Weathering process/protection

[BamaCapsfan]

Going through a number of posts and tutorials (I followed Coen's process he posted on the Sherman, came out good) I want ensurance that I've got the weathering process down right. After the decals are on I apply Alclad gloss to the entire model, then after drying I begin the pin washing. From there I should apply Dullcote (couple of coats). The model is now ready for applying the rest of the weathering effects, oils, grime, stains, dirt, mud, etc. I am using Mig, Ammo, and Windsor oils. Does this sound correct?

I've got two armor models painted ready go and they are looking pretty sharp, so I don't want screw them up. I'm interested in making sure I'm using the right products, Alclad and Dullcote.

[schweinhund227]

I don't think he meant DULLCOAT but a dull coat ! which could be yet another "Acrylic" semi-gloss or acrylic matt coat ! to give the remainder enamel weathering products something to cling on !

also ALCLAD Aqua Gloss should be on your model prior you adding the Decals... then you can seal them in with yet another coat of Aqua gloss and you are then ready for enamel weathering products... like filters or pin washes...

if you use artist Oils for (dot filters) and Enamel based weathering products like AK or AMMO for filters and washes and so-forth ... you want all of your clear (protection) coats to be "Acrylic based" !

if you use an Enamel clear coat and later start using Ammo washes or filters... you will damage your ((enamel clear coat)) and what ever is underneath ! as a rule of thumb... Clear coats (protection coats) should be the opposite in nature to your weathering products... that way, you are pretty much assured full protection.

I wish you all the best.... happy modelling !

[BamaCapsfan]

Thanks. Got any recommendations on a good quality acrylic clear products. BTW enjoying your YouTube channel.

[Eddie]

My prefered method is to lay down a gloss coat after the base coat, just before the decals. after I put decals on I seal them with a gloss varnish and after that a light satin varnish, sometimes only a satin varnish. that's all.

in MY opinion the model looks flat if you cover it with a matte coat in the end and in my eyes doesn't look very realistic. (Unless you're doing some modern tanks, which are actually matte in real life).

There is an interesting video on YouTube of Mig Jimenez himself, where he covers this topic. It might be helpful:

https://youtu.be/8h2h4iM-uJs?t=27m14s

[Augustus]

Thanks. Got any recommendations on a good quality acrylic clear products. BTW enjoying your YouTube channel.

Bam for a gloss coat you can't beat Alclads Aqua Gloss (it's their only acrylic clear coat) and for mat I now use AKs Ultra Matte and find it real nice mate.

[digger303]

Winston and newton acrylic matte is very good as well if you can get it. It's normally sold in art stores.

[schweinhund227]

Thanks. Got any recommendations on a good quality acrylic clear products. BTW enjoying your YouTube channel.

Thank you !

just to make sure... Do you have ACL-600 Aqua Gloss Clear on hand ? as previously mentioned, it is their "only" Acrylic Clear coat...
I was a big Future floor wax users in the past.... but since moved on to this incredible product ! much stronger and I urge anyone to get their hands on it !

and I want to point out.... that Even thou Alclad has a whole series of "Clear Kote" !!! Those are not what you would want to use during the weathering process; if you decide to weather your models with Enamel products.... They would not offer you the same protection against Turpentines and other paint thinners used in blending and thinning those AK or AMMO or Oils we tend to use...

Test first on an old model or scrap plastic first... then move your technique over your model... that way you won't ruin anything you work so hard on....

best of luck and happy modeling !

[BamaCapsfan]

Thanks. I'm sold on Alclad Aqua. Easy to work with and produces goods results. Did the future route on aircraft and didn't get same results. Future was good, just not as good as what Alclad gives me.