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astronot
12-24-2013, 12:04 PM
I just finished putting the decals on my Semroc Ranger. I took a little bit of artistic license with the paint scheme to help mask some imperfections in the black paint lines, so it doesn't look like a true original, but close enough for me.

My question is, does anyone know if the thicker decals that you get in some Semroc kits hold up to clear coating? I'm using Rustoleum clear. I don't want to clear coat it if it's going to react badly.

Thanks for the help,

David

I really like the thicker decals you sometimes get through Semroc kits. They are almost Vinyl tough.

CPMcGraw
12-24-2013, 03:29 PM
I use a product that used to be called "Future Floor Finish", or known here as FFF. I think it's called "Pledge with Future... something-or-other" these days.

Simple description - it's a clear acrylic you can spray un-thinned with an airbrush, or just apply with a soft brush. Clean-up is warm soapy water. I used it 5 years ago on a Sat-1B that went to Dallas and back, and it still hasn't faded or yellowed.

It's also quite a bit cheaper than those spray can clearcoats, and provides for a large number of models. I still have a portion of that bottle I worked from on a shelf in the shop, and it's just as usable today as it was then.

dvmanning
12-25-2013, 10:01 AM
David, I know it is always a matter of preference, but, I always clear coat first and then apply the decals. After everything has had a chance to dry good, I apply a coat of model paste wax. This method, at least for me, has kept decals from discoloring.

jeffyjeep
12-25-2013, 11:17 AM
+1 to the Future Floor Polish. Future is the only thing I use over decals for gloss coating. Since I don't own an airbrush, I apply it with a 1/2" mop marten hair artist's brush. A little goes a LONG way--otherwise it will run.

I finished THIS Ranger with Future Floor Polish.

astronot
12-25-2013, 12:01 PM
Thanks for the tips guys.

Jeffyjeep how do you get such a good checker board pattern on you rocket? What's your technique?

What size masking tape are you using and any tips you have would be great. Very nice job. Almost looks like a decal wrap. Very impressive.

I'm just using standard painter's tape from Home Depot and Lowes.

I'll be hunting me down some Future Floor polish once the Holidays are in the rearview mirror.

Thanks,

David

CPMcGraw
12-25-2013, 12:10 PM
Thanks for the tips guys...

I'll be hunting me down some Future Floor polish once the Holidays are in the rearview mirror.

Wal-Mart, in the floor care products section. Remember it's called "Pledge" now...

Picture of bottle (https://www.google.com/search?q=pledge+with+future+shine&tbm=isch&source=iu&imgil=f9zzKq9gpNOGRM%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcRrMoGq1fd71pLBUdYoH8XIUn8HLRxucqbidSep9TbFBkfnNnQEWg%253B500%253B500%253BicWiHhWtSTh2TM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.walmart.com%25252Fip%25252FPledge-Floor-Care-27-fl-oz%25252F15136693&sa=X&ei=zR-7UpzFLobQkQe-lYCABg&ved=0CFYQ9QEwAQ&biw=1440&bih=762#facrc=_&imgrc=f9zzKq9gpNOGRM%3A%3BicWiHhWtSTh2TM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fi.walmartimages.com%252Fi%252Fp%252F00%252F04%252F65%252F00%252F00%252F0004650000182_500X500.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.walmart.com%252Fip%252FPledge-Floor-Care-27-fl-oz%252F15136693%3B500%3B500)

jeffyjeep
12-25-2013, 12:19 PM
Thanks for the tips guys.

Jeffyjeep how do you get such a good checker board pattern on you rocket? What's your technique?

What size masking tape are you using and any tips you have would be great. Very nice job. Almost looks like a decal wrap. Very impressive.

I'm just using standard painter's tape from Home Depot and Lowes.

I'll be hunting me down some Future Floor polish once the Holidays are in the rearview mirror.

Thanks,

David
Thanks!

While building, I ALWAYS have a dress maker's tape around my neck or in my pocket for measuring circumferences. I measured the circumference of the Ranger's BT, divided by 4, and then slit the black portions from black adhesive film and laid it over the prepainted white sections.

Doug Sams
12-25-2013, 01:34 PM
A little [Future ] goes a LONG way--otherwise it will run.A-men!

It can be tricky to work with. It comes out runny, but, once it starts setting, it seems to dry almost too fast - one can find himself leaving brush strokes in it.

Great looking Ranger! It inspires me to go build one!

Doug

.

tbzep
12-25-2013, 02:37 PM
David,

If you want to use rattle can clear coat, just spray it on the scrap decal material you had left over after cutting them out for the model. If it doesn't react, you know it will be safe.

That said, I use Future like the others mentioned. There are many methods to apply: airbrush, foam brush, paper towel, etc. Some coat and then wipe excess, some coat and rotate, air brushers can apply just like you would any regular paint....but with air brushing, you get into using it straight or cutting it....then you get into cutting it with water, with Windex, etc. Everything is so simple here! :D

chrism
12-25-2013, 04:22 PM
I also use Future as a decal setting solution. It really makes the decal settle down nicely.

wz2p7j
12-27-2013, 05:12 PM
You guys are all geniuses in my humble opinion. I HATE Future. Won't touch it, won't use it. To me it's a rocket killer, effed up so many of my nice builds. Anyway, hats off to you Future guys. I've never been able to master anything with Future, brush on, air brush, etc. For me, there's, uh, no future in it.

Chris