Should I seek out Klear?

[Fifer54]

I've been struggling with clear coating since I returned to modelling. Initially I used Humbrol or Revell varnishes, gloss coating, decalling and then

gloss/satin/matt coating as applicable. I now use MicroGloss and MicroFlat, have tried thinned or unthinned with no remedy.

I've always found it difficult to get thin, even coats without brushmarks. (Yes, I use a hairy stick). At first I felt

as though the clear coats were ruining my models, but now I know they're not good enough to be ruined by the clear coats, but I do still feel that my

models are "OK" until the gloss varnish is applied, then the finish becomes rough, "bubbly", streaky and thick. The final coat worsens the deal!

Now, Sometimes it seems to me that Johnson's Klear is recommended as a panacea for problems like this. Is it the wonder product that it's cracked up to be?

I can't find Klear locally. Is it worth seeking out? If it's as easy to use as it seems, my models should be improved "at a stroke" when I start using it!

Am I right in this? Are there any special techniques to explore with Klear, or is it straightforward?

[mrcooljules]

I've been struggling with clear coating since I returned to modelling. Initially I used Humbrol or Revell varnishes, gloss coating, decalling and then

gloss/satin/matt coating as applicable. I now use MicroGloss and MicroFlat, have tried thinned or unthinned with no remedy.

I've always found it difficult to get thin, even coats without brushmarks. (Yes, I use a hairy stick). At first I felt

as though the clear coats were ruining my models, but now I know they're not good enough to be ruined by the clear coats, but I do still feel that my

models are "OK" until the gloss varnish is applied, then the finish becomes rough, "bubbly", streaky and thick. The final coat worsens the deal!

Now, Sometimes it seems to me that Johnson's Klear is recommended as a panacea for problems like this. Is it the wonder product that it's cracked up to be?

I can't find Klear locally. Is it worth seeking out? If it's as easy to use as it seems, my models should be improved "at a stroke" when I start using it!

Am I right in this? Are there any special techniques to explore with Klear, or is it straightforward?

yes, i have used it for years, even mixing it with tamiya matt varnish....love it

[Alan Kelley]

However, it has to be said that the Kelar we talk about is no longer in production as it was. It is now

called Pledge with Klear and is no longer totally clear, but has a tint to it now, Most of us modellers

have a few bottles of the original stashed away- I have enough to do me for years to come.

[Rosco]

I have been using it for my last 2 builds and I find it no problem at all.

Canopies

Decals

Gloss Coat

Flat coat (mixed with Tamiya flat base)

I still use the hairy stick and it brushed on no problem - for all it costs its worth having a go with it.

ASDA was good for finding it.

[RussTnailZ]

Morrisons sell the new Klear too ive used it with a brush and had no problems. One brush load goes quite along way really spread it out also use a wide flat brush for the large areas as you would in painting and it doesnt leave brush marks

Russ

Edited September 1, 2010 by RussTnailZ

[robw_uk]

Morrisons sell the new Klear too ive used it with a brush and had no problems

Russ

I can second that - ASDA sell it too.... yes it is like a pale beige colour now but have not noticed any tinting when I used it (maybe slightly on a pure white surface but I think that was more me applying too much - but its not that obvious..... brush applied (.5" paint brush with soft bristles)......