Vote for your favorite clearcoat finish!
 

I have been looking back over some of my figures and pics of figures other guys have done and I am kinda torn when it comes to the whole clearcoat finish issue.

I know some type of clearcoat is preferred/needed when decals are used. So I am looking at what "type" of finish guys prefer and why? (replies encouraged thmbsp$ thmbsp$ )

I know I probably would have stuck with a "matte" finish as my final coat because I think it looks more lifelike, but I had a bad experience with Krylon Matte (see pic) and that persuaded me to go to Krylon gloss.

I have started to
 

use a model master semi gloss finish and really like it. It gives the figure a nice shine without making them look like a helmet.

Micro Scale finishes
 

Gloss for helmets and flat for the rest. Easy to brush on and never yellows.

Model builders have been using for years.

They make many other types of modeling supplies

gloss for the helmets and flat everything else , that is what I like.

Me as well
 

I use gloss on the helmets and matte on the uniforms especially for older styled teams. Just to achieve that vintage look.

Clear Coat.
 

For myself,I love Testors " Dull-Cote ",( flat/matte) spray for
the uniforms and then on the helmets I use either Model Master
Gloss clear-coat or Delta CeramCoat,Gloss <> brush on.<>
The DullCote gives the figures a great look in my opinion,but
not everyone likes the flat look.If a customer wants a Gloss
coat I just brush the entire figure with one of the
above gloss coats.I've not had much luck with Gloss -spray
for some reason(s),so I tend to stay away from using it.
Brushing takes a bit longer but I know the entire figure is
covered.Also,I failed to mention that when I use the Testors
DullCote spray,I first ( & always) brush on a coat of flat
clear coat.Double protection doesn't hurt and just takes a
little extra time.Worth it in the long run.
Everyone has their way of doing this,so what-ever works
for you........
SEMPER FI,
Chris Stacey
Hampton,Va.

dull coat and gloss helmets for modern players, all dull coat for throwbacks.

Cool...
 

I completely forgot about this stuff! :eek:

Heading to HobbyTown USA this afternoon! thmbsp$ thmbsp$

Figure- dull coat- deltaceramcoat indoor/outdoor varnish (matte) brush on
Helmet- gloss coat- delta ceramcoat indoor/outdoor varnish (glossy) brush on

Have never done the spray on because the brush on is so durable and doesn't have any worry about yellowing.

Cool poll. I voted "other." I don't sling a brush much anymore. But when I do I insist on a combination of finish types, very similar in nature to what artlax posted.

Helmet - Gloss
Shoes, Grills, Rolls, Exposed Pads - Matte
Everything Else - Flat

War Gamers are way ahead of us in this respect. They go straight for realism. So the all-to-common (for ef) full gloss package is nothing short of sinful to them. No offense intended though. Ya like whatcha like, ya know?

Since I do not paint all that often and do not have to figure cost in as a major concern, I reach for the top-shelf approved paints of the war gamer artist elites whenever possible. As low as I'd go would be Citaldel brand (fantastic flesh tones in a bottle w/no mixing required), which is mighty fine stuff in its own right.

-Mike Pratt

citadel colors are the best, in my opinion. the colors are super saturated, they dry fast and smooth and they hold up to dry brushing, unlike the craft paints that i have experienced. vallejo clear varnishes are the toughest of the hobby paint group and have good physical properties, and model masters clears to finish them off is my approach.

Joe -

Bought some of this today (didn't make it to Hobbytown for Microscale), put it on a couple of figures, gloss on helmet, matte on the rest...love the results! thmbsp$ thmbsp$ ppls$ ppls$

finish
 

Like Joe I like the:

Delta Ceramcoatn GLOSS Exterior/Interior Varnish. It goes on well and leaves a great glossy finish. NOTE: Get the product as labled above, it sells for about $3.29 and is available at both Michaels and Ben Franklin. Delta has a cheaper varnish that sells for $2.99 and looks much like the Exterior/ Interior but does hav a habit of leaving BUBBLES.

After all is said and done I spray over the entire team with Americana Acrylic Sealer/Finisher DAS12 Gloss. Does not run and does not harm good quality declas like that of BEENUT and Raider Mike.

My teams are both shiny and heavy as I usde the Delta over every decal I apply and then at the end go over the entire figure with the Americana Sealer. No problems as of yet except for barley being under the weight limit at games.thmbsp$

Tamiya Color Acrylic Paint Clear Coat Gloss Mini
 

thmbsp$ thmbsp$ thmbsp$ thmbsp$ thmbsp$