SQUADRON COLORS CLEAR COATS & SPECIAL FX

Protecting, Finishing & Transforming Your Paintwork

The final layers of a paint job can dramatically change the appearance of a model.

A high-gloss clear can add depth, shine, and protection. A matte clear can eliminate unwanted reflections and create a convincing scale appearance. A transparent special-effect coating can transform the way an underlying color reacts to light.

This guide covers three Squadron Colors finishing products:

Super Gloss 2K Clear — A high-gloss activated clear designed to provide exceptional depth, shine, and protection.

Super Matte 2K Clear — An activated clear designed to provide a durable, uniform, extremely low-sheen final appearance.

Hologram Special FX — A transparent special-effect lacquer that adds a holographic effect while allowing the underlying color to remain visible.

IMPORTANT

Although these products are grouped together as finishing products, Hologram is a 1K lacquer and does not use Activator.

Super Gloss and Super Matte are 2K products and must be mixed with their supplied Activator before spraying.

1. WHAT DOES A CLEAR COAT DO?

A clear coat can serve several purposes on a model.

Depending on the project, it can:

• Protect the underlying paint.

• Create a high-gloss or matte surface.

• Provide a smooth surface for decals.

• Protect decals after application.

• Help visually blend decal carrier-film edges.

• Provide a working surface for washes and weathering.

• Establish the final sheen of the finished model.

Clear coating isn't simply about protection.

The clear coat becomes another part of the complete paint system and can significantly affect the final appearance of your model.

2. BEFORE APPLYING CLEAR

Make sure the underlying paint is sufficiently dry or cured before applying clear coat.

The surface should be:

• Clean

• Dry

• Free of dust

• Free of fingerprints

• Free of oils

• Free of other contamination

Clear coats don't hide poor surface preparation.

Gloss finishes in particular can make certain imperfections more noticeable.

If you're using an unfamiliar combination of paint and clear coat, test the complete system before applying it to an important model.

3. WHAT DOES “2K” MEAN?

“2K” means two-component.

For Squadron Colors 2K Clear Coats, the system consists of:

2K Clear + Activator

The two components are stored separately.

Once the Clear and Activator are mixed together, a chemical curing reaction begins.

This is different from our standard 1K lacquer products, which do not require an Activator.

Because the curing process begins as soon as the components are combined, only mix the amount you expect to use during your painting session.

Never return activated Clear to either original container.

4. SUPER GLOSS 2K CLEAR

Squadron Colors Super Gloss 2K Clear is designed to produce a smooth, durable, high-gloss protective finish with excellent depth and shine.

It can be used as a final gloss finish or as part of a multi-stage finishing process involving decals, weathering, polishing, or other techniques.

MIX THOROUGHLY BEFORE ADDING ACTIVATOR

Before measuring or adding Activator, shake the Super Gloss Clear until the mixing ball inside is moving freely, then continue shaking thoroughly to ensure the material is completely mixed.

Only after the Clear has been thoroughly mixed should you measure and add the Activator.

5. SUPER MATTE 2K CLEAR

Squadron Colors Super Matte 2K Clear is designed to provide a durable protective finish with an extremely low-sheen final appearance.

IMPORTANT — MIX SUPER MATTE THOROUGHLY

Proper mixing is especially important with Super Matte.

The components responsible for creating the matte appearance can settle during storage.

Shake the bottle until the mixing ball is moving freely, then continue shaking thoroughly to ensure all settled material has been completely reincorporated.

Simply hearing the mixing ball does not necessarily mean the Clear is completely mixed.

Insufficient mixing can result in an inconsistent final sheen.

Only after the Super Matte has been thoroughly mixed should you measure and add the Activator.

6. MIXING RATIO — 3:1

Both Squadron Colors Super Gloss 2K Clear and Super Matte 2K Clear are mixed:

3 PARTS CLEAR : 1 PART ACTIVATOR

The ratio is measured by volume.

For example:

3 mL Clear + 1 mL Activator = 4 mL mixed

6 mL Clear + 2 mL Activator = 8 mL mixed

9 mL Clear + 3 mL Activator = 12 mL mixed

Measure accurately and mix the two components together thoroughly before spraying.

Only prepare the amount you expect to use.

