What to use as a clear coat ?

[turbokev]

I'm just finishing up my Late Model Sportsman build and I want to give it a clear coat..

It's painted with just Testors white enamel paint.. Then it's got ink jet printed decals
that I used Testors 'decal bonder' on to set them and waterproof them so I could apply them to the car.

That all went great, the decals did not run and look good..

What should I use to seal / clear the whole car now? The decal bonder appears to be nothing more
that a laquer clear so I considered that, but something in the recesses of my mind is telling me not
to spray laquer over enamel?

I don't want to screw up the car.. what are my options?

I hope to run over to ACE Hardware later this am to pick up something.. they have a small model
paint selection so maybe they have a Testors enamel clear, but I'm open to Krylon, Future, whatever..

Thanks,

[btaylor]

Kev, I am having great luck with Future, or the dollar store variety just like it. It is holding up well,and can do several coats with a scale finish. I quit using any clear paint altogether.

Bob

[RichD]

I have been using Future for many years, it will not protect waterslide decals for very long and often it causes white paint to yellow. The decal bonder is only used so the ink won't smudge, it offers little protection. I have been using Testors gloss clear or Krylon Crystal Clear. Automotive clear coats are more durable, but they can attack your decals or even the paint. Even with the Testors or Krylon I like to give just the decals a couple of coats of Future as a barrier before I spray the clear coat. If you are using white paint it would be safer to do a test spray on some scrap plastic and then apply Future to see if it yellows.

[HomeRacingWorld]

I would test a piece of your decal sheet FIRST. Sealed or not, it can run/react sometimes.

Try Future (acrylic) and see how it reacts. Use a good car polish (non-abrasive) for the final shine,

[sadco racing]

Hey Kev, Ive had good luck with Testors Wet Look Clear. A couple of coats, often only one, and Im good, dries quick too.

[blizzard]

I use Mop&Glow. Works really well Haven't noticed any yellowing.

[turbokev]

Thanks everyone.. Just got back from a trip to the stores..

All I could find was a spray can of Testors 1261 Gloss Clear Coat.. 'Spray Laquer'

No other gloss spray cans, no Future.. I really don't want to have to wait for an internet order..

What about Laquer over Enamel concern? I can't remember if that's a no no or not?

Could I use this Laquer Gloss Coat ? (I got it just in case)

[turbokev]

No that helps, thanks..

I do have something else I painted at the same time I can do a little test on~

Here goes nothing LOL

[HomeRacingWorld]

Future works without yellowing. Key is, do not use too many coats.

My recent Stang



2 coats brushed on. Then buffed with car wax.

[ming charlie]

I agree with Bibbster.If you want a wrinkle effect, spray the lacquer over enamel . You can paint enamel over lacquer with no problem. They do sell clear enamel paint. Rust-oleum Crystal Clear Enamel # 7701. I use this on my slot cars. Any 1 to 1 car parts I've ever painted with lacquer over enamel always had a problem. Hope this helps.
Charlie

[turbokev]

Thanks again all.. I have not sprayed anything yet..
GOing to try Lowes next for Future and an enamel clear..

The hunt continues ~

[HomeRacingWorld]

Remember, they call it Pledge Floor Care now because the marketing department has no clue what they are doing.

[MrAdept]

I seem to remember there being a comment about storing the Future bottle in a dark place otherwise it reacts with the light and yellows.
This is of course coming from the person who's bottle is sitting on his desk and yes it has yellowed...

Mark

[HomeRacingWorld]

I guess the old Skunkworks is kinda dark and dingy.

My original bottle still has the old label on it and looks fine. I bought a new bottle to test it to see if they made any changes.

Do it how you like, everyone has their ways. I have models that are 5 years or more with no issues. Your mileage may vary. I will stick with this brush on method.

[btaylor]

I am not a painter by any means, that's why i always research and ask lots of questions directed at people who know this stuff.
I have found through experience, that there are many different types of lacquer. There are CAB acrylics, Catalyzed lacquers, Nitrocellulose Lacquers, etc etc. Modelmasters Lacquer can be shot over enamels with no problems, depending on the type of enamel used. . I think as long as you do a little research on the can/ paints you are using, it will help a bunch!
I've sprayed lacquer over enamel many times.
in fact alclad is lacquer and you have to spray their hi gloss finishes over a black enamel base.
modelmaster metalizers are lacquer and they work great over enamel
I've also sprayed several car models with testors enamel and cleared them with hi gloss Lacquer.
it's mixing paint "brands" that can cause more trouble than anything, depending on what solvent they are using.In that case spray some test pieces first
I even thin my enamels with lacquer thinner for airbrushing
I still like using the future for the best looking clear finish, like Harry said a couple of coats and wax it!

Bob