What did I do wrong?

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

1 Like

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 :slight_smile: )

3 Likes

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.

3 Likes

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

2 Likes

Also take a look at Flory Washes,they are compatible with everything and almost fool proof

3 Likes

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.

1 Like

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?

2 Likes

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.

1 Like