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Future, And Clearcoat, Should We?

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  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Future, And Clearcoat, Should We?
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 9:46 AM

Hey Guys and Ladies!

       I am in somewhat a quandry. I see all these articles and photos of Cars and Planes ad infinitum. One thing stands out. What you use the titled materials for. Some folks use Future for clearing Canopies, Windows, and gloss coating the model if it requires it. Now other's of you Clearcoat the whole thing, put on your Decals and then Semi or Dullcoat the whole thing.

      The reason for the quandry? I have been building models for longer than some of you have been alive. I have always had problems with some decals. Why? Well, either they were to thick, brittle or the adhesive they have wasn't sticky enough and when totally dry just proceeded to fall off.

    I can see where a coat of Future, either through the much lauded Airbrush or with a real high Quality real Brush can work. On the other hand at contests I have seen Autos and Planes with an Unbelieavable Gloss that in real life wouldn't even exist, even in Museums! Before you go off on me, remember, I used to collect and Show Studebakers and fly Warbirds. So I know of what I speak.

    I have also seen and experienced the downside of both proceedures. What? Oh! You Bet! I have model Airplanes and Cars that are boxed up, in the dark of my storage area. Why? Well, either the Clearcoat or the Future Yellowed or in one case Got sticky after a few years on display and no matter what I did, It wouldn't go back to non-sticky condition. A paint, clearcoat reaction? Who knows? But I do know that one of my really Beautiful(To Me Anyway) airliners remains off display to this day.

 So I ask with curiosity. Is this vaunted clear-coating really necessary? I have seen airliners up close and personal after they have been washed and cars too.They do NOT look as shiny as their model counterparts I have seen at shows. Parting Thought. We are building Models right? Not going to a Jewelry, Bling Show, right? Build to your standards and remember what is correct to you may not be what I would do. Build it anyway, Your Way, and don't pay any attention to me, I was just wondering out loud, that's all!

  • Member since
    April 2020
Posted by Eaglecash867 on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 11:31 AM

For me, Future makes a fantastic adhesive for small, clear parts, and small photoetch parts that have a relatively large, flat surface for mounting.  Nothing else is more transparent and visually forgiving of placement errors.  I know a lot of people say the same thing about white glue, but it really doesn't even come close.  Aside from that, I don't like the stuff at all for clearcoating, because of that yellowing you mention...and the newer formulation also has problems with developing cracks in it in just a matter of days.  I stick with my MRP lacquers for clearcoats.  I build mostly Cold War era military aircraft, and the overall sheen on those isn't uniform in real life due to environmental conditions and airflow over the airframe, so I try my best to mimic that "splotchy" effect on my builds.

"You can have my illegal fireworks when you pry them from my cold, dead fingers...which are...over there somewhere."

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 1:37 PM

My cars are shiny

But build and finish how you like

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 6:46 PM

I do not use Future as a gloss coat,I just prefer modeling products currently Alclad Aqua Gloss for decals.

fox
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Narvon, Pa.
Posted by fox on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 7:42 PM

My 2 cents worth.

I use Future brushed on over areas where decals will be applied to make a smooth surface. Most of my builds are WWII planes and sailing ships so a dullcoat is applied after the decals are placed and set. I have used Future to put a glossy coat on some cars and other models requiring a shiny surface with no problems of yellowing or getting sticky. My bottle of Future is quite a few years old and I have noticed that it takes longer than 24 hours to cure completely. That may be the reason for some cases of the finish not curing quickly enough.

Stay Safe.

Jim Captain

 

 Main WIP: 

   On the Bench: Artesania Latina  (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II

I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Thursday, November 17, 2022 8:41 AM

Yes, John!     

           I would say so. BUT, here's the thing, althought shiny they don't look like wet paint either. Just nice hard gloss. By the way are the engines running on those two Pony Cars or is that a trick of the Camera? The Yellow lights are showing up brightly. 

        I would say a nice Trio too, A Mustang, Challenger and Charger! What else besides an understanding Wife does a fellow need? Mine had to deal with Studebakers and Ski Boats. I was always trying to resurrect something! Oh, and a good solid Brewski!

  • Member since
    November 2019
Posted by Humper on Thursday, November 17, 2022 1:29 PM

  OOH the Future!! Thought we had put that to rest....  You still think about it? he-he!

  John, you seem to have it to perferction! As Pops said, shiney indeed but not overdone such as the 'chrome' color wraps on 1:1 vehicles. I've tried it with too many disapointing results, gave up on it...  Is it one of those things that a person will get it or not get it no matter how much practice?

 

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Thursday, November 17, 2022 4:08 PM

Eaglecash867

For me, Future makes a fantastic adhesive for small, clear parts, and small photoetch parts that have a relatively large, flat surface for mounting.  Nothing else is more transparent and visually forgiving of placement errors.  I know a lot of people say the same thing about white glue, but it really doesn't even come close.  Aside from that, I don't like the stuff at all for clearcoating, because of that yellowing you mention...and the newer formulation also has problems with developing cracks in it in just a matter of days.  I stick with my MRP lacquers for clearcoats.  I build mostly Cold War era military aircraft, and the overall sheen on those isn't uniform in real life due to environmental conditions and airflow over the airframe, so I try my best to mimic that "splotchy" effect on my builds.

 

I tried with much effort to like using Future but everything Eaglecash said is dead on how I feel about it. I love it for gluing clear parts and maybe adding a gloss to small parts... but that is it. I gave up using it as an overall clear. Cracking was a major issue. 

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: UK
Posted by PatW on Friday, November 18, 2022 5:10 AM

I'm in the UK, I use a Plasti-Kote spray can of Clear Gloss and have used it for years. I don't know of Future here in the UK, but think that a gloss clear paint product a better idea.

Remember , common sense is not common.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, November 18, 2022 6:15 AM

My bottle of Future is quite old, at least 20 years old but it’s clear as water. In all the years Ihave used Future going back past 10 years I never experienced the finish yellowing with time. 

I still use it as a PE adhesive and brushed on for decal application on military models that get dull coated. I discovered AK Gauzy Shine Enhancer which sprays on super smooth and glossy so that is my go to for eveything including metallics like Alclad that remains reflective after application.

 

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Friday, November 18, 2022 6:57 AM

Love that build Ernie.

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, November 18, 2022 11:09 AM

keavdog

Love that build Ernie.

 

Thanks John!

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

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