Im admitted plane newbie,after the finish painting , I gave my plane multiple coats of testors glosscote which is fast drying lacquer, let it dry about 72 hours …applied an oil wash thinned with mineral spirits …let it sit several minutes …it started to gum up the finish as i took it off with a cloth …any thoughts would be appreciated
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which mineral spirits? You need to be very careful combining types of paint (enamel, lacquer, acryl) with types of coating, or weathering products; Often, the solvent of one type ruins the layer that is already there.
I don’t have all details, I solve this problem by always using the smae paints, and always use the same thinners. my washes usually are art paint thinned with water.
In my experience, 72 hours ain’t that long. i tend to keep my models on a shelf in between painting/coating for at least one week (which is one of the reasons i hardly ever finish something 
)
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The mineral spirits might have been too hot and ate the Glosscote. The best practice is to use Turpenoid Blue Label for oil washes. It is much milder and doesn’t leave tidemarks. Also, I use an acrylic clear coat and oil washes just to be sure they don’t react with each other.
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Mineral spirits are my best bet. When I was fresh to modeling I grabbed hardware store mineral spirits. They tended to be too hot and ate clear coats.
I now use Mona Lisa artists mineral spirits and they work wonderfully
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Also take a look at Flory Washes,they are compatible with everything and almost fool proof
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I’m going to agree with SSGToms.
If you use anything other than acrylic as a clear-coat, do not apply solvents.
I do like enamel and lacquer clears, but only as the final finish. Both of them are durable and allow polishing with wet-paper and compounds.
If preparing the surface for decals and weathering or washes I stick with Tamiya X-22. I have used mineral spirits, turpentine, linseed, white spirits, etc. without harming it.
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Thanks so much guys, X-22 question , with what do you thin it and at what ratio? Also some online testimonials claim the X-22 can dry with a haze or frosting?
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I use Mr. Leveling Thinner, roughly 40-50%. I’m not saying it is the best possible option, just what I use. I did try 99% isopropyl before, but it dried too fast for me.
No issues with glazing, but this is never my final coat either. If the subject matter requires a gloss coat as final (thinking of car models) then I use lacquer as a clear.
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i guess you mean mr color leveling thinner?
I started using this stuff recently for mr color paints, and mr finishing surfacer 1500 black
apparently it is compaible with:
| Paint Brand | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Color | Lacquer | Designed for use with MLT; ideal pairing. |
| Tamiya (X & XF series) | Alcohol-based acrylic | Works excellently; smoother finish and better adhesion. |
| Tamiya LP series | Lacquer | Fully compatible; LP = Lacquer Paint. |
| AK Real Colors | Lacquer | Performs well with MLT. |
| Model Master Enamel | Enamel | Surprisingly compatible; improves gloss and flow. |
| Hataka Orange Line | Lacquer | Compatible due to lacquer base. |
| MRP (Mr. Paint) | Lacquer | Works well; already pre-thinned but MLT can be used for adjustments. |
| SMS (Scale Modellers Supply) | Lacquer | Compatible; similar chemistry. |
but absolutley not be used with water based acrylics such as Vallejo Model Color or citadel paints
I am very very very pleased with it.
Anyway, before you use a combination of thinner and paint you are not familiar with: try it out on a piece of plastic. Its a sin to ruin a model by experimaneting such stuff on it.
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Yes, that is what I mean, and I want to reinforce what you say about using it with Tamiya X/XF paints. It is FANTASTIC.
Saddened a little bit by seeing Model Masters listed. I loved that product, and have ill feelings toward the company that bought them only to kill it off.
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yep, that was indeed good stuff. If not already dopne, give mr. color a go, you may be surprised
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Haven’t use it myself but seen at Nationals that there is new Mr Leveling thinner replacement by MCW that looked to work with Vallejo paint.
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Awesome that we can call them both “MLT”!
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Yeah, probably best to call it MCW MLT to avoid the confusion that will happen in the future.
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Maybe a perfect product… increasing the already huge variety of painting and finishing products on the market. I wish them succes…
but will probably never try it because trying yet another thinner while I am perfectly happy with what I have can possibly lead to disapointments without added value for the quality of the kits I make.
No matter how tempting it is…
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On this side of the pond, sometimes Mr Leveling thinner can be hard to come by or it has been in the past. Adding in other issues and having a domestic product is good for folks over here.
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