Clear coat paint Help

[Gavster]

I have Finished my 2010 Challenger, i was suggested to Clear coat it to preserve it. it has R/T Decals and i wanna keep those on nice an clean. Is Clear coating needed for my model cars for the future and now? and if so, what kind of Clear Coat should i get? i have been using Testors Spray cans to paint my models.

[Bluemiles22]

I like the enamel clear from testors out of the jar thinned and shot through an airbrush. If its enamel paint use enamel clear. In this case I wouldn't even clear coat because it's a non metallic/pearl paint. Just polish it up and it should shine up nice. As far as spray cans Ive tried the testors laquer clear with a decent result but it was only once so I'm no expert. Hope this helps.

[Gavster]

it did, thank you very much

[Casey]

I have Finished my 2010 Challenger, i was suggested to Clear coat it to preserve it. it has R/T Decals and i wanna keep those on nice an clean. Is Clear coating needed for my model cars for the future and now? and if so, what kind of Clear Coat should i get? i have been using Testors Spray cans to paint my models.

It not strictly necessary, as it won't provide any extra "protection", other than to maybe prevent the decals from peeling up if they are not fully adhered to the body in some areas. You do need to be careful when clearcoating over decals, however, as certain paints will not react well with the decals. Usually, light mist coats are applied over decals to seal them, then heavier coats can be applied after the lighter mist coats have "flashed off".

If you're polishing the paint and you use a metallic or candy paint as the topcoat, then yes, you DO need to apply clear as the final layer(s) if you plan to polish the paint. If it's a solid, opaque color like black, white, etc., you do not need a clear topcoat..but some people like to add one anyway.

Some automotive type (such as Duplicolor) spray paints are a BC/CC (basecoat/clearcoat) two-stage finish, so the cap will tell you if a clearcoat is required when using a Duplicolor color.