I think I'm getting somewhere, and
might be able to save this model, but the finish will be far from perfect.
The model was rubbed down overall, improving the surface finish, but not completely eliminating the 'textured', or grainy - looking surface caused by the reaction of the two paints.
Next step was to test the Xtreme Metal for resistance to normal, thinned enamel, and neat thinners ( white spirit ).
A small area of the underside of the wing was sprayed with neat thinners, and examined closely after a few minutes, when the thinners had dried or evaporated. No apparent damage could be seen at this stage.
Following this, Revell No. 90 Bright Silver enamel was sprayed onto another small area, and again, there was no detrimental reaction.
The entire wing underside was then sprayed with the Revell enamel, and although there was no apparent reaction, the paint went on streaky and more silver-grey than the normal very bright, shiny silver when used in the past, but
very slowly dried to a relatively even finish, losing some of the grey tone, but remaining dull and flat.
The same paint was then sprayed onto the 'hack' model, and gave the normal bright, smooth, even finish.
Conclusion - AK Xtreme Metal does not like being over-sprayed with 'normal' enamels, or at least not metallic enamel, over the previously described base coat and metal finish.
Consequently, I abandoned the idea of re-spraying the entire model with the Revell paint, but instead, sprayed another coat of the Xtreme Metal onto the upper surface of the wing, and part of the fuselage. This was done at 10 psi (dropping to around 6 to 8 psi during continuous spraying), with the coverage being built-up lightly.
There was a very apparent improvement in the finish, with a slightly smoother surface, and some shine and lustre, and I think that a further coat
may give a reasonable, but not great, final effect.
The pics below show the results of the tests so far, although due to lighting, the 'grain' is much more evident than it is to the naked eye.
Pic 1. The underside of the wing after spraying the Revell enamel. Note that the shinier, but 'rippled' area at the rear, where the wing meets the fuselage, is the area masked with Tamiya tape ( hence the rippled effect ). The relatively smoother finish here indicates that the AK paints have 'etched' into the painted plastic, but have not had the same effect on the smoother surface of the tape.
Pics 2 and 3. The upper surface of the wing, and the mid section of the fuselage, after a second coat of the Xtreme Metal. Although far from even, or smooth overall, the finish is much better than before, and 'getting there'.
I still want to do some more testing, buffing a small area of the underside of the wing ( sprayed with the Revell enamel ) with aluminium powder, to see if this improves the appearance. If it does, then the rest of the airframe will be re-sprayed with the Xtreme Metal, building up the finish as best as possible.
If the underside can
not be improved, then the whole model may be rubbed down, and re-painted in one of the 'solid colour' camouflage schemes instead., at a later date, with this being the most likely route.
Consequently, I'm withdrawing this
kit from the GB, but intend to replace it with the Eduard "Weekend Edition" kit, which I've managed to find at a fairly low price, which will be built as the same subject aircraft.
Finally, some 'pointers' for anyone intending to use the AK Xtreme Metal range.
1.) These paints should work fine if sprayed direct to clean, smooth plastic, or over the AK Black Base. Note though, that the latter is mainly intended to give a deeper lustre to the final finish, although it will, apparently, help prevent paint 'lifting' where masking tape is used, when the tape is removed.
2.) These paints do
not like being sprayed over a normal enamel base coat, and
will react, causing a heavy 'grainy' finish, and at least some bubbling and 'orange peel' effect.
3.) Spraying enamel over these paints could affect the surface finish, and is not recommended. Acrylics over the XM paints will probably be OK, but test first.
4.) These paints have a
very strong odour, which, although at first fairly pleasant, does have a detrimental effect after only a few minutes exposure - I still had a sore throat and slightly 'muzzy' head around 18 hours after spraying - use respiratory protection, even if only a dust mask.
5.) These paints stick to metal like sh*t to a blanket. Ensure that your airbrush is thoroughly cleaned immediately after use, using the dedicated AK cleaner / thinners. Then strip down the 'brush and thoroughly clean the needle, paint cup, paint channel, tip and nozzle, re-assemble the the brush, blow through, and
clean again with the AK thinners, finally blowing through air at higher pressure, to ensure all traces of the cleaner are removed, and the internals of the 'brush are clean and dry.
This has turned out to be a fairly expensive , and somewhat frustrating learning curve, so I hope this experience, and the tips shown above, may help others at some point.