Clear coating?

It's easier to paint/seal parts before assembling a figure because you can reach all areas. It also prevents the sealer from pooling at the swivel joints, which you then have to twist loose and may cause ragged edges there.

Also, it looks bad when you twist a thigh and there's flesh in the swivel. Pop that leg off, paint, seal with super glue, then reassemble.

i.imgur.com/c4TJavs.jpg

I use brush on sealer since you don't need much to get a slick protective coat.

Sometimes it's unnecessary, or I'm lazy, or not getting paid enough, and just paint/seal a figure already assembled haha

I use super glue on joints because it's more durable. Sealer isn't very durable, it's just used to protect the paint from dirt, UV rays, everyday handling, even out the surface, etc. You can still scratch it off if you toss it in a box of figures for example.

To tighten joints you need friction. You can do that with anything. A piece of paper, credit card, plastic wrap, a spot of super glue, just depends on the situation.

Tamiya stuff is way overpriced.

I've never used the floor polish. In theory it sounds good because something that protect floors should be mega durable right? But no one I've ever asked has ever given me a satisfactory answer. Someday I'll go buy a bottle and try it but I haven't had any reason to.