Looking for some advise on what clear coat brand to use following using Behr Latex Exterior paint. I read prior threads related to this subject but most of those post are quite a few years old so I thought I would start a new post to see what others have or are using in today's time.
Back story is I picked up a Ziroli Skyraider that is in good shape and had some center wing work completed and needed to be repainted The previous owner had the paint samples already made (Behr Exterior) so I used that paint, added some Windshield Washer fluid and Floetrol which worked pretty good with a HVLP touch up Sprayer. I'll let the paint cure out for a couple weeks before adding a clear coat. Here is where I can use some suggestions. I read that Rust-oleum Clear does not stand up well to Gas or Nitro, Prior Threads mentioned "System Three" Clear Coat. What I see on the Internet is that they make a Glossy sheen. I am looking for a matt or Satin Clear coat since this is a war bird in the Dark Blue that was used on the early versions of the Douglas Skyraiders. Appreciate suggestions or recommendations pictures will be added soon.

IMO it depends on what was originally used so you can get something compatible. From what I have heard, the system 3 needs a catalyst to be fuel proof. It it were me, I would order a can of Spray Max 2K matte clear and after testing compatibility, spray away.

I agree with this suggestion, auto painter for 30+ years

Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll give it a try. Will probably go with a satin as there is a little bit of a sheen on the existing finish.

I have had decent results using Rustoleum satin clear over the years on my WW1 planes. But I admit most of my stuff is painted in ways that the clear doesn't seem obvious. varied colors,weathering etc..Since you have that big blue area you want it to look more consistent than the stuff I have done. but as to the long term durability I have liked the Rustoleum.. Also I use NO GLOW FUEL motors...

Thanks for the Advice as well. I went ahead and bought a can of the Max K2 and gave it a try. I like the way it hardened up after a couple of days but I got the Sheen wrong and should have gone with the Matt finish. Oh well, not a show stopper as I want to get this bird back in the air after 10 plus years of being hangered. Once I get some flights on this one I may refinish it in a totally different scheme anyway.
Appreciate the responses and support,


Bob

If you want it dulled down some you could always rub it with cloth, and work your way thru some different things to make it look the way you want.. I have gone carefully with the softest scotch pads.. usually old beat up ones. But it will be hard to undo that once you start. Also I would not do swirls and different directions. I would work leading edge to trailing edge, go slow, and start on the bottom. To experiment and see the results...
I thought your pictures would make most people satisfied, but some of us do like some weathering on there

Thanks for the advise, I thought of using some old Scotch pads as well. For now my goal is to get the components back in the wing and get the old bird ready for an engine run. I agree, weathering looks best with warbirds and I will work on that later.

Here is the results of the painting and clear coat. I think for now it will do so some flights can be completed. Next year we will look at a new paint scheme if it holds up.

Center Wing installed and nearing completion.