What is best for clear coating a white finish? Future or Glosscote?? I’ve heard many say that Future will yellow over time, but I’ve also heard the same thing regarding Glosscote. I usually want my white finishes to be glossy…
Almost any clear coat will yellow given sufficient time and exposure. The two “yellowing agents” are ultraviolet and oxygen, followed by atmospheric pollutants.
Future will yellow after about six years external exposure—that’s a heavy dose of UV. Unless your models are displayed in sunlight or high UV fluorescents, you will probably never notice.
HOWEVER, there is a caveat. (Isn’t there always?) This assumes the Future is relatively fresh and unexposed, itself. Six year old Future, as liquid in the bottle, has already started to alter, and will yellow on much less exposure.
Ever considered using car wax? Wax on…wax off. Test on a sample first before you commit to the model…it does provide a stunning shine as well as protection. I’ve used it several times.
The hard paste waxes are best for this. Don’t use one of the “cleaning” types.
And yes, these too will yellow over time. BUT: Apply these over Future. They will protect the Future and slow its own yellowing process. Car waxes can be removed relatively easily with ordinary dish detergent. Thus, if any yellowing of the car wax occurs, simply wash in detergent (don’t soak it!) and reapply the wax.