Do I need a gloss coat before decals?

Yes — applying decals over a gloss surface prevents silvering (trapped air under the decal). Apply 1-2 coats of gloss clear, let it cure, apply decals with setting solution, then seal with your final finish (matt, satin or gloss).

How many coats of clear coat do I need?

For pre-decal gloss: 1-2 thin coats. For final finish: 2-3 thin coats for even coverage. Apply thin coats and build up gradually to avoid pooling or orange peel.

Which clear coat brands work well?

Tamiya TS-13 (gloss) and TS-80 (matt) spray cans are popular. For airbrush, Vallejo Premium Varnish, AK Interactive, and Mr Hobby Top Coat are excellent. Klear/Future floor polish is a well-known cheap gloss alternative.

ModelCalcs

Clear Coat Calculator — Gloss, Satin & Matt

Calculate how much clear coat you need for your model. Covers gloss (pre-decal), satin and matt finishes.

Surface Area

Paintable surface area of the model — a 1:72 fighter is ~150-300 cm²

Coats

Number of thin coats — 1-2 for pre-decal gloss, 2-3 for the final finish

Finish TypeGloss seals before decals; satin or matt for the final coat

MethodAirbrushing is more efficient than a spray can (less overspray)

How We Calculate This

Volume needed = surface area (cm²) × coverage rate (ml/cm² per coat) × number of coats. Clear coat behaves much like colour paint: an airbrush lays down roughly 0.01 ml/cm² per thin coat (about 1 ml per 100 cm²), while a spray can uses around 0.015 ml/cm² because more is lost to overspray. These are approximate empirical rates — no manufacturer publishes an ml/cm² figure for model varnishes, so they are derived from real-world coverage (a 100 ml Tamiya TS-13 can covers 2-3 1:24 car bodies). Use the Advanced Options to override the rate for your specific varnish, thinning and pressure. The finish (gloss, satin or matt) does not change the wet-film volume, only its appearance once cured.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.