Post by Whiterook on Oct 26, 2023 17:47:54 GMT -5
Swanny Models website used to have a great article on the use of Future acrylic for use in models, and of course, translatable to miniatures, as well…but they are alas gone from the Internet. A shame really, as it was the best full example of the what’s and why’s. But since that great resource is gone, let’s tackle it here!
Future Floor Acrylic (Future) is basically just a clear acrylic that people have been mopping on their floors for longer than I can remember… used to protect it from scratches and scuffs. Somewhere along the line, someone figured out you can use it as a clear coat for models, and then miniatures builders glommed onto the idea. It can be used straight out of the bottle for a fabulous sheen, but the real secret that makes this product an absolute gem is the ability to flatten it all the way down to a dull coat. Why is that last part so exciting and important to me personally? Toxicity! Dull Coats bout at the hobby stores, usually in a rattlecan, are highly toxic and bad for your lungs, and they stink like hell. Using Future takes the toxicity problem out of the equation.
The versatility in modeling and miniatures building is phenomenal: The first, obvious use is that of protecting your model as a top coat. It is especially helpful with automotive subjects and those builds that need a high gloss; it make canopies and clear parts really shine like, and look like glass; and by mixing it with Tamiya Flat Base (FB) you can make any level of sheen as your top clear-coat. A Flat Base is not a “paint” or “clear-coat” on its own, but rather, it’s an additive to make gloss paint flat or dull.
And not to be ignored, a further bonus is that it’s far cheaper than buying name hobby brands that come in small bottles (usually around 10ml)
To make different clear coats, combine Future and a Flat Base (like, Tamiya’s) using the chart below:
I mix up batches in the three, latter blends and store them in mini jam jars (which are adequately airtight for an extended periods of time). To apply it to your model, this can be done in two ways:
[NOTE: Do not mix more than 30% Future to Flat Base, or you will likely end up with either a cloudy coat and/or white spots.]
Future Floor Acrylic (Future) is basically just a clear acrylic that people have been mopping on their floors for longer than I can remember… used to protect it from scratches and scuffs. Somewhere along the line, someone figured out you can use it as a clear coat for models, and then miniatures builders glommed onto the idea. It can be used straight out of the bottle for a fabulous sheen, but the real secret that makes this product an absolute gem is the ability to flatten it all the way down to a dull coat. Why is that last part so exciting and important to me personally? Toxicity! Dull Coats bout at the hobby stores, usually in a rattlecan, are highly toxic and bad for your lungs, and they stink like hell. Using Future takes the toxicity problem out of the equation.
The versatility in modeling and miniatures building is phenomenal: The first, obvious use is that of protecting your model as a top coat. It is especially helpful with automotive subjects and those builds that need a high gloss; it make canopies and clear parts really shine like, and look like glass; and by mixing it with Tamiya Flat Base (FB) you can make any level of sheen as your top clear-coat. A Flat Base is not a “paint” or “clear-coat” on its own, but rather, it’s an additive to make gloss paint flat or dull.
And not to be ignored, a further bonus is that it’s far cheaper than buying name hobby brands that come in small bottles (usually around 10ml)
To make different clear coats, combine Future and a Flat Base (like, Tamiya’s) using the chart below:
I mix up batches in the three, latter blends and store them in mini jam jars (which are adequately airtight for an extended periods of time). To apply it to your model, this can be done in two ways:
- You can brush it directly into your model or miniature. Let stand overnight, protected if you can from dust (a cheese cloth tent works well). The acrylic might look a little wonky (brush strokes or little raised pools), but it settles down in place and levels out on it’s own to a beautiful even coat on models and sinks well into miniatures’ nooks and crannies.
- You can airbrush it on your model (un-thinned) in light coats. Spray a thin layers, and you can opt to dry it with your airbrush air-only real quick. Build up as necessary for the look you’re after.
[NOTE: Do not mix more than 30% Future to Flat Base, or you will likely end up with either a cloudy coat and/or white spots.]
