how do you make a satin clear cote?

Hi Mark.

Tamiya makes an acrylc clear gloss, X-22. You can make this flat or anywhere in between by adding Tamiya X-21 Flat Base.

Note that X-21 is not a flat clear coat, it is an additive only, and must NEVER be applied on its own. Applied on its own (ie. not mixed with paint or clear gloss), it will leave a chalky white frosting on your model.

When mixing X-22 and X-21, a ratio of about 4 parts X-22 (clear) to one part X-21 (Flat Base) will give you a very flat finish. Anywhere between 6-8 parts clear to one part Flat Base will give you a semi-gloss finish. You may have to experiment a little to get the level of sheen you desire. 

Out of the bottle, I believe Humbrol makes a semi-gloss clear coat but this is an enamel (or lacquer) product.

how are ya phil?yer i know humbrol makes a satin coat,and you are right it is an enamel,i made the jump to acrylic paints when i bought my first airbrush which wasnt all that long ago.just like everyone else i done a lot of modeling when i was kid but the end results were less then pleaseing but i was a kid so what do you expect.about 18 months ago i got back in to it and know i have that learning curve from kit biulder to modeler in front of me.but its fun making models anyway and the only way to learn is to make mistakes and then learn how to fix them(i think ive had my fear share)but mistakes happen,thats life.thanks for the info phill i'll give it a go next time iam at the work bench.iam building an f-22 for my dad and he whants a semi gloss finish which i think thats what satin is isnt it?i just dont know!i told him airforce jets have a flat coat(don't they?)anyway raved on enough thanks mate.

 

mark

Hey there Mark,

Actually, semi-gloss wouldn't be too far off for an F-22, as it has a rather unique coating which is, I believe, partially metallic.

If I recall correctly from your other question about washes, you're using Gunze acrylics, many of which are already semi-gloss.

Anyway, good to hear you're enjoying your model building. If you have any questions, the guys and gals here have all the answers.

yer mate iam useing gunze acrylics and tamiya but it depends on what model and who was the maufacture.but i use a gloss clear coat to do my weathering and decals.i find it easyer to do both at the same time just my stayle of weathering i suppose.but after saying that i use an enamel wash for the landing gear and bays and also inside the jet exhaust.i have tryed the enamel wash over the airframe on a f-15 but that was a huge mistake learnt a big leason there.hay how do you import photos in to here i might take a couple of shots of the f-22 and i also have an f-18,f-14 just to show you guys and to see what you think.just remember i have only been at it(airbrushing and wethering)for about 7 to 8 months but feel free to give me coments on them so as to improve my style.and yes you are right the gunze paint for the f-22 is semi gloss but you lose the semi gloss when its time for the decals.i would not know if the f-22 is partially metallic or not.mate i love it(modeling that is)in this forum i think some bloke asked people to take photos of there work area and put them on show here is that correct?if so i might just take a couple and ad them here with the other photos(if only i new how)computers and me dont really get along all that well.just give me some time the wife and kids just go home.

thanks everybody

input i love it

 

mark

aussie digger, if you want a way to save yourself from all the hassles and problems of trying to make your own satin clear coat then here's an easy tip..............Krylon Acrylic Satin Finish. It comes in a rattle can, and is an all-around superb brand(I can't live without their matte finish.)

hi mg.mikael,cant say ive ever heard of that stuff before but ill have a look next time iam at my local hobby shop thanks for that bit of info cheers mate.

aussie digger wrote:

hi mg.mikael,cant say ive ever heard of that stuff before but ill have a look next time iam at my local hobby shop thanks for that bit of info cheers mate.

You'll have better luck looking for it at a hardware store or a craft/art store in the spray-paint section. Hope this helps.