Clearcoats — Full sheen control, crew-friendly handling, and proven performance
Alongside the universal water-based base system, the production also required a clearcoat package that could cover extreme sheen targets and still behave predictably under real set conditions — including pauses between work periods, mixed crews, and changing schedules.
Full sheen range: ultra-matt to high gloss
We supplied two ends of the spectrum, because different scenes, lighting setups, and art-direction targets demand very different surface behaviour:
- Ultra-matt water-based 2K clearcoat
Specified and delivered at <5 GU (60°) (gloss units measured at 60°) — an ultra-low sheen level used when the priority is light control, minimal reflections, and a “true matte” camera response.
- High-gloss clearcoats
Delivered at 80+ GU (60°) for a strong, clean, reflective finish where gloss and highlight definition are part of the look. This gloss system was supplied in both 1K and 2K variants to match different durability targets and on-set workflow preferences.
1K vs 2K options — chosen for workflow, durability, and risk control
In production environments, the right choice is rarely “the strongest product at any cost.” It’s about predictable results under time pressure:
- 1K options support fast, simple application with fewer mixing variables — ideal when speed and repeatability across a larger crew are the priority.
- 2K options deliver higher chemical and mechanical resistance when the build will see heavier abuse, repeated handling, or stricter durability expectations.
By offering both, the production could choose the safest option per set element, without compromising schedule.
Crew-friendly chemistry: extended usability after mixing
We also introduced a clearcoat option designed specifically for the realities of set work: after combining components, the material does not rapidly become unusable in the can. Instead, the curing mechanism is engineered so that crosslinking develops in a controlled way during the evaporation phase.
In practical terms, this meant:
- opened / mixed containers remained workable across multiple days,
- materials were far less likely to “die in the bucket” during schedule gaps,
- and the team reduced waste, emergency shortages, and last-minute re-mixing.
On a production, this is not a small detail — it directly protects time, budget, and consistency.
Why we can recommend durable systems with confidence
Our recommendations are not based on theory alone. Because our partner network includes teams working on high-traffic real-world environments — including sports courts, museums, hotels, and restaurants — we understand what actually performs when surfaces are exposed to heavy wear.
That real-world knowledge translates well into production needs:
- durable finishes that survive handling, resets, and repeated contact
- predictable maintenance behaviour
- and, where required, slip-resistance options (anti-slip) that balance traction and safety
Anti-slip: traction without creating a “hazard surface”
Where slip resistance is required, the goal is not simply “maximum grip.” The surface must provide reliable tractionwhile avoiding an overly aggressive texture that can increase risk in falls or cause discomfort for performers and crew.
In practice, that means choosing anti-slip solutions that are:
- appropriate for footwear traction (including athletic shoes)
- balanced for safety in real movement and reset conditions
- and repeatable across batches and application teams
Summary
The clearcoat package delivered:
- Ultra-matt (<5 GU at 60°) water-based 2K control
- High-gloss (80+ GU at 60°) in 1K and 2K options
- Crew-friendly handling, including a solution with extended usability after mixing
- Performance-led recommendations, backed by experience in high-traffic architectural and sports applications
- Optional anti-slip approaches where traction and safety must be balanced
