Finishes and decals

There are a few relatively simple solutions for you. In all of them, you'll want a glossy finish to apply the decals to.

1. Before you apply declas, spray the entire model with the acrylic floor cleaner called "Future". After it cures, itwill provide a nice finish for the decals to "sink into". Re-apply Future after your declas are set and then dpray a Dullcote over the entire model when that cures.

2. Use a gloss paint on the model. Apply the decals directly to the gloss paint. Seal the declas with a gloss clear (or Future) and then spray a Dullcote.

I use a lot of flat colors, too, and the Future method has always worked nicely for me. Post some pics of your work when you're done!

 

 Thanks for the quick reply!

The thing is I cant really spray Future because I dont have an airbrush. This is my first model afterall... Ive read some people saying that you could spot apply it with a brush.  Do you think that would yield good results or could you see the spots?

Also where are places you can find Future?  Online I was only able to find it at ACE hardware stores but the closest one I know of is pretty far away. 

GundamNoob wrote:

Thanks for the quick reply! The thing is I cant really spray Future because I dont have an airbrush. This is my first model afterall... Ive read some people saying that you could spot apply it with a brush.  Do you think that would yield good results or could you see the spots? Also where are places you can find Future?  Online I was only able to find it at ACE hardware stores but the closest one I know of is pretty far away.

To brush on Future you need to thin it with warm water. This retards it for slower drying and reduces gelling sometimes associated with Future as it drys. Thin down to 50/50 and brush on. Wait 24 hours between coats. To speed drying time place under 60 watt light bulb but do not place light to close, 8 to 12 inches is sufficent. I use this method when using Future as a decal setting agent. After Future has cured spray on your dull coat.

Thanks, I think thats how ill do it.

 Now to find some Future

Edit: I think I found an easier solution, atleast for me. I ordered my next kit from squadron, some putty and micro sol + micro set.  Then I found that there is a product called micro coat gloss which is sort of designed for what I was asking about so I got some of that too.  If I remember, Ill try to get back to this thread and let everyone know how it worked out.

GundamNoob wrote:

Then I found that there is a product called micro coat gloss which is sort of designed for what I was asking about so I got some of that too.

Yep - that will do the job just fine. There's nothing to say you have to use Future. Future is just a low-cost (and readily available in the US) alternative to "hobby" branded gloss coats.

There is no need to thin Future. Remember what it is: a floor polish designed to give a glossy finish when applied with a MOP! 

From SC Johnson's website

Future® Acrylic Floor Finish is safe and effective on regular and no-wax floors. •  Thoroughly clean floors with a product like Armstrong® Floor Cleaner.   •  Let floor dry, then spread Future® evenly with a clean sponge mop, cloth or other applicator.   •  Future® will normally dry in 20-30 minutes. •  For increased shine and protection, a second coat of Future® may be applied. Allow 8 hours between applications.   •  First time users should thoroughly clean their floor with a solution of 1 cup ammonia and 1/4 cup Armstrong® Floor Cleaner in 1/2 gallon cool water. Then rinse floor with clean water.

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