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Airbrushing Clear finishes

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  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Canada
Airbrushing Clear finishes
Posted by James Mark on Friday, January 24, 2003 3:08 PM
I'm very familiar with the use of an airbrush, but I have never put a proper finish to my models. I usually just painted, decaled and...voila.

I'm now interested in getting a finish like the pros and protecting my models properly. I mainly do 1/48 WWII aircraft and am interested in a matte finish (it seems dullcote would be in order) but I'm not sure how to thin it for airbrush use...what ratio and how to clean it after? (also...what other options are their for a clear matte finish) I use TAMIYA acrylics as my primary paint...I tried Tamiya flat base once but my model turned white!!!!! ( turns out it is supposed to be mixed with glossy finishes to reduce gloss)...didn't say that on the bottle though :(

I am also going to pick up some FUTURE as I read all about it and have never tried it. Any suggestions for using it ( I know it's not a matte finish) how do you use it to clear up canopies?

Any tips or suggestions would be great!

James
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: United Kingdom / Belgium
Posted by djmodels1999 on Friday, January 24, 2003 3:41 PM
Just use the Future straight from the bottle, no need to thin it. For canopies, just dip the canopy into the liquid and let dry.

On a flat finish, a thin application of Future will give you a satin finish. More coats will give you shinier results. But do not overdo it. Scale is something to take into account. in 1/48, 1/72, 1/144,.. rare are the subjects that would be so gloss you can see yourself in..
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Canada
Posted by James Mark on Friday, January 24, 2003 10:53 PM
Thanks for your reply...I've just returned from the drugstore with a lifetime supply of future! I'll give it a go....I would still be interested to know about dullcote!

WOuld you (or anybody) know if you can airbrush dullcote over Tamiya acrylics (I would of course thin dullcote with laquer thinner, but want to know if this will:

a) cause my model to spontaneously combust, or worse
b) ruin my underlying paint job.

Thanks

James
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Syracuse, NY
Posted by ADleitch on Saturday, January 25, 2003 7:52 AM
James Mark please make sure you dip the canopies in Windex before dipping in Future, this cleans off any grease or mould release. Dip it wait a few minutes to allow it to evaporate then go on to dipping in future. Make sure you have a good box you can put the canopies in for up to 48 hours, this will make sure you have a dust free rock hard finish.

If you have made a mistake, got dust or anything else stuck to it, just dip in the windex a few times and start again.

Dullcote, I have used dullcote on most of my paint jobs, finishes ranging from Lifecolour through Humbrol, the only time I ever had a re-action was Tamiya Spray over Humbrol Enamel, but I would test any paint combination on some scrap plastic before your kit, well worth the time.

Good luck will your modeling, feel free to E-Mail anytime
aleitch@twcny.rr.com

Andy (SGT US Army)
Its Better to Burn out than to Fade Away!!!
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: USA
Posted by weebles on Saturday, January 25, 2003 6:26 PM
I would not suggest using Testors clear finishes. For a gloss finish (ideal for applying decals) use Future Floor Wax. For flat finishes I use Microscale products. If you can't find it at the hobby store order it from some place like Squadron.

What happens with Testors clear finishes, particularly the flat finish is that it models. It leaves a blotchy (sp) finish. I've never had that happen with the Microscale products. You may want to try Floquil too. Even though Testors makes this now, it's always been a superior product.

My favorite method for protecting models is to put them into a case of some sort. No matter what you do with your finish, dust will win the day if you don't keep it from your model.
Good luck
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