Clearcoat question

[Sketch1982]

I'm new here & have started building models again recently, so I apologize if this has been asked a million times before.  I also do custom 1/64 diecasts for fun.  I was wondering what everyone prefers for clear coat on a basic Testors or cheap Walmart spray paints.  I tried Krylon on a die cast & the it did great on the paint, but the decals dissolved & broke up even after using Microsol on them before hand.  I've got several drag kits I'm building when I get the time & really don't want that to happen to them.  I've heard of people using Future floor polish & they make it look easy, but I've also heard it makes the decals become yellow after a while.  I'm by NO means a pro obviously, so if anyone could give me a few tips I'd appreciate it beyond words.  Thanks for your time

[Dave G.]

If you switch to Tamiya lacquers, then you can use their milder clear lacquer. It won't hurt the color coat and shouldn't hurt the decals either ( I say shouldn't because I don't know what decals you have. And I say milder, in terms of milder than hardware store spray can clear)..

Also, Future is no longer made. There are similar products but I have no idea how they do in terms of long term yellowing. FWIW, I have an old bottle of Pledge Floor care, who took over Future, and it has yellowed in the bottle, stored in a cabinet. It still works fine over colors, but I wouldn't put it over white. Sometimes I like to build a curb side 1/32 kit, and may choose that as the clear.

[mrobi57]

I hope you don't mind that I ask a question related to this also. I too am new to building (at least since I was a kid) and have an unfinished kit that was originally sprayed with Testors enamel but not finished, what spray can clear coat can be used on it?

[Super28]

I've got a car I painted with Nail Polish, It has decals on it. I also would like to know if 2x clear will harm  the decals. Talk to me old wise and knowing experienced modelers. Don't want to screw this build up. Please let me know. Thank you from the bottom of my old senile heart. 

[Beans]

27 minutes ago, Super28 said:

I've got a car I painted with Nail Polish, It has decals on it. I also would like to know if 2x clear will harm  the decals. Talk to me old wise and knowing experienced modelers. Don't want to screw this build up. Please let me know. Thank you from the bottom of my old senile heart. 

When you say 2X  do you mean 2K clear or are you talking about that rattle can rustoleum 2X?

[Super28]

rattle can

[Shark]

Gabriel,

I agree with what David said. Use the Tamiya spray cans. They have a ton of colors, lay down great, and their TS-13 clear is excellent. I have sprayed it over several other paints, but not Testors spray enamels.

[NOBLNG]

I like this stuff. It is water based, so should go over any paint.

[rattle can man]

I've never had Krylon, Rustoleum, Testors, or Duplicolor clears cause problems with decals. Other brands of paint, yes.

How old were the decals? Old decals are notorious for breaking apart.

Did you print them? If so,did you use the correct decal paper for your printer (ink jet or laser) and did you seal them before applying them?

Are they aftermarket? If so you need to make sure you follow their recommendations

[Super28]

Thak you