A question about gloss coats

[paulh.]

Following a couple of near disasters with gloss coats (on my Tamiya Leo 2) , which are fairly new in my modelling "repertoire", I notice on a other fora that some often mix a bit of gloss in with standard colours and then flatten it all out when everything else is sorted.
By my reckoning (and against my current skill set) minimising the amount of different coats I apply might be the safest way to go
Does anyone here follow that particular approach i.e. glossing up the colour for initial application, and if so any pointers, warnings etc.

Cheers folks
P

[imatanker]

Hey Paul, some times I do and sometimes I don't add gloss to my flat colors. It all depends on what I'm to accomplish. When using Tamiya acrylics I have been adding Liqutex Gloss Varnish # 6204 with good results. Are you using an airbrush to apply your gloss or a rattle can clear?

[paulh.]

Cheers IAT, using an airbrush with Valljo gloss and matt.

[wing_nut]

Not sure what your're applying it as the base for or what may be used on top of it but the best gloss i have ever laid down was with Tamiya gloss in the rattle can and decanted or the AB.

EDIT. I was assuming clear gloss but after looking at your thread again you may not have meant that.

[paulh.]

Hi WN
To date I've applied a clear coat over an existing base coat, and then flattening it out when everything is finished- which is where I've been having the probems- seems like no matter how hard I try i get a patchy finish. What I am asking (badly ) is what's the gen with adding gloss to the base coat so that there is a more even finish-my logic is one less coat to get wrong truth is its probably my cackhandedness thats causing the trouble and glossing up the base coat is probably not going to solve the problem
P

[wbill76]

Well I suppose it's also a factor as to what you want the gloss coat/surface for too Paul? If you want it as a protective coat that also makes the weathering process easier/more effective, then adding gloss to your paint won't necessarily do that, so bear that in mind as well when you make your decision.

[paulh.]

Cheers Bill- that is exactly what I had in mind.
I think its going to be a case of "Fail-Learn-Succeed" (and learn to Enjoy) as far as this one goes.
Thanks everyone for your input.
P

[imatanker]

Paul, I agree with what the boys said. To be honest I tried the Vallejo gloss and matte and didn't like them. I now use Future or Liquitex products and have much better luck. Clear is hard to spray well, and takes a touch. I've been spraying automotive clears for over 25 years and could almost do it with my eyes closed . But when I do a model it's a crapshoot every time