Hey there! I posted this message in the cosplay props chat channel, but I wasn't sure if it needed to be there or in a help forum, so sorry in advance for the double post.
I'm nearing the last phases of making my Mandalorian armor, and I had some questions about painting. I'm using Duralumen Tuff for some of the pieces, which I've never used before. I've also never used the clear coat I plan on using, which is the Spray Max 2K Glamour high gloss clear (in an activator/spraycan thing). I plan on getting a really smooth flat black base coat, applying the 2k clear, and then airbrushing Duralumen. So I guess I'll break this up into sections lol, for anyone that has experience workign with EITHER (preferably both in conjunction tho lol) of these products that feels like answering
First. Will I NEED to put 2k clear on top of the duralumen tuff? I bought the "tuff" variant of Duralumen in hopes that this could be avoided. Even the best clear messes up even the best of metallics, and I'm worried that my (subpar to HVLP spray) 2K will prove a detriment to the Duralumen. I want to avoid a top clear at all costs. But I need to know 1) can you use painter's tape on top of duralumen tuff without making marks or messing up the paint in any way, and 2) would I be able to paint over (using standard spraypaint) and then do acrylic dirt wash based weathering techniques?
Second. When dealing with the Spray Max Glamour high gloss 2k clear, what techniques can I use to ensure that it lays down as flat and glossy as possible, without any clouding or an orange peel surface? This would disrupt the duralumen going on, and if I put 2k clear on top of the duralumen (which would be on top of 2k itself), i fear that it would get real messy real quick.
Sorry for the long message, and help would be greatly appreciated lol