A different kind of clear

[1320wayne]

I stumbled across this product last week while surfing the aisles in Michael's. It is listed as Triple Thick Clear Glaze from a company by the name of Decoart. It is a 6oz. aerosol can that retails for just over $5. Always looking for alternative clear coat solutions that work and won't break the bank can be good. I had never heard of this before and even though the can didn't give any listing as to whether or not it was an enamel or lacquer the one key selling point was that it states right on the can, in bold letters, that it will not cause any yellowing effects.

I decided to take a chance and pick one up.

I started by trying it out on a sample body to see what the effects would be. Then I moved on to a model body that had been panted and decaled but not cleared yet. This was a big chance as I still wasn't totally convinced that this product would not cause any incompatability issues. I started with a couple of thin mist coats and then moved on to a couple of heavier coats. At this point I am quite pleased with the results. Four coats gave this body a nice, deep shine with no issues. I don't even think I will need to do any rubbing out once it's totally cured. I really need to take some shots outside for folks to get the true feeling of how nice this finish is but these will ahve to do for now.

I just thought I would pass this on to anyone that might be interested in trying it out.

[Harry P.]

Since they claim it won't yellow, my guess is that it's clear acrylic.

[JamesW]

Pretty sure that's the same stuff as FolkArt clear.

[PatRedmond]

Thanks.

[prostockmania]

Wayne, can I borrow those purple magnum wheels, I need them for a slot car, and pro track is slow filling order right now, lmao

[Dr. Cranky]

Excellent results it looks like . . . for the price, you bet! Thanks for sharing.

[LAone]

thanks for sharing. now i need to take a trip to micheals.

[Dr. Cranky]

Is the 50% coupon still being accepted?

[Chuck Most]

I thought Clearview 2000 was finally out when I first saw this post!

I'm thinking I'll have to give this one a try. I've used a few clear sprays meant to mimic the finish of glossy, glazed pottery. Results have been, well, mixed. Looks like this stuff turned out pretty good.

[TurboKitty]

I use this stuff for my other art projects. It is pretty good, but it is a little slow drying so cover it otherwise dust will stick to it and it will not be easy to polish off. I also use the brush on glaze for many non model car projects and it dries rock hard & smooth w/ a great shine. It works perfectly over painted items too. I've used the spray to cover real flowers to make necklaces and earrings to sell also. It works best when applied in several thin mist coats from about 10" away.

It is great stuff but a a word of advice, do not confuse this stuff with clear resin spray (which is also used to coat crafts with a clear hard glaze). That type of spray releases heat as it cures and it will warp any plastic it's sprayed on (I tried it to see what it would do to model car parts - it ruined all of the test parts I sprayed. Even with Future applied it still warps the plastic).

Edited October 14, 2011 by TurboKitty

[Eshaver]

Michelle, is this similar to a Decoupage Clear ? Ed Shaver

[TurboKitty]

yep, it is a popular clear glaze/varnish for crafts like decoupage, card making, coating ceramics with a glaze without the need to fire it on, etc

[shucky]

I've used this a bunch of years ago as well. I have mixed feelings about it. It surely is "thick" ... what I mean by that is, even when dry the clear looks thick and wet on the model. Also, something strange I noticed is .. the kit I sprayed with this about 3-4 years ago which has been resting peacefully in a display case seems to have lost some of its "shine." And no, its not been exposed to sunlight, etc. So when fresh, it goes on thick and looks pretty wet and thick. After time (years?) the shine has dulled slightly. Has more shine than say a semi gloss clear still but not anywhere like it was originally. I have no intentions on ever using it again.

[Eshaver]

Obviously, there is a chemical reaction over time ................. thanks for sharing you're experiences too ! Ed Shaver

[Cato]

Anybody tried a polishing kit on it? Grits to 12,000?

[TurboKitty]

I just tried on a picture frame I coated about 6 months ago. Used 1000 grit to start, then 4000, and then 6000 grit (with soapy water each), followed by a buff with Meguiars polish and sealed with Ultimate wax. It is super slick now! But I have to agree with shucky, it does dry a bit too thick. It's not thin like Future. It's thick because once it's dry it's supposed to equal a triple application of glaze/varnish, but with one application thus the name of course. This stuff is great to create realistic old thick windows with for dioramas too. Spread it on wax paper and once it's dry just cut it to shape.

Edited October 14, 2011 by TurboKitty

[Eshaver]

Michelle , with that , why aren't you building a weathered diorama ? Ed Shaver

[Mike Kucaba]

There are all kinds of clear coatings on the market for a variety of uses. Years ago I was turned on to PPG DCA 468 Hi Performance clear and haven't looked back since. I thin this with usually PPG DTL 105 thinner.This is an acrylic lacquer product.

[TurboKitty]

Michelle , with that , why aren't you building a weathered diorama ? Ed Shaver

well, I've wanted to build a garage scene as a sort of photo backdrop, I just haven't gotten the chance to do it yet