Clear Coating

[Rocketeer]

Greetings Gang,

I have been reading some posts on the FW 190 and a few were referencing "WBPU" or "WPBU"??
Anyway, all I could discern is that it's some kind of clear coating process that can be applied for protecting the paint/decals on foamies.

Could someone be so kind as to enlighten me on the (correct) acronym??
Also, is it really a process worth considering???

Thanks in advance,

Bill
in Oklahoma

[WintrSol]

Re: Clear Coating

I think you are referring to Water-Based PolyUrethane, which can be safely used on plastics. Just apply thin coats. Many models have thin paint, that is easily rubbed off during handling. Applying a semi-gloss clear does help keep down the 'hanger rash'.

[Sweep]

Re: Clear Coating

Would this come in matte or is it probably only gloss? What brands are safe on foam planes? I want to have a paint job that is not too "shiny" I think, so a full gloss PU does not sound like the best option.

[WintrSol]

Re: Clear Coating

I've found it in satin (semi-gloss) and gloss. If it comes in matte, I haven't found it, but that's not to say it isn't made. AFIK, all water-based paints are safe on foam, but it doesn't hurt to test; we all have bits of broken foam around, don't we?<smiley image="smiley_happy.gif"/>

[doctormike]

Re: Clear Coating

Use Minwax PolyCrylic. Either brush or spray it on. It comes in cans and spray cans. The propellants in the spray can might melt foam. It brushes on very well. I am putting 4 coats of the gloss on all my planes. It protects the foam as well as the decals. Be sure to rub down your plane with 91% rubbing alcohol VERY well first. This removes the mold release so there is no resistance to the PolyCrylic. If you still find spots of resistance, quickly rub the spot with a cotton swab or the corner of a folded paper towel, while the PolyCrylic is wet, and quickly re-coat the spot. I use a foam brush to apply it. Practice on foam scraps or a crashed plane first! It is great stuff!!! The Doctor

[WintrSol]

Re: Clear Coating

The paint on some models will come off if you rub it with alcohol, best to test first. If it does, you should be able to just pour the alcohol over the surface, to rinse any mold release off; you'd have to practice to get this to work.

[Rocketeer]

Re: Clear Coating

Greetings Gang,

AHA!!So that's what it is!!

Thanks to everyone for clearing the muddy waters.
I will test out both ideas and see which provides the most favorable results.

Clear Skies,
Bill
in Oklahoma

[bps]

Re: Clear Coating

My best experience with water based poly is the Varithane product. I have used both the spray and brush on using a foam brush. Difficult to control and not get to much with the foam brush as the material is much more dense. Just a light misting is all that is required and it will tend the level itself out. To heavy a coat with the water based materials and it will run just creating a real mess. Hope this helps.<smiley image="smiley_happy.gif"/>

[doctormike]

Re: Clear Coating

You are so right, wintersol. I forgot that point. Alcohol did take a very small amount of paint off my FZ Beaver. The problem was that the small amount of paint on the paper towel rubbed onto the white areas. Thankfully, alcohol removed it. I finished the rub down by carefully rubbing each color separately. The Doctor

[donnie]

Re: Clear Coating

my favorite is Testors Dull cote #1960. I get it at any Hobby lobby store. Comes in 3 oz. spray cans. This product dries flattest of flat.. donnie

[FrY10cK]

Re: Clear Coating

Has anyone tried 91% isoalc on the 4S Critical Mass?

I'm thinking about flying it a few times until I find the right stickers to cover the Taco Bell logos, then wiping it down and spraying Minwax out of a Harbor Freight spray gun that I haven't bought yet.

Actually that raises another question. Can you actually thin WBPU with water?