Best Clearcoat for Vader Helmet

[smurf]

I've used the Duplicolor Truck, SUV paint on the dome and faceplate. I'm going to wet sand them some. Then I'd like to do a clearcoat. What would you recommend? Should I just stay with the Duplicolor brand? I'd like a nice smooth finish.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Too Much Garlic]

The advice I've always been given is to stick with the brand once you've started with it. Less risk of things reacting badly to each other. However, more experienced painters could certainly advice better than me.

 

[darthgordon]

I used duplicolor clear coat over duplicolor gloss black. Didn't like it. The slightest ding and a the clear coat began to peel. And yes, I gave over a month of drying to the black before applying the clear and then over a month of drying to the clear before applying wax.

My suggestion, take it to an automotive shop. Someplace like Macco should be able to do it cheap.

 

[GINO]

The best clearcoat is no clearcoat.
They didn't use it on the OT props.
Just polished.

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[darthgordon]

The best clearcoat is no clearcoat.
They didn't use it on the OT props.
Just polished.

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That's actually the best advice I've heard. I had to repaint mine after the clearcoat fiasco. I just used gloss black, polish and wax.

...and as we all know Gino knows his... Vader.

 

[GINO]

Thanks.
Also another thing, don't be afraid if your top coats have orange peel. You actually want that. Just polish directly over the orange peel.
The orange peel won't effect the gloss level.

See attached photo from ESB.

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