Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: TugCowboy on November 19, 2015, 12:00:35 pm

Title: Aluminium effect on Fibreglass
Post by: TugCowboy on November 19, 2015, 12:00:35 pm

Hi Guys,

Well my winter project has been decided upon but the big hurdle I'm trying to get over and need your help with is this:
The hull I have had made for me by a talented chap, but it's fibreglass and currently got a coloured gel-coat over it.

The boat I am trying to recreate is all aluminium and has an unpainted finish.

Does anyone have advice on the best way to a finish like this on fibreglass?
(http://www.cole.gen.nz/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/jetboat3-2.jpg?itok=1F7mZbzW)

Will I have to sand the gelcoat right back as well?

Many thanks for all help in advance!

Alex

Title: Re: Aluminium effect on Fibreglass
Post by: D108 on November 19, 2015, 02:16:25 pm

Hi,
You should be able to get a good finish by spraying, a rub down with 400 wet and dry should prepare the gel coat for painting. A friend of mine builds plastic kits he has paint that looks like metal, not sure what brand it is, how big is the hull ?

Paul

Title: Re: Aluminium effect on Fibreglass
Post by: TugCowboy on November 19, 2015, 02:30:49 pm

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the reply!
It's quite a big one, probably about 42" long.

Alex

Title: Re: Aluminium effect on Fibreglass
Post by: D108 on November 19, 2015, 04:50:29 pm

Alex,
She's has an odd layout not a lot of room to move, not that I know much about workboats, is she for fishing ? At 42 inches what scale will it be 1/8th something like that.
Paul

Title: Re: Aluminium effect on Fibreglass
Post by: destroyer42 on November 19, 2015, 05:06:04 pm

Hi TugCowboy,
I have a fiberglass fast logging tug 'NellyIrene'.
I just sprayed it with aluminium paint and it's been fine for two years now. (see pic)



       

Title: Re: Aluminium effect on Fibreglass
Post by: Brian60 on November 19, 2015, 05:53:34 pm

Check out MiG acrylic paints for scale plastic kits. The range is huge and they do many different metal hues/shades. Blending them into each other would disrupt the single constant colour which would not look right. even a full scale hull shows shadow lines, etc.

Title: Re: Aluminium effect on Fibreglass
Post by: ballastanksian on November 19, 2015, 09:03:44 pm

A company called Aclad do very fine particle metallic lacquers that are meant to be airbrushed onto a black gloss base. But I think that for durability and cost D42's example can't be beat. Alclad might be better for very high finish areas perhaps on cabin cruisers.

Title: Re: Aluminium effect on Fibreglass
Post by: TugCowboy on November 20, 2015, 05:35:21 pm

Destroyer42,

What is that paint you used? That's exactly the look I'm going for!

Alex