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The Best Spray Paint Clearcoats for Scale Models

Model builders have a lot of options when it comes to clear gloss
RELATED TOPICS: PAINTING | MODELING TOOLS
Today’s modelers have excellent choices of hobby-based clearcoat spray paints that will enable a super-glossy result without unrealistic buildup or obscuring finely engraved details. Here are my top choices, including their pros and cons (as I’ve encountered them). Of course, your experience may vary, so I recommend trying all the options before picking a favorite.
FSDTB0521_Testors_Lacquer
Testors Wet-Look/Extreme Wet-Look Clear Lacquer

Pros: Relatively forgiving to application errors. Appear to be the most popular choice among advanced model-car builders who do not use two-part clearcoats.

Cons:
Shrinks as it dries, leaving a fine, orange-peel texture. Takes a long time to reach 100% hardened. Testors lacquer cans can develop leaky bottoms over time. Testors has been reconfiguring its hobby paint lines in recent years and availability may be affected. 

Advice: Don’t panic if the paint appears milky immediately after application; even in humid weather, it usually dries clear. 


FSDTB0521_Tamiya_Lacquer
Tamiya Clear (TS-13)

Pros: Levels well, requiring less post-painting tweaks to yield a high-gloss result. Smooth finish if all goes well during application. Widely available.

Cons:
Less forgiving of mistakes during application; can eat into base coats (causing base-coat colors to pull away from engraved panel lines, edges, etc.) if applied before the base coat color has dried for several days. 

Advice:
Can cause bubbles to form on the painted surface if applied too close to the surface, so err on the side of caution and paint from a greater distance than with other spray cans. Be cautious about applying in a cold environment.


FSDTB0521_MrHobby_TopCoat
Mr. Hobby Mr. Super Clear Gloss (B-513) and Gloss Topcoat (B-501)

Pros: Both products apply well, seem to be very forgiving during application, and dry quickly to a much harder surface than some other clears.

Cons:
I have not found any cons after multiple uses.

Advice:
The formulas are somewhat different between the two Mr. Hobby paints, so I recommend trying them both. FSM contributor Bob Downie says he is impressed with Gloss Topcoat and has decanted and airbrushed it when combined with Mr. Hobby Mr. Color Thinner. 


FSDTB0521_Model_Master_enamel
Testors/Model Master High Gloss Clearcoat Enamel

Pros: Glossy and smooth finish when appropriately polished after it’s dry.

Cons: Slow to dry. Yellows over time, which is most visible when used over white, pales colors, or silver paints. Modern enamel formulas area somewhat less forgiving than their 1960s-1980s equivalents. Testors has been reconfiguring its hobby paint lines in recent years and availability may be affected.

Advice: Use with a dehydrator to hasten drying time and fully harden paint surfaces. Consider trying one of the lacquer-based alternatives described above and see which results you prefer.


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