help! Clear Coats, Have never attempted.

QUOTE: Originally posted by IceDragon122 Now should i go Future->Decal->Gloss

You kinda have to decide yourself
future->decal->future
or
tamiya clear->decal->tamiya clear
both would be very similar because tamiya and future are BOTH acrylics. Probably would get better results with the tamiya clear. Future tends to be thicker but very hard to tell with plain eyeball, 7/100ths of a mm -vs- 1/100th of a mm. Just making those numbers up but you see what I mean. Look forward to seeing some pics

yup. that's the ticket! Paint, Future, Decal, overcoat of choice. Some like to future over the decals before overcoating as it provides extra protection for the decals. I like to do my washes over the decals so it blends in so futuring after decaling is a necessity for me. It's a matter of personal choice in the end whether you future after decaling or not...

QUOTE: Question: Rather than use Tamiya Clear, why don't you use Future as your Gloss base coat? (I'm assuming you are using an air brush). Simply spray it on like you would any other coating.

I remeber once someone telling me that yes you can use Future as a Gloss....Now should i go Future->Decal->Gloss........cause i know Future is a Sealer.....but I have seen amazing Results with Tamiya Clear Coat........and from future......Im gonna have to do a test run first =] Thank you 2 for your info........greatly appreciated.........ill post pics online soon! assuming that.......Organic Chem.....does not kill me first!

-Brian

Qmiester gave you some good info already I can't really add to it except to emphasize DO NOT spray over you canopy. Most everything I know of EXCEPT Future will react with it and cause it to cloud up.

You have lots of choices. Almost all paint companies make some kind of clear gloss and clear flat coat. I have even decanted wally world rattlecan clear gloss for my airbrush and used with good results. 97 cents a can

If you use a gloss paint to paint the model. For example Model master aircraft gray. You don't need to gloss coat for your decals.

One more tip that we all say but rarely actually do: If you have some scrap plastic go ahead and do a test run. Do it just like you plan to do your model. Example: Prime -> Paint -> Gloss -> Decal -> Gloss (optional) -> Flat

If your final finish is going to be gloss, you could probably get away with overcoating your canopy. However if the final finish is to be flat or semi-gloss, don't even think about it - you'll screw up the canopy. I usually leave the canopy off until last and mask off the cockpit instead.

Anyway, you have the basic idea in mind,

1. Apply a coat of clear gloss and let dry (24 hrs minimum - 48 is better)
2. Apply your decals and let dry for 24 to 48 hrs
3. Apply clear overcoat of choice (Gloss, Semi-Gloss, or Flat)
4. Remove any masking and install any remaining items (Canopy, antennas etc)

Question: Rather than use Tamiya Clear, why don't you use Future as your Gloss base coat? (I'm assuming you are using an air brush). Simply spray it on like you would any other coating.