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Future as protecting coat vs. lacquer clear gloss

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Gus
  • Member since
    May 2009
Posted by Gus on Thursday, May 21, 2009 3:50 PM

The miniatures are Games Workshop plastics and I'm using their paint. I've tried those MinWax PolyUrethane but they are not cheap.  After applying the decals I would then spray a GW clear flat white, which is also not cheap as GW are way overpriced compared to other brands.  I've also used to MinWax to coat my printed CDs but I've noticed that if the background is white the coat will turn yellowish in a few months.

Thanks!

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Peoples Socialist Democratic Republic of Illinois
Posted by Triarius on Thursday, May 21, 2009 1:11 PM

Whether or not Future will protect the paint from being "rubbed off" depends on how well the paint is bonded to the figure. Many people make the mistake of thinking that applying a strong coating over a weak undercoat will improve the durability of the system. It won't.

Future is very tough, very strong, and bonds very well to almost anything. It also shrinks as it cures—which is why it looks thick going on but shrinks down wonderfully to the surface. If the underlying paint is poorly adhered to the substrate, Future may crack it or peel it off.

If you want a clear flat coat, mix Tamiya XF-21 Flattening agent with the Future.

Clear lacquers often contain an alcohol solvent that will attack acrylic paints, often very aggessively.

What acrylics are you using on the miniatures, and what are the miniatures made from?

Wash the miniatures in a warm solution of Simple Green and water (an ultrasonic cleaner is ideal for this). Rinse thoroughly. Resin parts should be wiped with denatured alcohol immediately before painting, just as a precaution. Metal parts can be etched with a mild acid solution (vinegar is fine) for about 5 to 10 minutes, rinsed, dried and painted. 

Ross Martinek A little strangeness, now and then, is a good thing… Wink

Gus
  • Member since
    May 2009
Future as protecting coat vs. lacquer clear gloss
Posted by Gus on Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:39 PM

I know Future gives a clear coat but does it adequately protect the underlying acrylic paint from being rubbed off?  I'm going to use it to gaming miniatures.  After the gloss coat I will do a flat coat as the figures are flat.  Should I use a lacquer clear gloss instead or it's a waste of money? The Future looks thick, do I dilute it or still airbursh pure?

Thanks!

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