Tamiya spray paints, decals and clear coat

[DWR]

Sorry guys another basic question as I get back into the hobby. So we have Tamiya acrylic, lacquer and enamel paints as well as clear coats. If I am building a race model and want to clear coat over decals what is the best to use? For example lacquer paint then place the decals then clear with lacquer and polish the clear? I understand some clears will attach decals. I guess the question I am getting to is when do I use acrylic vs lacquer vs enamel. I build race cars which are my favorite but also will build a custom hot rod with a smooth rich finish.

Thanks in advance...DWR

[Jantrix]

Your best bet would be to test first. Paint a spoon, cure, decal, clear. See what happens. In ANY case an acrylic over decals is always a sure bet.

[Ddms]

There's a wide range of opinion about which type of paint is best for any given purpose. I personally like Tamiya synthetic lacquers (TS series) or automotive urethane for bodies and big glossy chassis parts, enamel for small glossy chassis and engine parts, and flat enamel thinned with lacquer thinner for leather and vinyl interiors. I prime all major parts with Tamiya Surface Primer, and I clearcoat bodies with U-POL PowerCan pro clear from Burbank House of Hobbies.

Edited October 1, 2010 by Ddms