Weathering sealers

Drew, you might try Dullcoat’s opposite, Glosscoat (also made by Testor’s). Actually, I glosscoat most models to apply decals, then seal them with Dullcoat.

Mission Models Paint has acrylic clear coats in matte, semigloss, and gloss if you want to airbrush.  I have used the matte and semigloss but it's tricky because if you spray too much it will look one grade shinier.  But that's about true with any clear coat.   Also you could try very light dusting with Pledge floor care (they bought the Future floor finish brand).

Thanks for the advice guys!  I’ll do some experimenting on some test pieces and see what results I get.

If you want it to stay chrome, then do the weathering with something that requires no sealer, such as paint.  If you chalk it, you’re other going to have to seal it, which will change the finish no matter what, or live with the fact that over time, the chalk work could come off with handling (or just don’t handle it). If you gloss cote weathering, it’s going to look like it just got rained on… probably not the effect you’re after. You can mix chalk into the paint so that the paint has some texture to it, and obviously it’ll dry in place with the paint.

I use airbrush-sprayed acrylic  grays, burnt siennas (simulate rust), and sometimes India ink mixed w/ alcohol.  I never will leave the glossy factory finish - even my "cleanest" locomotives and cars get a flat coat over them.  Although sometimes I run them a little before giving in and weathering.

This of course is heresy to many O gauge enthusiasts.  I think that is true because of a carryover from the "collectible" era of the 1980's- 1990's.  In my view most full scale train equipment started glossy but within a very short time in use, the grime took over.  Even in the glory years (1940's) it was pretty much only the locos that were ever washed.

Yes- I realize that the "sellability" of an O Gauge train or structure is affected when one weathers it.  Even though with the giant lobster claw couplers, and the selectively- compressed size, the "scale" appearance is not there in traditional O gauge.  But to me, my enjoyment is increased several fold by having them look "realistic".  Most of my visitors comment on that, saying "they look so real".

I will not be around to lament over the lost value when the stuff gets sold.  But the pleasure now is more important to me.  And... I run 'em!!

@Mike Wyatt posted:

This of course is heresy to many O gauge enthusiasts.  I think that is true because of a carryover from the "collectible" era of the 1980's- 1990's. 

I here ya Mike, but ...

I can't agree.  In my opinion it's because they're toys.

The good news is that you can do with your toys what you wish, including weathering them if that's what you want -- and you've done a very nice job weathering yours.

Mike