I use Tamiya Clear (X-22) to add gloss to my models and protect the decals, etc. But I have a problem, I let the coat dry for 10-15 days, but during the final assembly, my fingerprints damage the finish…probably I am not using the correct dilution (50% clear, 50% Acrilic Thinner Tamiya X20-A), or probably I have radioactivity on my fingertips???[:I]
I have never used Tamiya Clear on my models. But i do use a semi gloss that you can buy at your hardware store or even walmart. It is water based so it is easy to use. There is no mixing or anything. It applies great and has a great gloss to it. I wish i could remember the exact name to it, i will get it for you later. I promise you that it will be much cheaper. I have used it on all of my models. That is the first thing that people notice, is how real it looks!
Its called Polycrylic by Minwax Co. The kind i have is in a blue can. Be sure to read the can because they have a lot of different kinds for different applications. It drys fast, so none of that 10-15 days of waiting. I put 3 coats on mine with in an hour. Be sure to spend good money on a nice paint brush. Be sure that its real soft. They even sell brushes for it special. The people at Home Depot will know what to point you to. Get a couple different sizes. A tip though: dont shake the can, stir it. It will buble if you shake it.
xcmbike,
I’ve got more paints/clears/thinners, etc than I have shelf room for. But… you’ve convinced me to go out a find this product and test it out. Thanks for the advice.
M.
No problem. Let me know how it works for you. I would be willing to say that you can clear your shelf. Good luck.
Thank you very much for the tips…
I’ve also found Tamiya clear to take a very long time to dry if applied in several heavy coats. I don’t use it any longer - I use Future. Future may take quite a number of coats to develop a gloss (apply several very light coats) but it dries very hard after 24-48 hours or so.
It takes a long time to dry AND it really depends on what it was sprayed over.
Wait at least two weeks if the coating was heavy and then polish. As you polish you might find some soft spots. Put the model down and come back in a day or so.
If some fingerprints etc remain, let it sit. You’ll be amazed at how they level out and vanish after a while.