Clear coat

[ShawnMcClure]

Hi all,

I'm getting ready to do a clear coat on my model for easier decal application. I know Tamiya is amazing, but a bit on the spendy side for what you get. Are there any other options for this clear coat that might cost less?

What have you been using, and how did it all turn out?

Thank you,
Shawn

 

[Veedubb67]

Shawn, what model? I've had very good luck with the generic acrylic gloss rattle cans from Hobby Lobby. They also have a Matte and Satin.

 

[ShawnMcClure]

Thanks Rob. Looks like a good price. It's for a 1/420 Defiant. Not recommended. The seams are pretty bad on this thing.

Shawn

 

[Kenny Conklin]

I used Mr. Super Clear Gloss on mine still on the pricey side.

 

[ShawnMcClure]

I've heard that is really good stuff.

 

[Spencer Wolfe]

I've used this the past couple of years on my figures for a gloss.



Plaid Patricia Nimocks Clear Acrylic Sealer. Got it at Walmart. The matte version didn't dry all that flat though. It's more of a vinyl than a resin.

Krylon UV clear is my favorite, but I can't get it as easily (Michael's or maybe Hobby Lobby). The gloss is fairly decent, but the matt version has not failed me.



TBH ... I prefer to airbrush. And I still have several bottles of Future around.

But Vallejo's Mecha Varnishes are quite nice. Those I give at least 2-3 days to fully harden. I thin them a little with Valejo's Thinner and Flow Improver by eye.



These are all acrylics in some capacity ... so I don't go any stronger than Microscale's Micro Sol for decals. I do have some Walther's Solvaset, but it's the nuclear option and only then diluted 50/50 with water.

 

[ShawnMcClure]

Thank you Spence. I'll look into all of that. I was going to use duplicolor clear, but tried it on just a painted scrap piece that I had and it wasn't a rock solid solution.

 

[Daniel]

I myself use splash 2K clear.

 

[ShawnMcClure]

Thank you Daniel. I’ll check that out.