If you've been modeling for any length of time, you've probably heard the names Glosscote and Dullcote. These two Testors aerosol clear coats are workbench staples — and for good reason. Used together, they give you complete control over your model's final finish, from brilliant gloss to dead flat matte. Here's everything you need to know.
What Are They?
Testors Glosscote (#1261) is a crystal-clear gloss lacquer in a 3 oz aerosol can. It lays down a hard, shiny protective coat that's ideal for preparing surfaces before decal application and for enhancing metallic and chrome effects.
Testors Dullcote (#1260) is its flat-finish counterpart — same fast-drying lacquer formula, same 3 oz can, but with a smooth matte surface that eliminates shine and gives your model a realistic, scale-appropriate look.
Why Use Both?
The real power of these two products comes from using them in sequence. Most experienced modelers follow a three-step clear coat process:
- Gloss coat first (Glosscote). Before applying decals, lay down a coat of Glosscote. The smooth, glassy surface prevents silvering — that frustrating halo effect where the decal film catches light around the edges. Decals settle flat and bond cleanly to a gloss surface.
- Apply decals and weathering. With your decals set and any washes or weathering effects applied, let everything cure fully.
- Flat coat last (Dullcote). Seal everything with Dullcote to unify the finish, knock down any remaining shine, and lock in your weathering. The result is a cohesive, realistic surface across the entire model.
This workflow works equally well on armor, aircraft, cars, figures, and ships — any subject where a natural, non-reflective finish is the goal.
Tips for Best Results
- Watch the humidity. Lacquer clear coats are sensitive to moisture. Applying Dullcote in humid conditions can cause a milky, frosted appearance called "blushing." Aim for low-humidity days or work indoors with good airflow.
- Thin, even coats. Hold the can 10–12 inches from the surface and use smooth, sweeping passes. Multiple light coats are always better than one heavy coat.
- Let it cure. Dullcote and Glosscote dry to the touch quickly, but give each coat 15–20 minutes before handling or applying the next layer.
- Compatibility. Both are compatible with most acrylic and enamel paints. If you're painting with lacquers underneath, test on a scrap piece first.
Which One Should You Reach For?
The short answer: keep both on your shelf. Glosscote before decals, Dullcote at the end. If you're building a show car or a highly polished subject, you may finish with Glosscote instead — or layer them to achieve a semi-gloss by applying a light mist of Dullcote over Glosscote.
Together, Testors Glosscote and Dullcote cover every finishing scenario you'll encounter. They're affordable, widely available, and proven across decades of scale modeling. If you don't have both on your bench, now's the time.
Comments