"Metallics" - Learning series 4 & 5 - Vol I & II, from AK Interactive
Natural metal is one of the hardest things to reproduce with paint, wax/paste, powders and/or foil, so these two companion books from AK Interactive are more than welcome for most modellers!
Both of these two volumes are the same size and format (24cm height X 17cm width). Softcover books, both in English language and both full of colour photos with captions for each of the pictures. Volume I is 84 pages, whilst Vol. II is 87 pages. Both do not have one author – they have many modellers’ work compiled by Fernando Vallejo, the editor.
Both of these books are a very good companion to both AK Interactive’s new metal paint and polish/wax ranges. In a way, these are instruction manuals for them. Many other methods of recreating metal on your workbench are included in their pages. It is interesting to see and understand how these specialized paints perform to get the best results for our models. However the authors do not use exclusively AK products and this is also good for the reader.
Metallics Vol.1. Learning Series 04
Published by AK Interactive
Product No AK507
English language
84 pages
Price: 9,95 € directly from the AK Interactive website
The first volume shows how to understand metallic paints and how to apply them properly with the right products. Also techniques and tips which come in handy when we feel stuck. Many examples applied on aircraft, engines, vehicles, AFV’s and cars are included.
This book starts by giving us an introduction, and then it gets very technical - the kind of the theory before the practical lesson. We learn about light, complimentary colours and how the light and colour effects the eye to give us different finishes of metals, from a mirrored look to an uneven and oxidised look. Text with pictures & diagrams are used to explain all the secrets and make the subject easy to understand.
Paint types are explained - enamels, acrylics and lacquers, as well as other applications, graphite powder, pencils and pigments.
Next, the author explains the main types of metals we want to represent. Each page gives us a general overview of the composition and properties of each of the metals, how it ages and oxidises, as well as the main uses and working properties of each metal. The recommended paint to represent and age each of the metals is helpful. In all nine metals are documented: Iron, Steel, Aluminium, Copper, Bronze, Brass, Titanium, Chrome, Silver and Gold.
Next comes how to weather metal paints. A helpful table shows us the metallic replication of six types of paints, from Tamiya, Lara, Mr Metal Color, AK Xtreme Metal, Model Air Aluminium, and Alclad. Not all modellers paint with one type of material, so it’s great to see different brands and products.
Daniel Zamarbide, next, realistically finishes a variably textured Mirage III with Xtreme Metal paints. The Step by Step walkthrough of each picture, accompanied by text is very helpful and it's nice to see an experienced modeller take you through just how to get the best from a new kind of paint.
Tomas De La Fuente, next, finishes his P-51 Mustang, painted in Tamiya and Alclad colors. In six pages he shows us how it is done.
A section is devoted to finish aero jet engines with many different brands of paint, not always made by AK and we see various shades turning into realistic metals. There is also a very informative part on how to paint metal surfaces on a Jaguar model car.
Graphite pencils and metallic-flecked paints are next, with an example of a GP bike. We see all of the metal on the bike (engine, wheels, etc) painted and weathered. Chrome painting is also fully covered.
Metallics Vol.2. Learning Series 05
Published by AK Interactive
Product no AK508
English version
87 pages
Price: 9,95 € directly from the AK Interactive website
The second book in this series is about using different advanced techniques on how to paint metal on historical and fantasy figures. How to apply properly painting without metallic paints and different ways to achieve realistic metal finishes. Acrylics and enamels are both covered.
Using Citadel paints as a guide, there is a chart showing how to recreate highlights on figures and the metal they carry and wear. All the processes are successfully explained. We see the effect on figure miniatures and a face painted up in several steps.
The two books together is the smartest choice - highly recommended.
