Future before applying decal

I just use matt (flat) paint & use Future before applying decals, just as you have done - then, when the decals are thorughly dry, seal them with another coat of Future.  This also gives a good surface on which to apply any weathering you want, and protects the decals and underlying paint from any damage your weathering materials may cause.  Then, when all is done, apply a couple of thin coats of matt finish e.g. Dullcote, or whatever your preferred brand may be, to restore the flat finish you want.

Are you guys using Future because it is superior to gloss paint, or because it is an economical alternative?

Future is a nice acrylic clear gloss that doesn't typically interact with any other paint underneath.  I find it predictable and repeatable and yes - very cheap :)

pDizzy77

The planes call for flat paint for the camo, but to apply decals flat paint doesn't provide a good surface so some people use Future to smooth out the surface.  But my issue is that after applying the Future my flat paint is now glossy....so would I be further ahead to just use a gloss paint and skip the Future or is there a way to make the coat the paint with something so the flat colours are restored??

Two approaches. 

1, you can indeed use gloss paints instead of flats and skip the gloss coat step. in fact Xtracolor paints are in gloss for just this reason. Other companies make their paints as semi gloss, and sometimes, but not always, you can go straight to decals without a gloss coat on those as well. 

2, you can add a gloss clear to your flat paints and make them glossy during the application proces, if you're airbrushing, and again, skip the gloss coat.

but once that is all done, and decals applied, you will need to add your final topcoat to the model. Even if the model is supposed to be glossy finish, you should seal the decals in with a top coat. I personally prefer a semi gloss because a pure gloss coat looks to shiny on a model. 

I use it because it goes on beautifully, self-levels, dries quickly, and (so far!) hasn't caused any adverse reactions with other media.  Also, it doesn't yellow with age, gives a decent finish (but not equal to specialist high-gloss materials) and, if you spill it on the floor you can polish it!.  Unless you've got carpet down.  Oh, and it's very cheap!

I've been useing Xtracolor for over 30 years partly for this reason. Its also one of the first paints i came across that did specfic colours ranges, FS, RLM, RAL etc. And as far as i am aware, its still the only gloss paint which comes in those ranges.

I still add a gloss coat after decals to seal them and protect the paint during weathering, but it does save adding that one extra coat. You can use any gloss, does not have to be future, you just have to take into account any weathering products you may use. I stopped useing future as i found it to thick so now use Alclad aqua gloss. But future is still handy for dipping canopies.

pDizzy77

I am going to look into dullcote.

Glad to be of help.  Dullcote was just an example I used as it's a well-known name, there are many flat/matt finishes available - I use Winsor & Newton Galeria (bought froman art supplies shop), thinned with about 30% de-ionised water.  

I prefer using either Alclad Gloss and Matte as well as Vallejo 

FYI the Alclad Flat is really dead flat, great stuff