discussion Use a clear coat?

[Guest]

Currently building the Tamiya 1:12 Lotus 49 race car. Would it be best to use a clear coat to get that glossy shiny finish of a racecar? I've never used clear before, so just wanting to know if its a good idea and if you spray before or after putting decals on? I'm going to use Tamiya racing green spray for the main body colour which is already partly glossy so would I use a gloss clear aswell? Cheers

 

[Guest]

I have heard that some cars had the liverly on top of a clear so some people leave decals proud on purpose. A clear will protect them and a clear under them will help them lay Down perfectly.


On my first build I cleared the base, polished it, applied decals then cleared the decals On and polished again. Polishing included a wet and dry both times to remove Orange peel. The end result was nice to my eyes. Very shiny. Importing Tamiya 3 pack polishing compounds and buying the 3 cloths is the way to go. Car stuff is too harsh.


spraying clear On decals needs to be done very very gradually at first, I was slightly too quick and there was a few very tiny crazed bits. A few mist costs with a good cure before the wet coats is essential.


Also Tamiya clear and others can be very finicky. What are you using paint wise (all layers)

 

[Guest]

I'm using the Tamiya TS-43 racing green spray for the body. I wouldn't need to clear the engine would I, its in gunmetal grey/aluminum tamiya spray too? I don't really want that glossed. I haven't yet glued the engine on, so was wanting to know if I could paint, clear, decal then clear again the body section then finish the model by gluing the rest of the engine/rear suspension on.