I have been using McDonald Pro-tecta-cote clear photo lacquer for a clearcoat for around 20 years now. It is extremely hard and durable, dries in seconds, and comes in finishes ranging from gloss to ultra-flat. The problem is that being lacquer based, it STINKS (not to mention is harmful to breathe), [xx(] Are there any water-based, non stinky (or harmful) clearcoats which otherwise have the same characteristics? I need something which can be easily airbrushed onto finished sections of a layout as well as onto buildings and locomotives and rolling stock which have been finished with acrylic paints.
Matte medium (Mod Podge?) available at Walmart, Michael’s, hobby and craft stores.
Try Micro-Flat and Micro-gloss. When I thin them with Windex (or similar generic product) they dry very quickly and have a very low odor. I’ve been using them for around 15 years and I have very little desire to use anything else. You should be able to get them at any hobby store that sells the Micro-sol line.
Michaels has acrylic flat and acrylic gloss in spray cans, works well and saves time / effort.
Delta Ceramcoat makes a “Matte Interior Varnish” that is water-based, low odor and provides a nice flat finish. They also make the same in an “exterior” version that is supposed to be water-proof for outdoor use. I use Delta Ceramcoat acrylics for airbrushing, thinned with their acrylic thinner and have found these paints to be great.
By the way, for a flat finish on my rolling stock and engines, I use a can of Krylon Matte Finish. Of course this stuff is strong smelling and needs to be sprayed outside. I got mine at Wal-Mart for $1.59 for a 12 oz. can. I’ve found it to be better than Dullcote. I was directed to try Krylon by guys on this forum who were very positive about the product.
Hope this helps.
Mondo