Hi Guys
Do not use Tamiya TS-13 on your model as a clear coat.
It looks brilliant at first but after a few months under LED lighting(No heat) and in a display case the paint work has started to crystal.
This was applied in fine even coats as advised but still has had adverse effects on my model.
It looks like I may have to strip down and respray. So Be warned!

Dave.. many times we said not to use Tamiya TS-13 as its not aqueous!! I don't see any mention of it being advised either... some may have tried it and said it works but they will have the same problems in time.

I can offer to respray for you but you will have to get a new batch of Decals etc or you can have a go at doing it yourself.. pm me if you need help

Spence

Hi
You will see from my completed model a few weeks ago that this has got worse over time.
I can only assume that the model that took 1 year plus to build will be destroyed in a few months by the TS-13 spray.
Spencer I would be grateful if you could PM me a price for respraying.
Kind regards.

Tomick
I tested the spray on spares before going for the whole model and it seemed fine.
I'm not playing the blame game here just stating that this only started after being under the lighting.
It was in a big drawer for months with no reaction.
Regards.

PM Sent mate

All Gloss's are good for the right aplication and putting anything apart from an aqueous gloss on any metalic paint that contains fine particles of either silver, gold etc will be affected.. it may not be obvious at first but over time it will react... I've done enough testing with the McLaren and other builds to know and lucky i have had spare parts to test.. I will always do research and testing on any paint before i apply a finish because once you start theres no going back.

I think it would be a good idea to have some sticky's for "DO'S" and "DONT'S" for those that have as of yet to either start theres or are going to be getting it in there country. This will be a great help as there is a lot of info all over the McLaren build but being able to find the right solution means trawling through pages of posts... I'll see if Tomick thinks its a good Idea and then see if i can add stuff that Admin can "Stickie"

Also For those that are following my Senna Tribute build will notice that I have not updated for some time and the reason behind that is because there had been a reaction to the 2 types of paint being used and I did not notice this until after about a week.. The paint had "shrunk" over that time and pulled the MP4 red away leaving cracks bigger than the Grand Canyon!!! So it goes to show that anything can happen to anyone.. whatever the experience..

All is not lost as I have completely stripped it down and its given me chance to completely re-modify it to the point you would not know it was based on the McLaren.... I'll post pictures up tonight of what I am aiming for and what i have achieved so far

Dave don't dispair mate... we will get it sorted

If you want me to be blatently upfront Dave I would say Ditch the LED's.
Under normal light I see nothing wrong and to be honest the amount of work your going to undertake to remove what can only be seen under artificial light, could in theory render you with something you wish you had not started but at the end of the day it's your model and ultimately your decision..

To answer your question about paint removal..

I use Brake fluid.. parts soaked overnight or for a day completely submerged.. this will not attack the ABS plastic and will take it right back but will give a slight "milky" effect to it.

Once done then you need to "prime" all the ABS and using 4000 micromesh go over every part to remove any imperfections.. Remember this is only for the SILVER ABS parts.. any ABS glue can be gently filed off with needle file etc and any CA (superglue) can also be filed off.. cleaned up and prepped ready for respraying...

A lot of work Dave and if you want to send over just the silver parts rather than the whole thing then my offer still stands but you will be able to rebuild and Decal yourself..so in affect your still doing the model rather than me...

Spence

It has got to said, that Spence does not get enough credit for all the help he offers on here. I think it is so kind for him to help anyone that may be in trouble with their model building and the tips are invaluable. Even though he has some problems with his own Senna model at the moment! (Can't wait to see it finished)!!!!Where do you find the time Spence?? Do you have a time machine! I think I may avoid the clear coat on my model, as I think it looks pretty shiny already and I hope to add LED lighting to my display case when it is finshed! It would be a shame to see 2 years work ruined just to make the car a little more shiny.

Chris