ONCE YOU MIX IT, CURING HAS BEGUN

As soon as the Clear and Activator are combined, the chemical curing process starts.

Don't mix activated Clear until you're ready to paint, and don't leave activated material sitting in your airbrush after you've finished spraying.

NEVER RETURN MIXED CLEAR TO THE BOTTLE

Never return unused activated material to either the original Clear or Activator container.

7. AIRBRUSH SETUP

Start at approximately 20 PSI and increase or decrease air pressure as needed to achieve the desired spray pattern and finish.

There is no single perfect PSI setting for every modeler.

Airbrush design, needle/nozzle size, spraying distance, temperature, elevation, compressor setup, and individual spraying technique can all influence the ideal pressure.

Think of 20 PSI as a starting point — not a rule.

Test your spray pattern on a paint mule, plastic spoon, scrap material, or another suitable test surface before spraying your model.

8. USE A MOISTURE TRAP

A moisture/water trap is required when using an air compressor.

Compressing air creates condensation. Moisture can collect inside compressor tanks and air lines and may eventually reach the airbrush.

Water contamination can interfere with lacquer clear coats and negatively affect the spray pattern and final finish.

Always make sure your moisture trap is installed, functioning properly, and drained as needed before spraying.

9. APPLYING SUPER GLOSS 2K CLEAR

Super Gloss is built progressively to develop a smooth, deep gloss.

COAT 1 — LIGHT COAT

Apply a controlled light first coat.

Allow approximately 5–10 minutes of flash time.

COAT 2 — MEDIUM-TO-WET COAT

Apply a fuller medium-to-wet second coat.

Allow another 5–10 minutes of flash time.

COAT 3 — FINAL WET COAT

Apply a smooth, even wet final coat to develop the gloss.

Enough material needs to be applied to allow the Clear to flow and level, but avoid excessive application that can cause runs, sags, pooling, or unnecessary buildup.

10. APPLYING SUPER MATTE 2K CLEAR

Super Matte follows a similar progressive application process.

COAT 1 — LIGHT COAT

Apply a controlled light first coat.

Allow approximately 5–10 minutes of flash time.

COAT 2 — MEDIUM-TO-WET COAT

Apply a medium-to-wet second coat.

Allow another 5–10 minutes of flash time.

COAT 3 — FINAL WET COAT

Apply a smooth, even final wet coat to establish a consistent matte finish.

Uniform application is particularly important with matte finishes because uneven application can result in visible differences in sheen across the model.

11. WHAT DOES “FLASH” MEAN?

Flash time is the short waiting period between coats that allows solvents in the freshly applied coating to begin evaporating.

Giving each coat sufficient flash time helps prevent excessive solvent and material from becoming trapped underneath subsequent coats.

For Squadron Colors 2K Clear Coats, allow approximately 5–10 minutes between coats under normal conditions.

Temperature, airflow, humidity, and the amount of material applied can affect actual flash time.

Don't rush the process.

12. DECALS & CLEAR COATS

Clear coats are particularly useful when decals are part of the finishing process.

Waterslide decals generally perform best over a smooth surface.

A smooth gloss surface helps the decal carrier film make close contact with the model and reduces the possibility of tiny air pockets becoming trapped underneath. These trapped air pockets are one of the primary causes of visible decal silvering.

A common finishing sequence is:

PAINT → GLOSS SURFACE → DECALS → FINAL CLEAR

Depending on the underlying paint and its surface characteristics, Super Gloss may be applied before decals to create a smooth, consistent surface for decal application.

Once the decals have been positioned and allowed to dry completely, a final clear coat can be applied to protect them and help reduce the visible transition between the decal carrier film and the surrounding painted surface.

The final clear can then establish the appearance you want:

Super Gloss → High-gloss finish

Super Matte → Extremely low-sheen finish

ALLOW DECALS TO DRY COMPLETELY

Make sure decals and any decal-setting products are completely dry before sealing them beneath another coating.

When using an unfamiliar combination of paint, decals, setting solutions, and clear coats, test the complete system first.

13. AFTER THE FINAL CLEAR COAT

After applying the final coat of Super Gloss or Super Matte, allow the finish to flash for approximately 5–10 minutes before beginning accelerated curing.

If you're not using accelerated curing, simply allow the Clear to cure naturally at room temperature.

Avoid touching or disturbing the freshly applied finish.

