semi gloss laquer over enamel?

[bjblasko]

Anybody know if it's safe to use Testor's semi gloss clear lacquer over their model master enamels? I'd doing a 1/350 PL refit (with aztec decals) and the detail painting is all enamels. I'd like to cover all the dedals with a semi-gloss but I don't want to screw up the detailng. I've been told that it MIGHT be OK if I put on several very light coats of the lacquer, but I'd like to hear that from somebody that's actually done it.

[SpaceRanger1]

Some have reported no problems using Testors lacquer over enamel, but to be on the safe side, one should NEVER apply lacquer over enamel. Most lacquers will dissolve most enamels. The rule is:

Acrylic over enamel over lacquer.

[irishtrek]

Some one said that the Testor lacquer is realy an enamel. And I think I read it here or on Hobbytalk.

[dizzyfugu]

Yup, the Testors stuff is oil-based, just as the enamels, and the Testors/Model Master enamels (esp. those from the Authentic Line) are prone to dissolve under enamel-style varnish. To be safe, use a water-based varnish, e .g. some acryllic stuff. Tamiya has a very goos semi-gloss acryllic varnish.

[Mr. Badwrench]

I do this all the time and have no trouble with it. But I've also been thinning my MM enamels with lacquer thinner for the past several years. I think if you gloss coat with Future for decal application, then tone the finish down with a final coat of semi-gloss lacquer, you won't have any problem at all.

[bjblasko]

Thanks for all the answers and suggestions. I e-mailed Testor's and they told me that their enamel-based semi gloss clear (FS-3) is still available and that is what they suggest I use to be safe. They have an on-line store that you can order from if you can't get it any other way.

[Joseph Osborn]

Thanks for all the answers and suggestions. I e-mailed Testor's and they told me that their enamel-based semi gloss clear (FS-3) is still available and that is what they suggest I use to be safe. They have an on-line store that you can order from if you can't get it any other way.

I think that would be the second-safest solution, with a water-based acrylic clear being the safest. One word of caution when using the enamel clear: it will eventually yellow a little bit if applied over white or any other very light color. Your Big E might look a little jaundiced after a while.

[Dukat, S.G.]

Anybody know if it's safe to use Testor's semi gloss clear lacquer over their model master enamels? I'd doing a 1/350 PL refit (with aztec decals) and the detail painting is all enamels. I'd like to cover all the dedals with a semi-gloss but I don't want to screw up the detailng. I've been told that it MIGHT be OK if I put on several very light coats of the lacquer, but I'd like to hear that from somebody that's actually done it.

I frequently apply coats of Testor's Dullcote and Glosscote over enamels, though I should note that it's been years since I attempted a model as big as the 1/350 PL refit.

That said, I've never had any problems provided the enamel has had plenty of time to cure. If your detail painting and basecoat have dried now for upwards of a week or more, you should be good to go. Give it two weeks to be safe, and then I honestly don't foresee any problems in using lacquer overcoats.

[bjblasko]

So is the advantage of the lacquer that it won't yellow?

[Joseph Osborn]

So is the advantage of the lacquer that it won't yellow?

That's one advantage. Another is that it dries much faster than enamel, which usually takes a week or more to fully dry.

[Mark Yungblut]

I always recommend testing.

I had the Testors Model Car gloss totally orange peel a metal figure painted with enamels (Knight Models Ironman) two weeks before Wonderfest. Of course I did not adhere to my own advise because I was in a hurry. That spray clear was seriously hot. I watched it crinkle right before my very eyes. So these days I always make a test card to check. I've seen where a hot clear can be fine with a non metallic color on a model but totally dissolve a metallic...