Hey,

I getting ready to clear coat a Life Like Ho scale car, that I has water slide decals on it. I would like to know what is the best clear coat to use and a few tips before applying the clear coat? Your help will be appreciated. :cool:

I use Future to clearcoat my customs after the decals have been applied and set up for a day or so. Haven't had any adverse reaction from the decals and get a high level of shine to boot. :thumbsup: rr

Thanks Roadrner! I'll give that a try!

I second that. Future works great for me... I actually dip the whole body mounted on a junk chassis, and then hold it upright for a minute by the chassis so i don't have to touch the finish... once you take it out, excess Future will collect in droplets at the bottom edges. Just barely dab a paper towel at the droplet, and the excess will wick off onto the paper towel. The finish starts to set up after only a couple of minutes...

--rick

I second that. Future works great for me... I actually dip the whole body mounted on a junk chassis, and then hold it upright for a minute by the chassis so i don't have to touch the finish... once you take it out, excess Future will collect in droplets at the bottom edges. Just barely dab a paper towel at the droplet, and the excess will wick off onto the paper towel. The finish starts to set up after only a couple of minutes...

--rick

I've taken a couple of the pullback chassis and mounted them to the end of a dowel. Makes a great paint stand and well as a holder so I can dip the bods in Future. Once I dip. I let the excess drip back off into my container, then I give the rod a spin and finally wick off any other excess that forms down at the base or at the corners/edges of the body with a paper towel or Q-Tip. rr

I thought this clear coat came in a spray can, but I must be wrong. After reading you all's replies, this clear coat must come in a container with a lid?

Oops, we didn't clarify that... Future Floor Wax, available in your local supermarket. Check out this site for more info:

http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

I've actually been using a wide-mouth jar to dip the bodies in...

--rick

I actually stole one of the better half's tupperware containers with a lid. Fill it about half full, dip and put the lid back on and I'm ready for my next session. :freak: rr

I use future too but I apply a coat bfore decals. This smoothes out the paint surface and helps prevent silvering when the decal is applied. Then as many coats as you want of the Future to seal the decals and add shine, The more coats the more shine. Make sure each coat is dry before appling the next.

Actually, I clearcoat my customs with a good clearcoat after all of the painting and paint detailing is finished but before the decals. I've had the clearcoat screw up decals before when I sprayed it on and had to start over. Now, with the clearcoat I protect the paint job with a like cover, enamel over enamel and so on. Once the "paint" products set, I apply my decals. After a day or so then the Future is applied. Like I said, haven't had any decals react to Future, yet. Plus the more coats of Future the shinier it gets. Just don't go overboard. :rolleyes: rr

Ok! That's the info I needed! Thanks guys!