Question on Final Top Coat

[Whiterook]

Hi All! Well, I've been given advice from my local hobby shop that, after I finish all the painting on my tank model (I'm using Tamiya Flat Acrylics), to spray/apply clear gloss to the entire model; then I can put the decals on (and use decal setting solution to make then "snuggle up"), and do whatever weathering I wish (such as with pastel chalk dust); and finally, spray/apply a dull coat over the entire model to seal and protect.

As I'm not fully equipped with an airbrush yet, I picked up a rattlecan of Model Master Enamel Top Coat-High Gloss Clearcoat...this for the gloss coat I mentioned. Simple enough. My question is on the dullcoat: The shop normally carries a Model Master dullcoat rattlecan, but were out. I stopped in Michael's Craft Center on my next trip, and I noticed some Krylon Fixative, the stuff I used to use with my pastel and charcoal drawings, and I got to thinking...isn't this basically the same stuff as the higher-priced babycan of Model Master dullcoat? It gives a permanent coat to seal. Says it's flat. What say you...anyone use Krylon Fixative for there final top coat on their models???

[McCoy]

I've got no answer to your question but I've got a warning. Before you do anything like this you should test in on a scrap modell as some clearcoats may lift n' crack the underlyin' layer of paint. There's also problem with acrylic clearcoat over enamel paint n' enamel clearcoat over acrylic paint may also spell a disaster. This differs from brand to brand n' is quite hard to explain.

[lufttiger]

I use clear gloss coat & flat coat from model master, but i airbrush it on.
Always on top of Tamiya paint too!

[Whiterook]

Originally Posted by lufttiger

I use clear gloss coat & flat coat from model master, but i airbrush it on.
Always on top of Tamiya paint too!

Tamiya Acrylics? (Acyually, I must confess I don't know if Tamiya makes enamels, hence my question). I'm going to try a test run on some plastic scrap.

[Panzermacher]

Hey WR I dont use tops coats never had ...never will. My Motto...if the real thing didn't have it...neither will my model! So In short buddy, I can't offer any advice....I just don't go there LT is yer best bet on this subject

[lufttiger]

PM is right as well, many a models i don't coat either, it just depends on
what your doing and looking for. My current Flak Attack 1/2 track has no
coat at all, i didn't need to do one. On the other hand all aircraft i do, do have both coats.

The Model Master coats i use are Acrylic, not enamel.

[Panzermacher]

I think the only thing I ever top coated was the Metalizer aircraft I have done...but you HAVE to use a certain Top Coat so the Metalizer don't come off.

[lufttiger]

Check this out WR, these guys are just as confused.

Re: Model Masters Ultra Gloss Clear Coat over Tamiya Flat Acrylics? - FineScale.com Forums

[razorboy]

Whiterook,
I've never gloss-coated a model for any reason and have always used micro-set liquid on my decals..this makes the edges almost disappear. After I'm completely done with model, figures and diorama base - I seal everything with the Testors Flat in the spray can. Remember, for every coat of "anything" you put down on "anything", you lose a little detail.
Personal choice I guess, whatever works best for you!:smile:

razorboy

[Aussie Dave]

My 2 cents worth.....

The rule when it comes to paints and which you can use together on the same surface is:

Acrylic can go over Enamel, Enamel can go over Lacquer, but none are supposed to be used in reverse order.
(Eg: Enamel over acrylic, Lacquer over Acrylic or Enamel are big nono's.)

Now saying that, I have used Gloss & Matt Clear Lacquers over Enamel paint using several very light coats of lacquer and never had a problem, but Enamel paint is a lot tougher paint than acrylic paint.
(I did also wait for the Enamel paint to not just dry, but to "Cure" properly before using the Lacquer over it.)

I don't use Acrylic, only Enamel, so I can't say how I found the way Lacquer and Acrylic reacted when used together.
(Check to see if its actually a "Lacquer" type of clear coat.)

You are using acrylic paint so I would be very careful when using those clear coats mate.


BTW, Tamiya Acrylic X-21 Flat Base is NOT a "Clear Coat", its actually for adding to a Gloss Acrylic paint to turn it into a Matt Acrylic paint.


Cheers,
Dave