How do you seal a paint job?

Well, I am just about finished with the paint job on the G Force. I ended up using Parma brand water based paint. Mostly because that is what I had on hand. How should I seal the paint job? Could I use spray Polyurethane with nice results? I have concerns that any clear I use will eventually turn yellow. Should I not be concerned?

You will find many opinions on this. I believe (and practice), that the easiest method is to use a foam brush and apply a couple coats of Future Floor Finish.

dixontj93060 said:

Use a foam brush and apply a couple coats of Future Floor Finish.

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This floor finish lays down smooth and never turns yellow over time?

Does doing this have aerodynamic benefits as well?

Green Jello said:

Does doing this have aerodynamic benefits as well?

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No more than the paint does

You can also get an Acrylic clear gloss spray at places like Michael's Art supply that is UV safe ( doesn't yellow ) and is safe to use over any water based paint. I've even used it over enamels, once they are wet sanded, with good results. It's also nice because it is low odor and when you need to spray indoors it is a definate plus.

Thanks everyone for the info.

aditat2 said:

You can also get an Acrylic clear gloss spray at places like Michael's Art supply that is UV safe ( doesn't yellow ) and is safe to use over any water based paint. I've even used it over enamels, once they are wet sanded, with good results. It's also nice because it is low odor and when you need to spray indoors it is a definate plus.

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This works well. I also use future.

The acrylic can be found called Liquitex High Gloss Varnish. Here is a pic:



I've used it over a variety of acrylic/enamel/lacquers and it's fine.

Marc

I personally like a flat or satin look, so I use a flat clear krylon or similar coat. By similar I mean, if I am using Krylon paint, I use Krylon clear... same with Rustoleum.

This works great on water based paint. get it at Micheal's

Is there a product like the Future Furniture polish that comes in a spray can for easy application?

Airbrush application may work here... has anyone applied Future withh an airbrush?

DRAGON64 said:

Airbrush application may work here... has anyone applied Future withh an airbrush?

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Yes, often.

I have sprayed Future with my airbrush. No problem at all. Just wash the airbrush parts thoroughly immediately when you are done to avoid it setting up in them.

If you are going to do this, do you need to apply a clear coat over waterslide decals first?

Green Jello said:

If you are going to do this, do you need to apply a clear coat over waterslide decals first?

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No, the Future seals the decals.

Do you need to keep applying the Future over time, or is one application pretty much enough for a rocket's lifetime?

Green Jello said:

Do you need to keep applying the Future over time, or is one application pretty much enough for a rocket's lifetime?

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Probably depends on the rocket's life span. :lol:

Marc_G said:

I have sprayed Future with my airbrush. No problem at all. Just wash the airbrush parts thoroughly immediately when you are done to avoid it setting up in them.

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Is the finish very smooth or does the Future required a light sanding and polish job?

Green Jello said:

Do you need to keep applying the Future over time, or is one application pretty much enough for a rocket's lifetime?

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That is the nice thing about Future. At anytime you can use a mix of 1/3rd ammonia and 2/3rd water. Wipe it on the rocket and the Future will dissolve. Follow with another wipe of water. Then reapply. This is most convenient when you have a hard landing and have to do a repair. Remove the Future, fix the paint job, reshoot. BTW, no need to sand between Future coats.

dixontj93060 said:

You will find many opinions on this. I believe (and practice), that the easiest method is to use a foam brush and apply a couple coats of Future Floor Finish.

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No need to use a foam brush. Future will airbrush without needing to be thinned. Clean your brush by spraying some windex through it and you're good to go. Quicker than painting it on and you get a super smooth finish every time.

Once the Future has been applied how long is the cure time. Also, Can a coat of wax be put on after cured.

paul.nortness said:

No need to use a foam brush. Future will airbrush without needing to be thinned. Clean your brush by spraying some windex through it and you're good to go. Quicker than painting it on and you get a super smooth finish every time.

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Foam brush is a convenient option for those that don't have an airbrush. Future is self-leveling and will resist bubbles if applied smooth and slow. Keep your rocket at an upright angle and all drips will run to one location which you can catch with a paper towel.

geodehunter said:

Once the Future has been applied how long is the cure time. Also, Can a coat of wax be put on after cured.

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It takes 20 to 30 minutes to dry to the touch. Wait 8 hours to apply a second coat. After the second coat wait another 8 hours to buff/wax. I would use NuFinish or Mother's. Apply very lightly and buff with a soft cloth.

The paints that I use self-seal as they dry. Most spray paints do, in fact. I don't apply any additional sealer.

dixontj93060 said:

Foam brush is a convenient option for those that don't have an airbrush. Future is self-leveling and will resist bubbles if applied smooth and slow. Keep your rocket at an upright angle and all drips will run to one location which you can catch with a paper towel.

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Well, the label says 8 hours. I give it at least a day when I use it on decals.

I apply acrylic floor finish to decals (not paint, though; see above) with a cube of sponge cut from a large car washing ("dog bone") sponge. I dip it in a shallow pan of the finish, squeeze it out a little so that it isn't dripping, and then swipe the decals with it. Foam brushes leave way too many bubbles and don't do much to control runs. Future, in case you haven't used it yet, runs very aggressively, so you need to apply it in very light coats, and using a damp sponge facilitates that. Swiping with a sponge (do not use a cellulose sponge!) that has been dampened with the acrylic finish has been the method that has worked out the best for me.

So by now we can all agree that Future is the Future... I wonder if my wife will let me use her airbrush outfit sometime.

DRAGON64 said:

So by now we can all agree that Future is the Future... I wonder if my wife will let me use her airbrush outfit sometime.

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or pledge with future. thats the only one i can find.

3boydad said:

or pledge with future. thats the only one i can find.

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Same formula, different package, I'm pretty sure. Works well!


Later!

--Coop