Is it okay to spray a clear gloss lacquer over clear parts, like an aircraft canopy? Will the pieces remian clear? I'm using Testors clear gloss lacquer.

Nic

I haven't done this before, but I guess there's only one way of finding out......try it.

Have some clear scrap material and go for it. If you do, please inform us on how it worked out.

Isn´t there a special product for shining canopies? I think there is, I´ve seen some airplanes with magnificent ultra-gloss canopies and that can´t be achieved with any cote I´ve tried.
Any info about this kind of product anyone?


Toni

Nic & Toni

I belive the usual method for gloss coating canopys is to dip them in Future/Klear

There's a product for working on canopies : tamyia compound.
It's useful when you've got to rework a part of your canopy that you sanded.

That is it Future the wonder floor wax. At least you can get the wife to buy it say Honey next time pick me a case of Future Floor Wax dear and she will think that you are one heck of a Husband that wants to help around the house

Cause this only works once so that is the reason for the CASE

So, i take it I should mask the clear parts before clear coating the model? Thanks for all the replies, guys.

Nic

What I understand is that you dip the clear parts in Future first, let cure for a day or two, then you can mask and paint framing. Future can clear up rough canopies by smoothing the surface. If teh canopy is badly scratched plastic polish or a woman's nail polishing system should be used to remove the scratches first, as PenPen stated. If teh canopy is relatively clear and unblemished I do not mess with it. Look at real canopies of aircraft in service, despite the crew chiefs best efforts, canopies and windscreens will get scratched and hazed.

If you have to keep the canopy closed, usually because it comes in one piece, and you want to show off the cockpit, then use Future. If building out of the box and not much to see in cockpit, and canopy is not blemished, I say don't do any thing and it will help hide the lack of a cockpit

The aircraft canopies that come with kits are rather thick, one scale you'll have a 5 cm or thicker glass. If you spray a couat of laquer on it, it will look even thicker (laquer effect for the light), unrealistic and off-scale.

Instead you can polish the canopy, using Future for instance.