Many modelers on this forum use a lacquer-based dullcoat while others use Future mixed with Tamiya Acrylic X-21 Flat Base.
Given my disastrous recent experience with Model Master Clear Flat Lacquer, I have to wonder: Why do any of you guys use a lacquer dullcoat?
In other words; What does lacquer dullcoat provide you that Future/flat base doesn’t?
I tried a search for the answer first but came up empty-handed.
Never, ever, use laquer varnish. Over acrylics, it’s just asking for trouble, and over enamels it’s still a bit risky. If you can get Humbrol Mattcote (not their new aerosol matt varnish), that’s the way to go. Failing that, Future/ flat base works pretty well, and has the edge on cost terms.
Chris.
KTNR,
With all the good acrylic paints and clear coats out now adays, I would stay away from laquer in most situations. I really like Model Master clear flat Acryl. Never had a problem with it over Future that has cured for 48 hour.
Dean
While I am usually the first person to tout the benefits of Future, for a flat finish I suggest Polly Scale clear flat. I used to use Testers Dull Coat and did have a few issues but since shifting to the Polly Scale product (2 years ago) I have never had a problem - not one. Highly recommend this as your dull coat/ flat coat.
[#ditto]. Based on Swanny’s praise of Polly Scale flat, I began using it a few months ago & it is the best I have used. I used to use Testors Dull Cote exclusively, but no more. Thanks Matt !
Regards, Rick
Thanks Rick. After melting a few decals of my own I knew I had to find something better. I now buy Polly Scale clear flat in six packs.
well, thats the first step of recovery swanny, admitting your addiction bubba!![;)] i use mm acry clear flat and have never had any trouble either. i like the stuff because it leaves a slight sheen to it that looks realistic to me. later.
POLLY S (or Polly Scale as it is now called) is da’ bomb yo. [:)]
I have been using Polly S for the past ump-teen years now and will never use anything else, except for maybe Humbrol.
My dad introduced me to this paint when i first began modeling, and showed me the benefits of airbrushing with this sort of water-based paint. Clean up is/was always easy, and whatever “watery” residue i have left in the bottle, i simply use as an already prep’d “wash”.
The other nice thing about Polly S is if you make a mistake, and you catch it in time, you can simply wipe off with a wet rag, dry, and try again.
I have used Testors Dullcote spray and testors Glosscote spray over Modelmaster enamels, Polly S and Pactra Acylics and have never had a serious problem (I did have the decals get ate from Dullcoat once though). I only recently started using Future. I know everyone warns about using lacquers over acrylics and enamels but I haven’t had a problem and have been doing it for over 10 years and almost 100 models (not saying you should try it though). I have also a few times painted lacquer over acylics over enamels and probably lacquers over enamels over acylics also. Of course I always put light coats of the Dullcote over the model to help prevent eating through the paint and I also have absolutely NO desire to put Dullcote over Future