Hi,
I am new to the forum and would like to say hello firstly!
I have a question about using Johnsons Klear as a base to apply decals.
I would like to know if you use it straight from the container of thin it?Also,whether you apply via the airbrush and how well will sealing coats of matt modelling varnish adhere to it?
Also i would like to know what upgrade kits are available for the old Tamiya Pz 4 Ausf D?
Thanks and Regards,Sturmgeshutz.

Welcome Sturmgechutz:
Here are some quick answers:

1) Johnsons Klear (Future in USA) can be used straight w/o thinning
2) airbrush is my preferred method -- several light misting coats over specific area
3) brush is okay but Klear can be kinda thick -- watch for brush marks
4) I've never had adherence problems over it -- its chemical composition is quite similar to acrylic paints themselves
5) Upgrades to the Tamiya Pz IV D? The Tristar kit -- no really. Tristar has produced one of the best kits in 1-35 scale of the tired Tamiya kit. (If you can ignore my cheekiness, Tristar released a very detailed suspension upgrade for any Pz IV, there is an Eduard PE set for the Tamiya Pz IV D and there are many track and barrel sets available)

Hi!
Thanks very much for the very helpfull reply!!
I will be applying the Klear later,how long do you need to let it dry before applying the decals?
I will also be posting a question later about an airbrush problem I have,but need to upload a photot and I must go out now.
Thanks and again,Lynton.

I leave at least 24 hours, longer if I can before applying decals. Not least because I like, to apply lots of microsol. I find a second coat of Klear after the decals have set helps seal them and protect them against the solvent for my washes.

To break from the norm, I apply my apply my decals while the Future/Klear is still wet.

I will only apply Future where the decal is going to go, not spray thw whole thing. The wet Future also acts like a setting solution, making the decal to conform to any raised and/or recessed details.

G'day

Can't get this stuff in Australia....... , but I'll be travelling to London in Late September and plan to pick myself up a lifetime supply when i'm there.... - two bottles should see me through.....

Sturmgeshutz,
First let me extend a welcome.
Great advice from all the posts, but if I may add to it. I airbrush and dilute the Klear (Future) with window cleaner with amonia. When finished spraying I clean the brush with straight window cleaner.
Joe

Hi,
Thanks for the welcome and all the replies!!
I have just posted a picture to my gallery of Tamiyas Marder 3m that i have been building.This is my first 1/35 model and the first i have airbrushed.
I would like to know what I am doing wrong to get such a prominant 'overspray'if thats what it's called?Where i get such a visibly speckled edge to the work?
Is this normal or can anyone help with what I am doing wrong?
Thanks,Sturmgeshutz.

There can be a number of different reasons why the spray is spattering, plus there could be a combination of more than one reasons. The first problem could be with the thickness of the paint. Has it been thinned or mixed well? Is the air pressure correct? Do you have the correct nossle in the airbrush? Was the needle cleaned? Have you cleaned the needle often during spraying? How far away from the model are you?

I think the most likely problem may be the paint consistency, followed by the air pressure.

I find that the biggest problem with airbrushing has been that you need a lot of time to practice to learn how your airbrush/paint combination works best. For finer line work you will need a fine nossle with a thin paint mix. Does your airbrush have alternate hi-flow, medium and fine nossles?

Sorry if this doesn't answer your question but airbrushing does take a fair bit of learning.

However, I do think that your spray job is far from bad. Could it not be that the spray gun was used in the field and it was the crew who sprayed it that way?

Ross

Hi Ross,
Thanks for your reply.
I think it could be alot to do with me not thinning the paint enough.What do you recommend?or does it vary with the job?
Also,I may not be cleaning the nozzle etc enough whilst spraying,whne i think about it!
I do have a set of fine,med and large nozzles,needles etc.and use them accordingly.
Probably as you say the pressure is and issue,I don't yet know fullt the best for different jobs!
I am hoping that I can lose some of that overspray as i Weather and age the vehicle.
I'll post a couple more pics so you can see what you think!
Regards,Sturmgeshutz.

hey there sturmgeshutz i am also fairly new well sort of adn it looks like youve gotten some good answers from tehse guys. but id like to say if youve got any questions on anything in particuilar send me oyur email address and if you have msn in a pm. we can help each other out great ttyl.


Graeme