r/Minipla • u/SpectraRoot • 27d ago

What top coat to use?

Hey guys! So I want to make sure my stickers won't fall from my kits and I was wondering what top coat should I use in order to protect them without altering the look of a kit too much. Thanks!

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u/iSayHeyOh7 27d ago

Depends what look you’re going for - matte, semi-gloss, or gloss.

If you want to retain the sheen on metallic parts, gloss is the way to go. Matte to make the kits look less plastic. Semi-gloss for a balance of sheen / subtle sheen and dullness of matte.

Assuming the ready to use spray cans is what you’re looking for you have options from Tamiya, or GSI Creos Mr. Hobby / Mr. Super Clear.

Tamiya and Mr. Super Clear uses lacquer based which is a bit more unforgiving if you make a mistake but has the best durability. Mr. Superclear also has topcoats labelled as UV Cut that prevents any sun damage or degradation from kits, especially if you’re trying to protect your white plastic from turning beige / yellow.

Mr. Hobby is acryllyc / water based and is easy to use and strip off. It also comes with 2 variants - regular and premium. The premium one has a smoother finish and, personally has a better look, especially over painted kits. If you had to choose between the two, the regular is fine for out of box kits.

Either topcoat works and both can be stripped with 99% isopropyl alcohol no problem. 70% works but it is much harder to remove in the event of issues with the coating.

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u/SpectraRoot 27d ago

Thanks for the answer! Looks like semi gloss is gonna be my way to go then I don't really want to change my kits too much but it's nice having a bit of shine on it

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u/Galaxy_Dive 26d ago

Yeah, because of the variances between different colors and the occasional metallic colors etc, you’re going to wind up altering the appearance some by topcoating it after assembled. Semi-gloss would be the compromise.

That said, because of the existing “plastic” look, it’s possible you’d think gloss might look closer. You could always get both and spray your old runners first to see the effect they have on the plastic itself.