What do you guys recommend for a very durable, glossy clear coat to apply after airbrushing with automotive paints?

devcon 2-ton epoxy thinned down the the desired viscosity with denatured alcohol

Devcon 2ton epoxy is good thinned but it's better if you don't thin it down.    Thinning the epoxy makes it weaker.   It's good for some applications but not all.

Be careful with plastic baits that suspend because Devcon adds weight to the bait and may cause it to sink.  

Devcon it the only clear coat I use.

woops, i read the original post wrong.

i thought you siad that you wanted to airbrush a clear coat on, but now i just realized that you want to put a clear coat over airbrushed paint.

in that case, still use devcon, but dont thin it at much.

Big M is right, thinning weakens it. unthinned devcon is the strongest possible.

i still like to thin mine some though, because thinning it makes it SO MUCH easier to brush on. i find it very difficult to evenly brush on unthinned devcon. i also find that thinned devcon gives a shinier coat.

if the baits are hard plastic, hardwood, or urethane baits, use automotive clear this gives a much more scratch resistant coat than epoxy.

if you are using a softer material, the devcon is probably better.

you can also look into dick nite's lure coat. dippable, brushable, and sprayable. it is a moisture cure lacquer.

Hey 4bizz, where do you buy your automotive clear?  About how much does it cost you?

So your saying automotive clear coat is better than devcon 2 ton for plastics? From what I'm reading on the net devcon is the preferred method by most. Automotive clear coat would be much easier if so.

The only problem with using automotive clear is that you will need an exhaust system or with any other solvent based paints or clears. With the water based system an exhaust system is not needed. If you sprayed with automotive paints then why not use the auto clear, it is tough stuff.

I get my clear from a friend. Retail for the PPG clear I use is about $120 a quart if i remember correctly. But that is more clear than you would need in a lifetime of building baits for yourself. Best bet would be to go to an autobody shop and convince them to sell you an ounce or two.

I think for most people, devcon is just cheap, very easily applied, and fairly durable. it is WAY more prone to hook rash though and some baits with very realistic carving (fins, scales, gills, etc) the d2t just looks sloppy, IMO.

How are you putting on this automotive clear coat? I have an airbrush but not a air gun to apply a clear coat.

My Sunday school teacher has an auto shop.  I might him him up tomorrow.  Thanks for the tip.