The Future is Clear...

 The Thrifty Rocketeer Blog continues...

So we're chatting with fellow rocketeers on Zoom tonight, (something we've started doing since the Pandemic hit) and one of my fellows asks, "Has anyone tried this new 2-part clear coating for your rockets?"

Now, the attempt to seal your rocket with "Clear Coat" has been an ongoing fad for many years, and seems to go in cycles, as various new rocketeers enter the hobby, and want to preserve their paint job, especially as they take more time and effort with their painting.

So he goes on to describe how this is a two-part mix, and how you take the cap off the top of the bottle, and then reinsert it in the base, puncturing the seal and adding the hardener to the mix.  Some vigorous shaking, and the spray is ready.

He even claims that the spray nozzle is set up to give a nice, even fan from top to bottom when sweeping left to right.   He says this is near automotive grade, and is frequently used for preserving the paint on the hood of your car.  It's supposed to be especially good at heat resistance.

So we ask the price of this product, and we're told, more than $25 per can.  And for a hood, you're likely to need two cans.

I swallow hard, thinking this is really expensive clear coat... and my memory goes back to what I was told about ten years ago when getting into the hobby.

I was told to go find a bottle of "Future Floor Finish" to polish my rocket.  The idea was that you took a cotton ball, soak it from the "spray top" of the squeeze bottle, and then wipe it on generously over your rocket, decals and all.  Let it set and dry and give it all a second coat if you like.


The word back then was that the acrylic floor finish was the best, cheapest means to seal and protect your rocket.  The only problem was that the product is no longer being made.  That is, it has not been sold under the same label.   Acrylic floor finish is still available, but it may no longer be called "Future".

Anyway, "Future floor finish" looks to be a lot cheaper in the short run, but it isn't a clear coat sealer that you would want to use on your high power rocket.  Maybe low power and mid-power, but basically over  your cardboard and wood builds.

So that's this week's thrifty tip from the Thrifty Rocketeer.

Don't forget to cap your glue and let your floor finish dry!


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