Clear Coat

[COEChub]

Hello to everyone! I am new here to the forums. I am working on a couple trucks at the moment and have a trailer ready for decals. I was wondering if I need to clear coat it? These models will be in an inclosed display case so dust shouldn't be a problem. If I do need to clear coat, do I do it before or after the decals are applied? If I don't need to clear coat, is there anything to apply to the decals to protect them?

It has been many years since I built anything. As I recall I never clear coated anything but in time the dust seemed to take its toll and the decals cracked as I had no display case for them.

Any help on this would be great.

Thanks!!

Rich

[Jim B]

I would clear coat it to protect the decals. Sort of seal them in, if you know what I mean. It also protects them if you plan on doing any weathering.

[RyanSilva]

Do very light coats of clear at first, so you dont wrinkle the decals just in case they dont like the clear. Few light coats should give you some insurance.

[COEChub]

Thank you both for the help. From what I have been reading, a water base sealer is the way to go? Will I ever need to re-seal a few years down the road?

Rich

[Ben]

One of the best clear coats out there right now is Future Floor polish. It can be sprayed through an airbrush or brushed on as it is self leveling. Look on the internet for "The Complete Future". It's an article explaining all the neat things you can do with it. It works great on sealing decals!

[COEChub]

One of the best clear coats out there right now is Future Floor polish. It can be sprayed through an airbrush or brushed on as it is self leveling. Look on the internet for "The Complete Future". It's an article explaining all the neat things you can do with it. It works great on sealing decals!

Hello Ben! Thanks for the reply. I have yet to coat the current project with anything. I have just completed the decals and ready to move on to glueing the tanker to the frame. I am thinking about just clear coating over the decals. That is my main thoughts as of right now. Just want something over the decals to protect them and maybe they won't crack out in the future. I have seen some like to clear coat and some don't.

As to the Future Floor Polish, I have been reading up on that. One thing that worries me is whatever I do use, will I ever have to re-coat and what about yellowing with age?

Rich

[rssschris]

Krylon Crystal Clear is the only thing I have found that won`t yellow with age. I paint alot of drag car models white & it`s the only thing I use over white.

[mistermodel]

What would happen if you did a clear coat with chrome parts such as the grille, bumper, cab lights, and stuff like that. Will the chrome be alright or does it have any effects to it? Also, does anybody know how well Createx Gloss Top coat works? Its the airbrush brand that hobby lobby sells.

Thanks, Justin

I ve clear coated chrome a lot of times,it keeps cleaner when assembling.dont touch it hold it by the sprue and put it away for a couple weeks for the clear to get good and hard.Also I understand the oils from your skin is what makes old chrome discolour

[Mr mopar]

One of the best clear coats out there right now is Future Floor polish. It can be sprayed through an airbrush or brushed on as it is self leveling. Look on the internet for "The Complete Future". It's an article explaining all the neat things you can do with it. It works great on sealing decals!

Hey Ben thank-you for that web site ,vary intersting reading.