Uschi Metal Polishing Powder, Iron type

[Allen Dewire]

As requested, here's a quick review of Uschi van Der Rosten's metal polishing powder, Iron. They also have 2 other types, Chrome and Steel. The pigment powder comes in a 25mm plastic bottle with a screw on cap. A comparison with a paint bottle,


It isn't very big, but should last for years as one doesn't use too much for the job. The pigment powder looks like this,


If you look closely, you can see the metallic particles in it. I did a simple test using a piece of sprue. I painted two strips of the Vallejo aluminum Metal Colors I got yesterday. On the left is 717 Dull Aluminum and, on the right, is 716 Semi Matt Aluminum,


I let them dry for over an hour and then grabbed a normal Q-tip. I dipped it lightly into the powder and applied it to the paint. I scrubbed it around and blew off the excess. I rubbed a little too hard on one spot on the left strip, and this was the results,


My pic is not the best, but it does leave a nice dark metallic shine on the 2 aluminum colors. Then I tried it on the motor block from my Halberstadt wing thingy. The cylinders were painted with AK's 719 satin black. I rubbed it on the 2 cylinders on the left,


I think the difference is obvious when you look at it. All in all, this is an interesting product and will have many uses in our hobby. They are a bit pricey, costing about € 11-12 a bottle, but you use very little to get the results. Therefore, a bottle would probably last a good 10-15 years. It's non-toxic too...

John stocks them in his shop and they are also sold under the Das Werk label too. Hope this helps a bit, so give them a try!!!...

Prost
Allen

PS, this test also made my decision as to which aluminum color to use for my motor...

[scottie3158]

Allen, I have not used this product but for me a soft lead pencil and some emery paper gives an excellent powder. This is normally applied with a finger tip and polished in with said digit. Built up can lead to an excellent metal finish.

[Allen Dewire]

Believe it or not Buddy, that's what I always do too!!! I just wanted to try this stuff out for a change. I also use pencils for coloring nicks and scratches and such too...

[BarryW]

I use these a lot and have done so for a lot of years and I have all three types. One of the most useful materials I have.

There are many uses and I frequently dry brush with them. In fact 90% of dry brushing I do is with these. Dry brushed over a painted surface they can make it look like worn painted metal, a much more subtle effect than just chipping. They are best dry brushed over a matt surface so I will often spray a matt or semimatt varnish first. They really help bring out the highlights.

I also do chipping with them. For this I use a cocktail stick, get a little powder on the end of a cocktail stick
and the rub it where I want to show chipping.

The Steel type has a bluish tinge and is a nice contrast to the others to create an effective steel look, rubbed in, perhaps with a cotton bud, well polished, over a black matt surface.

The iron type is the one I use least often, but it does give a good contrast when needed.

The chrome type is what I use mostly. Despite its name it does not really look chrome at all but does give a brighter sheen. This is the one I usually dry brush to bring out highlights and for chipping.

It does look expensive but as already said it goes a long way and I still have the original pots I first bought a lot of years ago. Well worth it.

[JR]

I'm another Paul and Andy that would normally do that .
Wonder what it would be like in Fruil tracks ?

[scottie3158]

Believe it or not Buddy, that's what I always do too!!! I just wanted to try this stuff out for a change. I also use pencils for coloring nicks and scratches and such too...

I have a set of water colour pencils that I want to try out for chipping and weathering.