The Ship Model Forum

Hi all,

I've been away from the hobby for a while and am researching to get my feet wet again. In the past I used enamels exclusively but I've been reading up on acrylics (which are new to me). I was thinking of trying them but I have a couple of questions to help me decide to switch to them or stay with enamels.

Knowing that my WWII DD build needs a matte finish I'm wondering about clearing the acrylic paint job. I see where a lot of people use Future to clear the model and protect the reported delicate paint on an acrylic paint job. It seems they use it because of the lack of available matte acrylics to clear with. But from what I know of and read about Future it leaves a very shiny finish.....which is not the matte I would like......

So is there a good clear matte acrylic on the market? Who makes it?

I haven't used enamels in a while either. What is currently a good clear flat or matte enamel that won't yellow?

Any thoughts along these lines is appreciated. I plan on playing with the acrylics a lot before spraying the actual build....but any tips to help speed the learning process are welcome. If I can't get a good look/finish I can always revert to my old stand by....enamel.

Thanks.....

SC

Hi,

Krylon varnish in the rattle can, you can get both matt and gloss, both are fabulous products.

Cheers,
George

Acrylics have really taken off in recent years and have offered a wide range of products compared to, say 10 years ago. Aside from the truly awesome Krylon spray cans (spray cans are very convenient), there are a lot of brands that offer acrylic clear coats, in matt, gloss, and semi-gloss: Testors, Vallejo, Italeri, Humbrol, AK Interactice, Ammo from MIG, to name a few. Many of these are ideal for airbrushing, but if you don't airbrush, stick to spray cans. Aside from Krylon, some art stores offer spray acrylic clear coats.

Future, which is glossy, has two main applications:

1) Providing a glossy service for the application of decals
2) Washes work best on glossy services as the liquid flows better.

Depending on your needs and personal preferences, you might not need a glosscoat.

Thanks George,

I've sprayed enamel rattle cans on other projects for so long I'd forgotten that varnish comes in a 'rattle'......

Thanks for the reminder.....I've got a 64K memory....when new things come in something old has to go....in this case it was varnish rattles....

I'm trying to get 'smart' on acrylics so pardon another dumb question. We won't go into what the 'spousal unit' thinks of me ever attaining the level of 'smart'.....

Since decals need a gloss/shiny surface to be applied to....Do I spray with a matte acrylic first....then clear with a gloss acrylic (is there such a creature?) ....then apply decals....then clear with a matte acrylic/varnish?

OR

Do I paint matte acrylic first....apply Future.....apply decals.....then what, Future again....or a matte acrylic/varnish?

Sorry....I'm just a bit confused.... In all the reading I've done on this so far I don't think I've seen a comprehensive, put it all together in order of application, description.....

Sorry to be so anal retentive.....I'm a read a step....do a step....get a banana kinda guy!

My order for surfaces with decals are as follows:

Colour coat (matte, as that's usually the sheen that comes with military colours)
Future (is an acrylic gloss clear)
Decals
Sealer coat (usually matte clear. I use generic art store acrylic matte varnish. Might want to use gloss instead [can be another layer of Future] if you plan on doing weathering as per above posters)

_________________
De quoi s'agit-il?

Thanks Timmy....

Your comments bring a couple more questions to mind.

So....you can paint over Future?

I'm not making the connection between gloss clear and weathering....could you elaborate?

Thanks

SC

Yes, you can paint over Future once it's dry.

Future provides you with the gloss, smooth surface you may need for your chosen weathering technique, some of which, like oils, perform better when the surface is smooth for better flow. As well, the Future will act as a barrier coat to prevent your weathering substance from potentially reacting poorly with your paint layer.

_________________
De quoi s'agit-il?

Understood.....got it.

Thanks again for the response. All this learning of new techniques is hurting my 'punkin' head!