Author Topic: Best clear coat from a rattle can? Best meaning smooth finish (Read 5877 times)

HuskerN · « **on:** November 27, 2013, 12:12:35 PM »

Guys, I have testors rattle cans of dull and gloss coat, and I am finding that it is hard to get a very light coat on a small model. In order to get smooth, I end up putting a more generous coat then desired. Or a lighter coat seems to be splotchy. Is there a rattle can that will put out a very smooth and fine spray? I have used min wax brand poly from a can for woodworking, and I love the very fine mist that it sprays.

I guess I could see if the min wax nozzle would fit on the testors can? I could also airbrush, but it is cold this time of year, so the garage really doesn't allow me to paint there. I also prefer to use a rattle can for ease of effort.

Thanks,

HuskerN

Philip H · « **Reply #1 on:** November 27, 2013, 12:14:22 PM »

Stick the can in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for a couple of minutes before you spray it. Why it works - who knows, but it does.

wazzou · « **Reply #2 on:** November 27, 2013, 12:42:41 PM »

I have pretty good luck with the Model Master line by Testors. I think the nozzle atomizes the spray much finer, solving these issues.

mplsjct · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2013, 01:14:50 PM »

I like that warm water idea, I'll have to give that a try.

Sokramiketes · « **Reply #4 on:** November 27, 2013, 01:56:14 PM »

I've found the Model Master version of Dullcote has a different nozzle, slightly finer, as well. With Dullcote I've never found an appreciable buildup when spraying it on heavy though. You really do want to soak the model to avoid the splotchiness. Warming the can helps some.

I haven't tried the Glosscote like this though, so maybe it has more buildup than the Dullcote. But that Dullcote seems to be mostly carrier and less "paint" so it evaporates and lays down nice after you overcome the fear of putting too much on.

sizemore · « **Reply #5 on:** November 27, 2013, 02:09:49 PM »

Model Master, hands down. Just make sure your surface is clean and dry. If you plan on weathering on MM or Testers dullcoat, tread lightly when using alcohol as a thinning agent for washes, the alcohol will sometimes cause whitening. Not a sermon just speaking from past experience.

The S.

Bendtracker1 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2013, 02:23:43 PM »

Quote from: sizemore on November 27, 2013, 02:09:49 PM

Model Master, hands down. Just make sure your surface is clean and dry. If you plan on weathering on MM or Testers dullcoat, tread lightly when using alcohol as a thinning agent for washes, the alcohol will sometimes cause whitening. Not a sermon just speaking from past experience.

The S.

The good news if you wind up with some whitening, another coat of MM or Dull Coat will make it disappear.

kalbert · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2013, 02:54:05 PM »

Not a spray can, but try dipping the part in Future. It sounds crazy bit it works well. High gloss without the thick dipped in honey look. I've also heard but not verified that a few drops of Simple Green in the Future makes for even more shine.

Jeff AKA St0rm · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2013, 04:29:33 PM »

I have given up on Testors when it come to spray cans. Tamiya is the only spray can I will use. They have a finer nozzle almost as good as an air brush. Flat Clear is # TS-80 Semi Gloss is #TS-79 and Clear is TS-13. Try it and you will never use anything else again. It also works for sealing in oil paint if you use it for weathering. I spray it right away even if the oil is wet and it drys right away.

Pennsy · « **Reply #9 on:** November 27, 2013, 05:38:57 PM »

kalbert

What's Simple Green?

TIA

Jim

peteski · « **Reply #10 on:** November 27, 2013, 05:45:03 PM »

Quote from: Pennsy on November 27, 2013, 05:38:57 PM

kalbert

What's Simple Green?

TIA

Jim

Here is the scoop on Future: a complete and illustrated reference http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html
Yes, it mentions Simple Green (not to be confused with Soylent Green).

bbussey · « **Reply #11 on:** November 27, 2013, 06:25:28 PM »

Quote from: kalbert on November 27, 2013, 02:54:05 PM

Not a spray can, but try dipping the part in Future. It sounds crazy bit it works well. High gloss without the thick dipped in honey look. I've also heard but not verified that a few drops of Simple Green in the Future makes for even more shine.

^ This. Particularly for models of vehicles.

nsbob · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2013, 07:46:06 PM »

Quote from: Pennsy on November 27, 2013, 05:38:57 PM

kalbert

What's Simple Green?

TIA

Jim

It's a spray type cleaner/degreaser sold at any home improvement store or the automotive section of Walmart. I have used it for stripping the paint from shells but it doesn't strip all paints. I have soaked shells for several days in Simple Green without any damage to the shell.

kalbert · « **Reply #13 on:** November 27, 2013, 07:49:50 PM »

Future also is magic on clear parts, like cab windows. I don't know why, can't explain it, but a dip in Future makes clear plastic appear to have no thickness at all.

HuskerN · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2013, 08:42:26 AM »

how does one obtain a bottle of Future? A quick google search shows "Pledge with Future", but is that what is being used?

It does sound interesting. What's next, gravy for track cleaner?

HuskerN