Molotow Chrome finish; when paint goes bad -- what?

[W Humble]

I thought it was a major event when first Aluclad than Molotow introduced their chrome finishes, and have used them a lot with good results.  But now my 'refill' size Molotow doesn't give anything but a rather coarse silver effect.  I usually don't do modeling in the hot months, saving them for 1/1 restoration projects, so the cannister just sat undisturbed for half a year.  Usually, I agitate/shake any paint to get a consistent mix, like the factory intended, but so far this hasn't helped this supply -- it simply won't give the ultra-smooth and fine texture that a plated surface demands.  So, any remedies that have really worked for you?  Or just relegate it and buy a new bottle?  Wick in far-N CA

[Bainford]

There was a thread on this topic a while back, and some people reported an apparent short shelf-life. I have found my own Molotow pens exhibited the grainy silver look after a year or so. The paint in my refill bottle fares better, but still not as 'solid' a surface finish as when new. That bottle is three years old however. The consensus was the refill bottles last longer than the pens, but neither seem to tolerate time well. 

[Fat Brian]

Both of my pens only lasted about six months but my refill has lasted a couple years now. I save my water bottle lids and when I need to use molotow I put a few drops in a lid so my bottle is only open for a few seconds at any time. 

[Mike 1017]

11 hours ago, Fat Brian said:

Both of my pens only lasted about six months but my refill has lasted a couple years now. I save my water bottle lids and when I need to use molotow I put a few drops in a lid so my bottle is only open for a few seconds at any time. 

That is the way I do it. Some people think Molotov is paint. It is ink and dries up much faster than paint.

Mike

[W Humble]

I use the refill size, and decant (finally got to write that word!) it into a little top-hat shaped pipe cap glued to a big washer -- doesn't tip over that way.

Ink, huh?  I knew it and Alclad were alky based, but might mix with lacquer, as it's thinner is very close to alcohol. Hmm!  Thx!  Wick

[peteski]

2 hours ago, Mike 1017 said:

That is the way I do it. Some people think Molotov is paint. It is ink and dries up much faster than paint.

Mike

Ink? Paint? Could someone provide a good scientific definition of the difference between paint and ink?  I once looked online and never found a really good answer.

The "dry faster" doesn't do it for me.  Any lacquer-type of paint, if thinned enough with fast evaporating solvent will dry very fast.  Nail polish dries fast, even  as-is. If thinned further with lacquer thinner, then applied to a surface, it will dry very fast. Faster than alcohol-based Molotow.  Alcohol is not as fast evaporating as acetone for example.

[NOBLNG]

From the Molotow website:

• liquid chrome with mirror effect*
• alcohol-based
• highly pigmented special ink
• high-gloss
• highly opaque
• permanent
• good UV resistance
• limited scratch- and abrasion-proof
• for nearly all surfaces
• for indoor and outdoor use
• 1 color shade: chrome

[W Humble]

Don't doubt it; I had to do a number of fine-arts printimaking classes to get my MA in Art, and inks were a big factor; lots of varieties.  So is Aluclad, too?

  I just ordered a new refill bottle; when it's good it's very very good!   Some BMF too!  WIck

[W Humble]

So, old Molotow should mix with about any lacquer, I guess.  I'll try a few and take notes.  I cleaned out my bottle (plastic) and spread out the last few drops on a sheet of coated paper; the aluminum particles seemed to have clumped together and were easy to discern in the highly thinned form.  As the alcohol dried (slowly) they never stropped moving and churning; too bad they couldn't have had that effect for light shows in 1967!  Looked as if it was alive.  No longer mirrored tho.  Long as it ain't choon-gum!  Ole Wick