Clear coats

[PHArchivist]

I'm no stranger to clear coating.

I predominantly use Testor's. But I've not to this point methodically evaluated Testor's clear coats for yellowing. Though I have a sense that they do yellow over time.

Normally, I'm not too concerned, but I have a project at hand that is white, and am debating the merits of sealing decals with the clear, or risking the model going yellow over the years...

Thoughts?

 

[DL 44 Blaster]

I would think that depending on lighting the paint itself may yellow as well....depending on the paint type ie. enamel, lacquer, acrylic, etc. :confused

Do you have access to an automotive clear? You'd certainly be as safe as could be using it. Of course it isn't the most feasible medium for most of us. How about using the old Future floor wax method? It's cheap, safe, and when applied correctly won't harm decals at all. I've used this one on a couple airplane models.

I've got models that have been built for over 20 years that I still own that aren't yellowed with using Testors too. The decals you mention are another thing altogether though with using Testors as I've had horrible decal crinkling when using Testors on them.

Really tough call, but I know how you feel about wanting a finish that will stand the test of time:thumbsup

Steve

 

[robn1]

I'd recommend acrylic clears if you're concerned about yellowing, I've never seen acrylic turn yellow. When I built the speeder bike kit back in '83, I used Tamiya acrylic gloss white on the trooper armor. This was when hobby acrylics first came out. The bike is in pieces today, but the white paint is still white.

 

[exoray]

I say go the Future floor polish if you are really worried, if it yellows, simply take some ammonia and wipe it off and recoat...

Besides that a 2K car clear coat is your best long term solution...

 

[PHArchivist]

Yeah the carrier film of the decal sheet is already yellow anyway. I may just coat it with the Testor's and go with it. Maybe in the time it takes for the clear to yellow a bit, I won't care as much!

I would think that depending on lighting the paint itself may yellow as well....depending on the paint type ie. enamel, lacquer, acrylic, etc. :confused

Do you have access to an automotive clear? You'd certainly be as safe as could be using it. Of course it isn't the most feasible medium for most of us. How about using the old Future floor wax method? It's cheap, safe, and when applied correctly won't harm decals at all. I've used this one on a couple airplane models.

I've got models that have been built for over 20 years that I still own that aren't yellowed with using Testors too. The decals you mention are another thing altogether though with using Testors as I've had horrible decal crinkling when using Testors on them.

Really tough call, but I know how you feel about wanting a finish that will stand the test of time:thumbsup

Steve

 

[TheSt.LouisKid]

Krylon clear acrylic works well. I have found it will dry dull and foggy if it applied outside on a humid day. It won't wear off when handling a prop. I have used it since the late '80's as a replacement for Testors clear coat which wear off the more you handle a prop. I heard the clear matte spray has been reformulated and I find it feels tackey weeks after application.

I used Krylon clear on a white Space:1999 eagle model and no regrets.

 

[Firefoxm31]

Saintlouiskid 's got it, Krylon clear acyrillic is the way to rock with clear for cheapy clear coat anyway, otherwise atomotive clears, I never seen krylon yellow in all the years i've used it. As for your yellow decals, tape em to your window facing the sun a couple days. The UV rays will bleach em back to clear removing the yellow it's the carrier that changes the color I heard.

 

[Rylo]

Krylon 'tripple' glaze works great as long as you're not working in humid conditions.

 

[PHArchivist]

Krylon sounds like the way to go. Is it Gloss or Semi? I need an eggshell-to-satin type finish.

 

[franz bolo]

Krylon recently changed it's formula on certain paints. Check the paint before you use it!!

I had to stop using all Krylon products.

FB

Krylon sounds like the way to go. Is it Gloss or Semi? I need an eggshell-to-satin type finish.

 

[PHArchivist]

Krylon recently changed it's formula on certain paints. Check the paint before you use it!!

I had to stop using all Krylon products.

FB

Good point - I remember the thread(s) on this.

 

[Replicant]

I used Testers clear gloss and dull on these vinyl models about 15 years ago.Always displayed in sunlight and haven't yellowed yet.

Mr Super Clear UV is also a safe bet.

http://store.spruebrothers.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=sbm&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=535396754&Count2=452537178&ProductID=14548&Target=products.asp&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=googlebase

 

[swgeek]

You could use a spray paint meant for photographs.