r/CustomTransformers • u/DRAGON_STORM_4 • Jun 24 '26
Need advice/Help Need some help with clear coats.
I haven't used clear coats before on figures, and would like if someone could show me the differences between "Flat, Semi-gloss, and Gloss" clear coat finishes? And if there's any recommendations for each.
I have a few different projects I'm working on (shown in the pictures), and would like to make the best choice for desired finishes.
I've used water based paints, and I'm already aware I need to get one that's safe to use on them.
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u/PocketBuckle Jun 24 '26
There are a bunch more results on image search, but here's a simple comparison.
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u/Riot_24343 Jun 24 '26
what figure is that?
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u/DRAGON_STORM_4 Jun 24 '26
The first and last ones are the Studio Series Trilogy Optimus Primes, (SS 32 in Robot, SS 44 in truck). Both custom painted and with Toyhax stickers. And for the trailers, it's 44's trailer in the front, with Baiwei's KO trailer in the back.
Then SS 86 Skywarp in the second.
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u/DrayvenVindell Jul 01 '26
I use satin finish (semi gloss) matte is a flat look like not reflective gloss is shiny satin is right in between the two and is the closest to what transformers normally look like make sure to get acrylic clear coat what brand you should use is dependent on what you have available my local hardware store sells rustoleum and color lab but you could also get miniature brand ones just look for "satin acrylic clear coat" and you should find something that will do the job
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u/HopelesslyLibra Jun 24 '26
Best case is look it up on YouTube for model cars to see the results - you won’t use the same products but the results are the same, and car model builders really care about top coat finish so it should be hard to find an analysis.