I have finished painting the exterior airframe (and cockpit) of my 1:48 Sea Fury. The aircraft is (mostly) built and painted but without cowl, landing gear, windscreens, and/or small (breakable) external parts (all completed but unmounted).
Before I begin final assembly, I’d like recommendations wrt gloss coat now and subsequently add decals (assuming gloss coat again after decals too)? Or add decals now (to the flat paint) and then gloss coat?
I have future floor wax, Testors Model Master Decal Set, Tamiya X-22 clear, and a pretty good airbrush.
The gloss coat is a must BEFORE decals are applied . They lay down better and cause less subsequent problems. The gloss coat also is a must for any washes you may care to apply especially good when enhancing panel lines.
I have used Future for a gloss coat or two with no problems but my favorite combination is Model Master Glosss Clear, then 2 MIST coats of Testor’s Clear Laquer Dull coat thinned 20% with laquer thinner. the laquer thinner really makes the finish dead flat.
Whatever products you decide to use, make sure to apply thin coats , more than 1 if you need to. I’ve made the mistake of spraying 1 coat too heavy and it doesn’t work so pretty good.