Clearcoat? / Weathering?

OK, I've got my BM painted up and just about ready to clearcoat. The question is; do I use Gloss, Semi-gloss, or flat finish?
Also, what is the best way / technique to add weathering to the bucket? And, do you apply weathering before or after the clearcoat?
Thanks all. I'll try to post pics soon.
Rob D

Originally Posted by MacFett

OK, I've got my BM painted up and just about ready to clearcoat. The question is; do I use Gloss, Semi-gloss, or flat finish?
Also, what is the best way / technique to add weathering to the bucket? And, do you apply weathering before or after the clearcoat?
Thanks all. I'll try to post pics soon.
Rob D

BOTH ....I normally use a Semi FIRST...........then in spots come back and mist a Flat or Dull coat.

Originally Posted by Spideyfett

BOTH ....I normally use a Semi FIRST...........then in spots come back and mist a Flat or Dull coat.

That sounds kinda cool, I never thought of that. I always used a satin clearcoat.

I use Spideys method...he taught me his secrets!!

When I had all the basic colors laid down on my MS bucket, I sprayed on a flat clear coat (Testors Dullcote.) The main reason is that I mostly use pastels for weathering, and they tend to stick better to a matte surface.
Once my weathering was all done, I shot another coat of flat clear over it to protect the pastels and keep them from smudging off.

Originally Posted by DarthMiller

I use Spideys method...he taught me his secrets!!

Ut-oh We all know what happen to Darth Plagus the Wise when he taught his apprentice his secrets

Originally Posted by pennywise

Ut-oh We all know what happen to Darth Plagus the Wise when he taught his apprentice his secrets

i'd sleep with one eye open.......

The more haphazard you are the more it will look like a screenused piece if that is what you are after. I have used semi-gloss and Dullcoat but depending on your confidence and skill level just do it until it looks right heck you really can't mess it up. The only paint that is ambiguos is the mandible which in floquil is a gloss paint so you might want to semi gloss that but as you go around the helmet it dulls out so you can see it was just slathered on to whatever they thought would look right. Knock it out and good luck post some pics.

Lee

Originally Posted by pennywise

Ut-oh We all know what happen to Darth Plagus the Wise when he taught his apprentice his secrets

...

Thanks for the imput. I mean advice from Spideyfett and RS. Kind of hard to go wrong. Pics coming soon.
Rob D

Pics posted.
Thanks guys.