Remember:

DRY TO THE TOUCH DOES NOT MEAN FULLY CURED.

14. ROOM-TEMPERATURE CURING

Squadron Colors 2K Clear Coats do not require accelerated curing.

They may be allowed to cure naturally at room temperature.

When curing naturally, allow approximately:

48–72 HOURS FOR A FULL CURE

Allow the coating to reach full cure before sanding, polishing, masking, or extensive handling.

The surface may feel dry to the touch much sooner, but the chemical curing process continues underneath after the surface initially feels dry.

Temperature, humidity, airflow, and the amount of material applied can all affect curing time.

When in doubt, allowing additional curing time is preferable to working the finish too soon.

15. WHAT IS ACCELERATED CURING?

NOTE: ACCELERATED CURING APPLIES ONLY TO SQUADRON COLORS 2K PRODUCTS THAT ARE MIXED WITH AN ACTIVATOR.

Squadron Colors standard 1K primers, lacquer colors, metallics, and special-effect paints such as Hologram do not benefit from accelerated curing and should be allowed to dry normally.

Accelerated curing simply means using controlled, gentle heat to speed up the chemical curing process of the activated 2K finish.

ACCELERATED CURING IS OPTIONAL

Squadron Colors 2K Clear Coats do not require accelerated curing and will cure normally at room temperature without additional heat.

Accelerated curing simply provides another option when a faster curing process is desired.

USING A TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED DEHYDRATOR

After applying the final Clear coat, allow the finish to flash for approximately 5–10 minutes before placing the model or parts into the dehydrator.

The 2K Clear Coat may then be accelerated-cured for approximately:

60 MINUTES AT 120°F (49°C)

After the 60-minute curing cycle is complete, remove the model or parts from the heated environment and allow them to cool completely to room temperature before handling, sanding, polishing, masking, or proceeding with additional finishing steps.

IMPORTANT — HEAT DAMAGE WARNING

Accelerated curing is optional and is performed at the modeler's own discretion.

120°F (49°C) is the recommended accelerated-curing temperature for the coating. It is not a guarantee that the model, its components, or other materials used in its construction can safely withstand that temperature.

Before using a dehydrator or other temperature-controlled curing device, always verify that the model and all materials used in its construction are suitable for the selected temperature.

Styrene, resin, 3D-printed materials, clear parts, adhesives, putties, fillers, decals, aftermarket components, and other materials may react differently when exposed to heat.

BE AWARE OF THE ACTUAL TEMPERATURE

The temperature displayed on a dehydrator or curing device may not perfectly represent the actual temperature throughout the entire curing chamber.

Hot spots and temperature variations may occur.

For this reason, a separate thermometer or temperature-monitoring device can be useful for verifying the actual temperature inside the curing environment.

Squadron is not responsible for warping, distortion, melting, separation, finish damage, or other damage to models or components resulting from the use of heat or accelerated-curing equipment.

If you're uncertain whether your model or any of its components can safely tolerate the heat, do not use accelerated curing. Allow the 2K Clear Coat to cure naturally at room temperature instead.

Never use open flames, heat guns, household ovens, or other uncontrolled heat sources for accelerated curing. Be sure that your dehydrator or other temperature-controlled curing device has adequate ventilation. We strongly recommend performing accelerated curing outdoors or in another appropriately ventilated area rather than inside your home.

CURING QUICK REFERENCE

ROOM-TEMPERATURE CURE: Approximately 48–72 hours

ACCELERATED CURE: Final wet coat → 5–10 minute flash → 60 minutes at 120°F (49°C) → Cool completely to room temperature

Remember:

ACCELERATED CURING IS AN OPTION — NOT A REQUIREMENT.

16. USING CLEAR OVER METALLIC FINISHES

A clear coat can provide additional protection to a metallic finish and can be particularly useful when decals, weathering, or extensive handling are involved.

However, any coating placed over metallic paint has the potential to alter its appearance.

Clear coating may change:

• Reflectivity

• Brightness

• Metallic character

• Depth

• Final sheen

This doesn't mean metallic finishes shouldn't be clear-coated.

It simply means the Clear should be considered part of the overall finishing system.

When appearance is critical, test your intended metallic color and clear-coat combination before applying it to an important model.

