What Is The Diffrence Bettween Clear Finishes And Top Coats?

Thomas E. Johnson · Post by **Thomas E. Johnson** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 9:25 pm

I see Gunza Sanxo has a product called top coat that comes in Flat-Gloss. Whats the diffrence between this and regular clear finishes?

LuiS_42 · Post by **LuiS_42** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 3:10 am

Gunze Sangyo Flat-Matt Top coat gives a flat,non-shine finish. Regular clear finishes are shiny.

There are finishes like the Satin finish that is neither too flat or too shiny.Hope this helps! Happy modeling

XFactor · Post by **XFactor** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 11:42 pm

The answer is technicly.......nothing. A top coat is generally refered to as a top (protective) coat as an intermediate stage. Many people refer to topcoat as a final clear coat. Future floor polish over decals as an example could be considered a topcoat. But the "Finishcoat" would be a clear flat/gloss what have you. It's just a technical term depending on how it's used.

To be technical then:

Base Coat (Primer)
Flash or Color Coat (basic color)
Final Coat ( even, solid color i.e. second coat)
Top Coat (protective clear )
weathering, patina, washes are typicaly done now.
Finish Coat (last and final coat applied, typically a clear of some kind)