Using Pledge Future Question...

I'm another "clear parts only" Future user...stuff's just too inconsistent and unpredictable for me to take a shine to as an actual clear coat.

BUT.

If you are airbrushing, and running into poor spray characteristics and gritty finish and so on, try cutting it with some Windex.

Definitely dip first, as the Future serves two purposes:

Makes the tape peel off easier (no messy residue!)

Improves the clarity and shine of the clear parts. In other words, makes them looks more like windows than pieces of plastic. So you want to get the Future on those areas for sure!

As for me, I have tried the actual model clear coats, and I am not impressed. It could be I don't know what I'm doing, but I can never get a satisfactory finish with them, but the Future goes on smooth and easy. Then again, everyone has their own preferences, so try everything once!

Thanks, Budd

crkrieser

Mask before dipping?  I think that's what you mean.  I'm asking out of ignorance.

HTH

Mask before dipping?  I think that's what you mean.  I'm asking out of ignorance.

I guess maybe I've been lucky but I've never had any issues with Future, other than getting a really smooth non-grainy surface.  And that I attribute to my ability (or lack thereof).  I spray ModelMaster and Humbrol enamels almost exclusively through my only airbrush for 25 years, the trusty Paasche Model H.  But, in the past 15 years or so that I've used Future for a glosscoat before decaling, I haven't had any issues really.  I'll keep my fingers crossed though!

Gary

Cadet Chuck

Pesonally, i don't like Future.  I have tried it with various results.  It is designed for floors, not models.  I have had bad reactions between Future and other model paints and clear coats and decal setters.  If you are using it as a cheap substitute for modeling clear coats and sealers, I think it is false economy.  Let your wife use it on the kitchen floor.  That's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it.

Just about the only thing I use it for is clearing up blemishes on canopies and windows, but it sure is handy for that.  In those cases I am not using it over another finish, so there is no compatibility question. Future does have some compatibility problems, but then so do all hobby clearcoat finishes.

Pesonally, i don't like Future.  I have tried it with various results.  It is designed for floors, not models.  I have had bad reactions between Future and other model paints and clear coats and decal setters.  If you are using it as a cheap substitute for modeling clear coats and sealers, I think it is false economy.  Let your wife use it on the kitchen floor.  That's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it.

tcepilot

Can I let it soak in windex?

I have airbrushed it, painted it on with a regular brush, dipped parts in it, and daubed it on with a Q-tip.  All seem to work- somewhat different effects, as others have said, but getting it on is not generally a problem.

Can I let it soak in windex?

I do brush paint my canopies with Future and had no problems with that. Maybe this is because I primarily build 1/72 models and a larger transparant surface might show brush marks. But I never had that problem.

Brushing the Future on is my last step in the building proces, I use liquid masks and Future does not react well to those.

Thanks all!

Just like all the folks above said. I prefer to airbrush it on. It needs no thinning, and |I clean my airbrush with Windex or some other acrylic thinner or cleaner such as Gunze or Model Master.  Canopies should not be handbrushed or airbrushed, unless you want them to be less than crystal clear. Dip them, let it dry and cure, then mask and paint.

I have both sprayed and hand brushed it. By hand it goes on much thicker, but gets a better finish, IMHO. DO NOT hand brush clear parts though! Best way to do clear parts is to dip them, then leave them masked until you are completely done with the model. My 2 cents.

Here is a handy guide on using Future:

www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

Yes it can be sprayed and cleaned up with Windex.