I'm wondering if someone can explain more about the metal foil process that some modelers are using on the Chariot. It's a great look but what exactly is it? Who makes and sells it? I'm not familar with the product nor how it's applied. The only thing I do know is it's a genuine pain to work with. Any help appreciated!

This is where you get it: http://www.bare-metal.com/

I haven't tried it but plan to on my Chariot. I am hearing it is really great to use but a bit of a challenge. I believe one side is sticky to apply it to the surface of the item.

Here's a tutorial:
http://www.italianhorses.net/Tutorials/BareMetalFoil/bmf.htm

I found this WAY easier to work with than I thought and much less a headache than masking.

Here's a tutorial:
http://www.italianhorses.net/Tutorials/BareMetalFoil/bmf.htm


Fernieo, thank you for sharing the tutorial url!

- Ben

The tutorial is very helpful! It is also very helpful to make sure you have a VERY sharp x-acto to cut the foil.

Guys, this is awesome. I wouldn't have nearly as good a Chariot Model if it weren't for you guys. This site truely is a wealth of knowledge.

Theres just a few things on that tutorial I disagree with and suggest others try:

Instead of using "handles", pick up the foil with tweezers instead. As you get better with the bare metal foil, you'll find you cut pretty much where you need and will not use as much foil as the tutorial uses, and when its that thin you'll find using tweezers is a great help.

For the burnishing, all I use is a q-tip. You can shine it up and push it in all in one pass, I have never found it neccesary to have the extra tool (your results however may vary). Plus, q-tips are dirt cheap at places like 99 cent only stores and stuff.

I think I will start using a seperate x-acto for the fine cutting on the model, that makes a lot of sense:)

Ratmaster2000

A few things to be aware of using Bare Metal Foil:

1) Too much burnishing or polishing will rub the metalic finish off the backing film leaving an off white strip instead where you intended the chrome (or chosen finish) to be.

2) If you live an a hot humid climate, over time, the adhesive will weaken and the Bare Metal will begin to lift (learned that one the hard way, though it took about 3 years before it was noticable).

Aside from those items, it's a great product and far easier to work with than you think. Just takes a little getting used to....

Another thing about BareMetal foil is it actually has a shelf life. After 8-10 months the foil will be very brittle and will start to crack on the backing paper. Once applied to a model though ageing does not seem to affect it.

A few things to be aware of using Bare Metal Foil:

1) Too much burnishing or polishing will rub the metalic finish off the backing film leaving an off white strip instead where you intended the chrome (or chosen finish) to be.
Hmm, never had that happen to me before, but that makes sense.
2) If you live an a hot humid climate, over time, the adhesive will weaken and the Bare Metal will begin to lift (learned that one the hard way, though it took about 3 years before it was noticable).

Does this happen only if the bare metal foil is exposed? or do you get that
even with a gloss/dull coat? Last I looked I have not experienced that, but I am in California:)

Aside from those items, it's a great product and far easier to work with than you think. Just takes a little getting used to....

Ratmaster2000

It also makes a nice paint mask for airbrushing.