17. USING CLEAR OVER CHROME & POLISHED ALUMINUM

Chrome and Polished Aluminum deserve additional consideration because their appearance depends heavily on reflectivity.

These finishes may be left uncoated when maximum reflectivity is desired.

A clear coat can provide additional protection, particularly when decals are required, but applying clear over Chrome or Polished Aluminum may reduce some of the reflective character.

This effect is especially noticeable with Chrome.

When decals are involved, you may need to balance maximum reflectivity against the benefits of protecting the decals and creating a more unified final surface.

We strongly recommend testing the complete process:

Chrome or Polished Aluminum → Decals → Decal-setting products → Super Gloss 2K Clear

before applying it to an important model.

Refer to our Chrome & Polished Aluminum Guide for additional information.

18. SPECIAL FX — HOLOGRAM

Squadron Colors Hologram is different from the 2K products covered on this page.

HOLOGRAM IS A 1K SPECIAL-EFFECT LACQUER.

It does not use Activator.

Do not mix Hologram with 2K Activator.

Hologram is a transparent special-effect finish designed to add a holographic appearance over an existing color while allowing the underlying color to remain visible.

The base color becomes part of the final effect.

19. CHOOSING A BASE COLOR FOR HOLOGRAM

There isn't one correct base color for Hologram.

Dark colors, light colors, metallic colors, bright colors, and other finishes can interact differently with the holographic effect.

This gives you considerable creative control over the final appearance.

Before committing to an important model, experiment with different combinations on test pieces.

Keep samples of combinations you like. Over time, these can become your own Squadron Colors reference library.

20. MIX HOLOGRAM THOROUGHLY

Special-effect pigments can settle during storage.

Shake the bottle until the mixing ball is moving freely, then continue shaking thoroughly to distribute the effect material evenly throughout the paint.

Proper mixing helps produce a consistent holographic effect.

21. AIRBRUSH SETUP FOR HOLOGRAM

Start at approximately 20 PSI and adjust upward or downward as necessary.

Airbrush design, needle/nozzle size, spraying distance, temperature, elevation, and other conditions can influence the ideal pressure.

Think of 20 PSI as a starting point — not a rule.

Always use a properly functioning moisture/water trap with your compressor.

Test the spray pattern and effect before spraying your model.

22. APPLYING HOLOGRAM

Apply Hologram using light, even coats.

Allow each coat to flash before applying another.

The goal is to gradually build the holographic effect while allowing the underlying color to remain visible.

A LITTLE CAN GO A LONG WAY

Don't approach Hologram as though you're trying to achieve opaque coverage.

After each coat flashes, evaluate the effect.

If you want more holographic character, apply another light coat.

Continue until you reach the appearance you want — then stop.

The number of coats becomes another creative tool.

A subtle application may only become obvious as the model moves through the light, while additional coats can create a much stronger effect.

23. VIEW HOLOGRAM FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES

Holographic effects interact with light.

Don't judge the finish from only one viewing angle or under one workbench lamp.

Move the model.

Change the viewing angle.

Look at the surface under different lighting conditions.

The effect may become dramatically more noticeable as the relationship between the model, light source, and viewer changes.

24. CLEAR COATING HOLOGRAM

Once you're satisfied with the Hologram effect, allow it to dry thoroughly before proceeding with additional finishing steps.

If decals or additional protection are required, incorporate them into your normal finishing process.

As with any special-effect finish, applying another coating over Hologram can influence its final appearance. Hologram Clear can be used as the final coat or gloss and matte can be applied over top of it. All three of these options will give different results.

Test your intended combination before applying it to an important project.

REMEMBER

Hologram is a 1K product. Do not add Activator, and do not use the 2K accelerated-curing procedure for Hologram.

Allow Hologram to air dry normally. Do not put use accelerated drying.

25. TROUBLESHOOTING

MY SUPER GLOSS ISN'T AS SMOOTH AS I EXPECTED

Check:

• Surface preparation

• Air pressure

• Paint flow

• Spraying distance

• Application amount

• Flash time

The final wet coat needs enough material to flow and level, but excessive material can create runs or sags.

I HAVE RUNS OR SAGS

Too much material has accumulated in that area.

Avoid trying to repair the problem immediately while the Clear is still wet.

Allow the coating to cure completely before attempting correction.

