gloss finish prior to decalling

erasmus · 04-09-2008

I'm currently painting with acrylics a 1/32 Lysander. I really don't want to spoil it at this stage and would welcome advice about how gloss coat the aircraft prior to decalling. What material should I use? There are a number of proprietary gloss varnishes available but I've also seen references to using clear furniture polish. Which is best please? Any tips would be much appreciated. I'm applying the decals with microsol/microset.

Thank you.

Flying Penguin · 04-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by erasmus

I'm currently painting with acrylics a 1/32 Lysander. I really don't want to spoil it at this stage and would welcome advice about how gloss coat the aircraft prior to decalling. What material should I use? There are a number of proprietary gloss varnishes available but I've also seen references to using clear furniture polish. Which is best please? Any tips would be much appreciated. I'm applying the decals with microsol/microset.

Thank you.

Klear/Future is a pretty good option. It's produced by SC Johnson and is sold under the name Klear in the uk and is sold in Sainsbury's and most other big supermarkets. Spray straight from the bottle, or brush with a soft brush. Leave it to dry for at least 24 hours before decalling.

Should dry hard as nails. It's acrylic so it won't be washed off by enamel or oil based washes.

A very good detailed discussion of spraying Klear/Future:
Spraying a Future coat - ARC Air Discussion Forums

Cheers

Jamie

StanG · 04-09-2008

I don't know whether this is true, but somebody will hopefully clarify this for you. Apparently Johnsons Future (as sold in the USA) is fine, but Johnsons Klear as sold in the UK does yellow a little bit in time (on white only).
It is not from my experience, I've read it here:
Designer Workshop

**wonwinglo** · 08-09-2008

I would not worry too much about this,I have models coated with Kleer that was purchased in the UK that are now 15 years old and there is no discoloration,most white finishes on aircraft are far from pristine white anyway,why worry,the stuff is cheap as chips,does the job,multi tasks etc it is a modellers dream material.
Just make sure that you keep a brush just for use with Kleer,that way it does not get contaminated with any colour.

StanG · 09-09-2008

Well, I won't argue with 15 years of experience. Thanks for making int clear. I bought humbrol varnish, but when I run out I think I'll get Klear instead.