny areas with a soft cloth. This was where I made mistakes the first time. I simply reapplied Metalizer and started over. After the varigated colors were achieved the entire surface received a coat of Metalizer Sealer. With the sealer sprayed on the parts can be handled during assembly without removing the Metalizer or adding fingerprints. On the wings I will be using two shades of Metalizer, Stainless Steel and Aluminum. This will be in the next step......