MY SUPER MATTE HAS UNEVEN SHEEN

First consider mixing.

Matting components can settle, so Super Matte must be thoroughly mixed before Activator is added.

Also consider application consistency. Uneven coating thickness can contribute to differences in final sheen.

MY DECALS ARE SILVERING

Silvering usually results from tiny air pockets trapped beneath the transparent decal carrier film.

Applying decals over a sufficiently smooth surface can help minimize this problem.

THE CLEAR LOOKS DIFFERENT OVER MY METALLIC PAINT

This can be normal.

Any additional coating over a metallic finish can change the way light interacts with the metallic particles underneath.

Test combinations beforehand when maintaining a particular metallic appearance is important.

MY HOLOGRAM EFFECT IS TOO STRONG

Hologram is intended to be built gradually.

Use lighter applications and evaluate the effect between coats.

Once you've reached the desired appearance, stop spraying.

26. QUICK REFERENCE — SUPER GLOSS 2K CLEAR

MIX

Mix Clear thoroughly → 3 Parts Clear + 1 Part Activator → Mix together thoroughly

SPRAY

Start around 20 PSI → Light coat → 5–10 min. flash → Medium/wet coat → 5–10 min. flash → Final wet coat

ROOM-TEMPERATURE CURE

Approximately 48–72 hours for a full cure

ACCELERATED CURE

Final wet coat → 5–10 min. flash → 60 minutes at 120°F (49°C) → Cool completely to room temperature

27. QUICK REFERENCE — SUPER MATTE 2K CLEAR

MIX

Mix extremely thoroughly → 3 Parts Clear + 1 Part Activator → Mix together thoroughly

SPRAY

Start around 20 PSI → Light coat → 5–10 min. flash → Medium/wet coat → 5–10 min. flash → Final wet coat

ROOM-TEMPERATURE CURE

Approximately 48–72 hours for a full cure

ACCELERATED CURE

Final wet coat → 5–10 min. flash → 60 minutes at 120°F (49°C) → Cool completely to room temperature

28. QUICK REFERENCE — HOLOGRAM

Choose base color → Allow base to dry → Mix Hologram thoroughly → Start around 20 PSI → Apply light coat → Flash → Evaluate → Repeat until desired effect

NO ACTIVATOR — NO 2K ACCELERATED CURING

Hologram is a 1K special-effect lacquer and should be allowed to dry normally.

29. CLEANUP — 2K CLEAR COATS

Clean your airbrush immediately after use with a quality lacquer thinner or lacquer airbrush cleaner.

Empty any remaining mixed Clear from the airbrush and flush thoroughly with lacquer thinner until it sprays clean.

For a more thorough cleaning, follow your airbrush manufacturer's instructions for disassembly and clean any remaining material from the needle, nozzle, paint cup, and other paint-contact areas.

IMPORTANT — DO NOT ALLOW ACTIVATED 2K CLEAR TO CURE INSIDE YOUR AIRBRUSH

Once the Clear and Activator have been mixed, the curing process has begun.

Clean your airbrush thoroughly as soon as you have finished spraying.

Once activated 2K Clear has cured inside an airbrush, it can be extremely difficult to remove.

Never return mixed or used material to the original Clear or Activator containers.

30. CLEANUP — HOLOGRAM

Clean your airbrush immediately after use with a quality lacquer thinner or lacquer airbrush cleaner.

Empty any remaining Hologram from the airbrush and flush thoroughly with lacquer thinner until it sprays clean.

Follow your airbrush manufacturer's instructions for additional cleaning or disassembly as necessary.

Do not allow lacquer paint to dry inside your airbrush.

Never return used material or cleaning thinner to the original bottle.

31. SAFETY

Squadron Colors Clear Coats and Special FX products are intended for adult hobby use. Keep away from children.

These products contain flammable solvents and produce harmful vapors.

Always use appropriate respiratory protection and adequate ventilation when mixing, spraying, and cleaning.

Avoid skin and eye contact and follow all safety information provided with the products.

2K coatings require additional care when mixing and spraying because the Activator contains diisocyanate. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment and adequate ventilation, and follow all safety information supplied with the product.

Keep containers closed when not in use.

Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame.

Always follow appropriate safety practices when spraying lacquer and activated 2K coatings.