Could I get some advice on what is the best clear coat to use before applying decals. I have read many reports from different people and all swear by a certain product. I know it boils down to personal choice but there must be one product that stands out from the crowd.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

(at present I am using Humbrol Clear Cote)

Hi Des,

I haven't really used many of the clear coats that are available, so really can't help by presenting you with alternatives. I've generally just gone for the Humbrol Matt, Gloss and Satin Cotes (the ones in the glass bottles, not the tinlets). I've never really had an issue with these except where I haven't mixed properly.

You may want to post the same question in one of this forum:

Aeroscale's Start Here (for Beginners) forum - I see you most do aeroplanes, so you'll be in good company.

Rudi

Hi Rudi.

Thanks for your input, the Humbrol product you speak of is the one I have been using.

Yes, I build only 1/32 scale WW1 aircraft, I will follow your advice and post the same question in Aeroscale Forum'

Cheers.....Des.

Hi Des,

No worries.

I apologise for not being able to provide more input and refer you elsewhere, but I'd rather refer you to the right place with the right people than give you the wrong info

Rudi

no problems Rudi...any answer is better than no answer.

When someone is starting out again after such a long break from models it takes a bit of searching to catch up on the latest techniques. I read as much as I can on all the sites just to absorb as much information as possible, look at photos, read the builds and how they are done but there are still questions that need answering. Your answer is another bit of useful information to be stored in my memory bank....so..no need to apologise.

cheers......Des.

The Yanks use a clear floor wax called (there) Future. We have a similar product with a different name, it's by Johnson & Johnson. You can thin it and clean it off with Windex glass cleaner or plain ammonia. Wonderous stuff, many seal models with it and use it as a decal base. If you make a mistake you can clean it off with ammonia/glass cleaner. It IS glossy, so you'd need a dull coat over after.

I have only used for decals as a base and sealer, and works great. Here it's called Pledge One Go.

Hope it helps.

Thanks for the info.

I am building the WNW LVG and I am at the stage of puting the lozenge on the wings. I am thinking of coating the raw plastic wings with Pledge as a base for the decals, what do you think?
The WNW site in the hints and tips section say to paint the wings with a gloss paint first before the decals, will Pledge do the same thing?

Cheers... Des.

Pledge is what I use as well and have never had any issues with it at all; perfect for decaling over the top of and prior to weathering.