Top coat confusion

[Rocketeer]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum and wanted to say howdy and ask a quick question.
I'm presently building Tamiya's 1.48 Tomcat and loving it. My question is this - the canopy frame should be painted semi-gloss black along with the anti-glare on the nose. If I gloss coat this for decals and weathering I'll lose the semi-gloss finish and when I dull coat the final model I'll also lose the semi gloss, any suggestions?

Also, has anyone else built this kit and used the decals for the anti glare or did you mask and paint?

Thanks in advance for your help
Simon

[Airborne01]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum and wanted to say howdy and ask a quick question.
I'm presently building Tamiya's 1.48 Tomcat and loving it. My question is this - the canopy frame should be painted semi-gloss black along with the anti-glare on the nose. If I gloss coat this for decals and weathering I'll lose the semi-gloss finish and when I dull coat the final model I'll also lose the semi gloss, any suggestions?

Also, has anyone else built this kit and used the decals for the anti glare or did you mask and paint?

Thanks in advance for your help
Simon

Hello mate, don't have a Scooby I'm afraid but welcome to the forum! Some wingy person will be sure to help I'm sure!
Steve

[stillp]

Mask off the semigloss parts. I leave the masking on the canopy as the matt coat can cloud the clear parts.
Pete

[rtfoe]

Always leave the masking on the clear parts when applying any further clear coats. Why ruin all that effort of masking.
If you have removed the masking just re-mask the clear areas. To keep the semi gloss on the frame and anti-glare just mask that portion and work on the rest.
I try to think logically like Mr Spock...if I wanted to protect a cut on my finger, would I apply antiseptic cream after I plaster it or before and to further protect from infection should I then plaster it after applying the cream.

Cheers,
Richard