Armor weathering question - "protection" coats

[plasticprime]

If I've painted an armor piece with Tamiya lacquers, do I need to put down a "protection" coat of clear (flat or gloss) - which will also be a lacquer - prior to applying washes, filters, etc.?

[OldNYJim]

Depends a LITTLE on which washes you’re planning on using - but almost always, no, you’ll be ok.  

Most of the off-the-shelf washes don’t contain anything that can hurt lacquer, and if you’re using India Ink or mixing your own with water and artist’s acrylics you’ll be in good shape there too.

That said, depending on how grubby you’re trying to get something, a matte or semi-gloss clear will help because the washes will apply a little better to them versus a really shiny clearcoat, but that’s more down to the look you’re trying to achieve than any real requirement to do so…

[Dave Van]

I use Tamiya spray cans to paint. I then apply weathering with paint and Tamiya weathering powders. I also use Taamiya panel line wash. Final step is Testors clear flat to seal.  If your washes are water based you can apply at any time....but best before final clear. 

 

Edited July 22, 2021 by Dave Van

[Sandboarder]

Don’t use flat clear before washes etc. 

 

Use a semi-gloss or gloss however ever it’s not needed. When fully dry lacquer paint is very tough. The enamel and acrylic thinners will not harm the base paint. 

 

Lacquer thinner will destroy you base paint.

 

I assume your washes and filters etc will be enamel, water based acrylic or oil paints.

[plasticprime]

15 hours ago, Sandboarder said:

Don’t use flat clear before washes etc. 

 

Use a semi-gloss or gloss however ever it’s not needed. When fully dry lacquer paint is very tough. The enamel and acrylic thinners will not harm the base paint. 

 

Lacquer thinner will destroy you base paint.

 

I assume your washes and filters etc will be enamel, water based acrylic or oil paints.

Yes, they're going to be water-based. Thanks!

[Mike999]

Here's a thread on the sequence of painting and weathering scale-model armor, at Fine Scale Modeler magazine.  It should give you some tips.  

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/tools_techniques_and_reference_materials/f/18/p/39232/411268.aspx

Edited July 22, 2021 by Mike999

[Dave G.]

The FSM armor or airbrushing forum will also have more answers than you probably want to hear lol. But I can tell you personally that water based acrylics will go right over lacquer. As others mentioned a semi gloss/luster/satin clear coat over the base lacquer coat before the wash goes on will help you gain your end result. You don't need to bury the model in the clear, a light coat or two on there is sufficient. Same for the flat at the end.