Model Master Lacquer

[coopdad]

I just picked up my first can of Model Master Lacquer paint and noticed on the Testors site that I need to add a coat of clear. But after reading a few horror posts about paint reactions, what brands of clear can I use? I have always liked Tamiyas clear.

Thanks for the advice,

John

p.s. I used Tamiya gray primer and had no problems.

[camaroman]

I would suggest using their own clear lacquer. They have a version that should be right in the display with the other colors in the line, and formulated for use with the paint.

The only thing I would add to Lee's comment is if you bought this at Hobby Lobby, you may have to have them order the clear. I really have to stay after the local Hobby Lobby folks to stock the clear for this paint! It is always out of stock.

[whale392]

I second the Hobby Lobby notion.......my local hobby shop has both the Laquer clear and the 'Wet Look' clear from Testors for the laquer system. Either will work fine. Tamiya is a mixed bag....I have had good luck, others haven't.

[crazyjim]

I've used Tamiya T13 clear and TS65 clear pearl several times over the Model Master paints without a problem.

[crazyjim]

The Tamiya clear TS65 has some metallic flake in it.

[elan]

I use the clear over MM lacquer on my street cars, but I mostly do race cars and I've found that polishing the final coat is all that is required.

[Monty]

This was in a recent thread about using clear coats:

Bluesman Mark, on 08 May 2010 - 04:01 AM, said:

Testors has two different gloss clears under their relatively new lacquer line, Wet Look Clear & Ultra Gloss Clearcoat.

Now here's the better alternative, expecially if you're using spray cans: Krylon Crystal Clear acrylic urethane. Get the kind sold at Hobby Lobby, etc., because from what I've heard the other is a hotter formula & less suited to go over certain types of paint. I've used the one found at Hobby Lobby for years over lacquers & enamels with no ill effects & no yellowing. It dries rock hard & with the right gloss.

Try the Crystal Clear, & you'll never go back to hobby gloss clear.

Edited May 11, 2010 by Monty

[Harold]

Dupli- Color Clear Top Coat works very well. See my EXP thread in 'Under Glass'.

[Crusader101]

I have used the Krylon Crystal Clear from Walmart and Bluesman Mark is correct: it was too hot, had to strip and correct....was determined to make it work and finally did, however it never really dried properly. I'm going to pick up a can from Michael's as the gloss and depth associated with this clear was very impressive.

[coopdad]

I have a dumb question... what would happen if I don't use a clear layer?

John

[highway]

I have a dumb question... what would happen if I don't use a clear layer?

John

That's not a dumb question, John. The Testors Lacquers are just like a 1:1 basecoat/clearcoat paint job, they need the clear to have a shine. I painted this 09 Challenger with Testors MM Custom Lacquer System Hemi Orange, also using their white primer and clear coat.

I used the same paint for the engine and under the hood, but did not use the clear on these parts. It may be hard to see in these pictures, but there is a noticeable difference in the shine. The uncleared parts have more of a satin or flat shine to them, just as if you look under the hood of your 1:1 car, where the paint is typically not clearcoated.