Clear coats for finishing

[Darth Santa Fe]

What is the best thing I can get for air brushing a clear, protective finish over painted metal steam engines? I want something that will help keep the paint from wearing off so easily.

[tomwatkins]

For a true flat finish, Testor's Dullcote works very well. I've thinned it with both laquer thinner and with Floquil Diosol with equally good results. For a slightly glossier finish, I like Floquil Flat Finish, which dries to an eggshell sheen.

Hope This Helps,
Tom Watkins

[Darth Santa Fe]

Sorry, I forgot to say I'd also like something a little shiny looking. (I like having a fresh from the shop appearance on my things)

[Darth Santa Fe]

Is there anything available that gives a good, strong, shiny clear coating?

[selector]

Testor's makes several, in tins the size of those that hold Dull-coat. Avail at Wal-mart or hobby stores.

[pike-62]

Testors Gloss coat works good. I have been using Future Floor acrylic Finish for a couple of years now. I use it as a gloss coat before decaling. I just spray it straight from the bottle.

Dan Pikulski
www.DansResinCasting.com

[Darth Santa Fe]

QUOTE: Originally posted by danpik

Testors Gloss coat works good. I have been using Future Floor acrylic Finish for a couple of years now. I use it as a gloss coat before decaling. I just spray it straight from the bottle.

Dan Pikulski
www.DansResinCasting.com

Is that like the Testors laquer? That's what my local hobby shop has.

[orsonroy]

Krylon. They make three grades of clear coat (dead flat, satin, gloss) that work beautifully. I've successfully used them over other Krylon paints, Floquil, Polly Scale, and latex craft paints.

Krylon spray satin black makes a great, chip resistant steam base color too.

[West Coast S]

I use Krylon flat clear coat to seal wood kits prior to applying the finish paint, works every time..

[selector]

Ray, if you are reading here, would you please describe the various paints, and how you use them. I don't need a 500 word essay (thanks if you do), but just a short description of each, main characteristics, and where/when you use them. It would be a boon for me for future layout work, modeling, etc.

Many thanks.

[Darth Santa Fe]

Where can I find the best price on the Krylon clear coat?

[AntonioFP45]

I've used Krylon Clear before.  It's an excellent product.  Forms a tough, glossy finish. It can orange peel if sprayed from too far a distance, and it can haze over if sprayed on too thick.  Best applied in medium wet, thin coats. 

However, for model railroad locomotives and cars I've seen much better results with the acrylic based Badger ModelFlex, Polly Scale Clears, as well as the solvent based Floquil and Scale Coat II.

 

 

[Darth Santa Fe]

Thanks everyone for the year of replies.

I've since bought a spray can of Testors Dullcote, which gives a nice finish over my airbrushed engines.