washing techniques

The idea is that the wash flows more easily on gloss surface.  This depends a bit on what kind of wash- pin wash or area wash.  I sometimes gloss surfaces, sometimes just add more thinner to make pin wash flow better.  However, over flat paint it still may take more applications along seam you are pin washing (shorter distance between pin points).

I'd echo what Don said.  Also, as far as gloss coats go, there are several that you can use besides Future.  Alclad makes an acrylic as well as a lacquer.  Model Master, Tamiya, etc. all have gloss coats available.  I had used Future a few times, but couldnt get it to look right.  I finally switched to the Alclad Aqua Gloss Klear and like how it sprays.  No thinning needed and it provides a very nice finish.  Then, once you have applied your was, you can shoot some flat or satin over it to get rid of the high gloss shine.

thanks guy's ., that explained a few thing's

jelliott523

I'd echo what Don said.  Also, as far as gloss coats go, there are several that you can use besides Future.  Alclad makes an acrylic as well as a lacquer.  Model Master, Tamiya, etc. all have gloss coats available.  I had used Future a few times, but couldnt get it to look right.  I finally switched to the Alclad Aqua Gloss Klear and like how it sprays.  No thinning needed and it provides a very nice finish.  Then, once you have applied your was, you can shoot some flat or satin over it to get rid of the high gloss shine.

Can you provide a supplier link to acrylic clears?

Hokey

jelliott523

I'd echo what Don said.  Also, as far as gloss coats go, there are several that you can use besides Future.  Alclad makes an acrylic as well as a lacquer.  Model Master, Tamiya, etc. all have gloss coats available.  I had used Future a few times, but couldnt get it to look right.  I finally switched to the Alclad Aqua Gloss Klear and like how it sprays.  No thinning needed and it provides a very nice finish.  Then, once you have applied your was, you can shoot some flat or satin over it to get rid of the high gloss shine.

Can you provide a supplier link to acrylic clears?

Hokey, I purchased mine on Ebay, just searched for Alclad products.  I've also seen it on several of the online retailers, Scalehobbist, Spruebrothers, etc.

jelliott523

Hokey, I purchased mine on Ebay, just searched for Alclad products.  I've also seen it on several of the online retailers, Scalehobbist, Spruebrothers, etc.

I can only find "Lacquer" labeled items - but 1 product I see is called 4 oz. Bottle Aqua Gloss and even though it reads "Lacquer" the info states acrylic. This the stuff? Have you used it? Or do you think REAL lacquer best?

If it says Aqua Gloss then it is the acrylic based stuff.  Yes, I have used it, it sprays extremely well.  You do have to watch for occasional tip-dry.  If you notice that it is drying on the tip, make sure to take a q-tip or cotton swab moistened with alcohol or windex and clean the tip, you dont want the little chunks of stuff coming off and landing on the model and messing up your gloss coat.

I think there are arguments for both types of finishes, some people prefer acrylic clears, others like the lacquers...I've used both and think they both have a place and a purpose.  My suggestion is to find what appeals to you.  If you go with lacquer based, make sure you have a good spray booth and/or respirator and use in a well ventilated area.