Which gloss does everyone use?

[bman]

So for all of ya that paint and decal what gloss to you prefer before decalling? I’ve always used Model Master in the rattle can but it’s been givIng me mixed results as of late. I was looking at Krylon’s Crystal Clear as my son uses their Matte finish over his gaming mini’s and the results look great. Not to mention the can is larger for not much more than the ver a can of MM. Anyone use that?  I’ve tried airbrushing Futrue but I just can’t seem to get the process down. Just wondering what others use as stripping the same freight car a couple of times gets old after a while.  Thanks folks.

[jpwisc]

I airbrush Model Master Acryl Gloss Clear #4638. Much better control than rattle cans. I get nice smooth coats.

[hminky]

Future, can be brushed on and makes a surface that decal film can be made to disappear.



Harold

[ai5629]

I use either Testors or Model Master gloss in a rattle can.  Results have typically been acceptable.  When I airbrush a freight car, I use Scalecoat II paint since it dries to a glossy finish and there is no need to gloss the car before decalling.  Thanks.

Jeff

[peteski]

I use paints (Accu Paint, Tru Color Paint, Scalecoat II) which have semigloss sheen, ready for decals, so no need for gloss clear.  But if I had to use gloss I would likely use Testors Glosscote. But I use an airbrush, so I'm not sure if this info will be helpful to you.

[Chris333]

I use shiny gloss.   

[wvgca]

i have tried both future and krylon ,actually both the matte and high gloss,
and find the krylon in rattle cans a bit handier, easier for small areas, or single cars

[craigolio1]

I use rattle can Testors MM but I airbrush it for smoother application and better control. I shoot it from the can into the cup through a large diameter drinking straw. I do this for Krylon primer and 3m plastic adhesion promoter (automotive) as well.

I’ve tried future as well, through the airbrush, with poor results. Probably user error.

 Craig.

[tehachapifan]

As a former die-hard Polly Scale acrylic user, I'm absolutely LOVING Model Master's acrylic gloss and dull finishes via airbrush.

[bman]

I use shiny gloss.   

LOL.  I should have seen that one coming.....

I airbrush Model Master Acryl Gloss Clear #4638. Much better control than rattle cans. I get nice smooth coats.

I somehow remembered I have a bottle of MM Acryl #4637 Semi-Gloss in my box of Vallejo paints I use for table top minis. No idea why I had it but there it was. Just ran some through the airbrush onto an old shell that met the floor I keep for such occasions. I think thinned a bit that it would work well. Thanks.

I'm usually using Pollyscale(I've a stash when I found out the line was going away), Vallejo Model/Game air, or Games Workshop Chaos Black outta their rattle can. I have used Scalecoat I and II on a couple of items for some things I've painted for others(they supplied the paint) and it's very nice either via the rattle can or through the air brush. And that not having to gloss is nice too. I've Platinum Mist and CR Blue from Tru Color but I haven't tried them yet as those 2 projects come after these 40 open hoppers and a caboose that I thought I'd have done by now. I have heard nothing but praise for Tru Color from a couple of FB N scale modeling groups. When I get through this slump I'll probably settle on either Scale Coat or Tru Color. But it seems the last year I have had bad luck for some reason. Had to walk away to regroup to get my mojo back quite a few times. Really puts a damper on the hobby for me for sure. I'm sure it's something on my end but I've not a clue as to what. I've no problems with MM Dull Coat oddly enough. So I'm the only constant in this process.

 Thanks for the quick replies and ideas. I'm going to dunk these scrap shells and paint them up and give it another try before I start on hopperpalooza.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I have been using Microscale finishes a lot lately. It seems to have better control though an airbrush then Model Master or Badger finishes. They are fantastic to use with fade finishes.

For thinner, I use Tamiya. Which works with Model Master, Badger and Polly Scale.

[bman]

I have been using Microscale finishes a lot lately. It seems to have better control though an airbrush then Model Master or Badger finishes. They are fantastic to use with fade finishes.

For thinner, I use Tamiya. Which works with Model Master, Badger and Polly Scale.

Do you thin the Microscale finishes with Tamiya as well?

[craigolio1]

Yes I’ve been wondering about thinning Microscale clears as well.

Craig

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Yep. Tamiya X20A works well with nearly every acrylic paint I have used. I use mostly Badger railroad paints with basic colors from Tamiya and some Polly Scale paints for specific projects (D&H Avon Blue matches older Atlas China Conrail Blue, RBOX yellow works well for Conrail MofW trucks etc). All have worked well with Tamiya thinner with the exception of one bottle of Badger Conrail Blue, which went gunky.

[craigolio1]

Isn’t it basically just 70% alcohol?