To seal...or not to seal?

[Pierre Rivard]

I polish the clear layer on my models, then decals, then a seal coat of Future applied with a soft bristle flat brush.

I am wondering if the seal coat is justified or a bit of overkill. Asking other builders if they seal after decals and why?

Here's an example of one of my models with the Future seal coat. Thanks.

 

[TonyK]

First of all, that's a good looking model. Second, I've never clear coated or sealed after decals. Done a ton of race cars and the decals still look good after 20-30 or longer years. Read too many comments from guys that have ruined their models when a clear coat attacks the decals. Many modelers have no problem. Some swear by it so you'll get all types of answers here. Maybe Future is a safe way to go.

Personally I don't like race car models with a clear coat as it usually looks funky.

[vintagerpm]

Pierre, I do the same as you. I brush by hand Pledge (Future) over the finished model after decalling. I remember all the kits I built in the '70s, that were not clear coated, having their decals peel off in the '80s, so I do it to protect the decals.

As for the gloss, Pledge (Future) isn't that glossy, so is fine looking on race cars. The racers that are cleared with 2K urethane or polished are the ones that look out of place to me.

[Tcoat]

I always seal with Future. Even flat coats get a full application of it and then are sprayed for the final finish. It not only seals the decals but evens out the overall finish if they are a little thick.  

[espo]

I guess I'm an odd ball, but I clear over the decals. 

[stitchdup]

If your climate is fairly dry you should be ok i'd think. i clear over decals as the air is humid in spring and autumn here

[Mike 1017]

I clear the body first 2 coats Then I apply the decals. If the decals behave themselves, I just leave them as is. If there is silvering or ragged edges, I will clear it. For me I have to clear most Waterslides. 

Mike

[happy grumpy]

I too, clear over decals but the process I use takes time but the results are good. on a glossy finish, I wait at least a week for the decals to set. Then I apply a really thin coat of clear (TS13 in my case), wait 1 hour apply another mist coat, 30 min another mist coat. I let that set for a couple of days, probably wouldn't need too but I prefer stay on the safe side. Then I build successively thicker coats until the decal is completely covered. Depending on the finish I want sometimes I polish with Tamiya compound finish or Novus. Always had good results with this method but as everything else in life, go with what works best for you. That's what I did on the Camaro below.

[Pierre Rivard]

Thanks guys, this is all very valuable input. Much appreciated!

p.s. Mario I very much like your photo set up.

Edited December 7, 2022 by Pierre Rivard