Yet ANOTHER dullcoat question....

[Anonymous]

It's been years since I actually did the kind of modeling that requires dullcoat, but I'm getting back into it, soooo.....

I want to know which brand of dullcoat gives the best results. I remember there was one brand that did the job very well (i.e. micro-thin layer, even coverage) while others were nothing more than a "less-glossy" version of gloss coating, and did a lousy job of hiding the decal film.

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated...

[Anonymous]

Dullcoat is a trade name for flat paint made by Testors. Other brands call theirs different names. It's sort of like asking which brand of Kleenex is the best.

Bob Boudreau

[cacole]

A lot depends on how large an area you're going to be covering, too. For N or HO scale, a small bottle and brush would probably be a good choice. For G scale, I use Patricia Nimocks Matte Clear Acrylic Sealer from the crafts section of Wal-mart, which comes in a 12 oz. spray can.

[grandeman]

I like the actual Testors brand myself. Just recently, we tried the Krylon matte finish, it's ok but the only advantage it has over Testors is that it's cheaper.

[bogp40]

QUOTE: Originally posted by KenLarsen

It's been years since I actually did the kind of modeling that requires dullcoat, but I'm getting back into it, soooo.....

I want to know which brand of dullcoat gives the best results. I remember there was one brand that did the job very well (i.e. micro-thin layer, even coverage) while others were nothing more than a "less-glossy" version of gloss coating, and did a lousy job of hiding the decal film.

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated...

Ken,
Are you talking about airbrushing the product or spray can?
I used to use Testor's Dullcoat exclusivly before getting into airbrushing. I like to use Floequil's dullcoat airbrushed. I seem to get the best finish with it. Testor"s is still used in a pinch when I don't feel like messing w/ the airbrush. Note: when I find a can with a real good nozzle for spay pattern, I will switch to the best one for the job. Lately it seems that w/ many brands of spray cans the nozzle quality has been poor for spray patterns. This is true for most even other non hobby related paints.
I have been airbrushing w/ solvent based so long that I tend to have problems w/ acrylics, don't know if it is my technique, air pressure or needle size in the brush. Just not happy w/ my many attempts w/ water base compared to solvents.
The laquer dullcoats are still the best, in my opinion, due to the thin layer to do the job. Acrylics tend to be so heavy and settle around hiding some fine detail.
Bob K.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Robert Knapp
Ken, Are you talking about airbrushing the product or spray can?

Bob, I was referring to 'canned' sprays. I try to save my airbrushing for non-laquer paint applications since I don't have a ventilated spray booth, and like you said, the acrylic dull coats tend to be too thick.

Thanx for the replies everyone[:)]!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: iBob, I was referring to 'canned' sprays. I try to save my airbrushing for non-laquer paint applications since I don't have a ventilated spray booth, and like you said, the acrylic dull coats tend to be too thick.

Keep in mind that Testors Dullcoat appears to be lacquer based, and from it's powerfully strong smell it seems to be. It should only be used outdoors if you don't have a spray booth.

Bob Boudreau

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FundyNorthern
Keep in mind that Testors Dullcoat appears to be lacquer based, and from it's powerfully strong smell it seems to be. It should only be used outdoors if you don't have a spray booth.

Absolutely! I'm lucky enough to have a backyard where I can do this (weather permitting, of course).

[Anonymous]

Testors Dullcote. Spray can.

Usually a RTR model gets a shot of dullcote and a bit of weathering. Kit Built Models get the Glosscote, then decaled, then finished with dullcote.

I usually do it outside when temps are not so humid and about 80 degrees. One can can do several cars at once. I dont spray that stuff inside my home because have natural gas.

I like to accumulate a group of models to do at once. I keep a test junker nearby in case of the dreaded white frost.

[mondotrains]

Hello,
This subject has come up before and I tried Krylon's Matte Finish which was suggested and it is great. I firmly believe it provides a flatter fini***han Dullcoat and it was only about $1.50 for a can that is 3 times the size of a small can of Dullcoat (coincidentally on sale at Wal-Mart). I like saving money where I can, especially if the results are better.

Hope this helps.
Mondo

[modelmaker51]

From Robert Knapp:

QUOTE: The laquer dullcoats are still the best, in my opinion, due to the thin layer to do the job. Acrylics tend to be so heavy and settle around hiding some fine detail.
Bob K.

Acutually I disagree. Acrylics do go on heavier, however, if applied correctly will dry to .005 to .010, which is a lot thinner than most laquer or enamel paints.

The PolyScale clear acrylics are actually polyurathanes (the same stuff you put on wood floors) and are harder once cured than laquer paints and they don't yellow with age.

The techniques are certainly different and there is a learning curve. I do not recommend using acrylic paints in an airbru***hat has recently been used with solvent based paints as any amount of solvent remaining in the airbrush can turn acrylic paint to gum.

Also, a fine tip (#!) used for solvent paints does not work very well with acrylics one should switch to a medium tip (#3) for best results.

If you're getting puddles, then you're putting it down to heavy. try less pressure (20-25 psi).

One tip for all painters: Screen the paint! This is especially true for acrylics. The paint that dries in the cap with drop into the bottle when you open it. With solvent paints, the solvent will re-dissolve those particulates, with acrylics, once the paint hardens it stays that way.
So, to avoid clogged airbrushes, screen the paint. i use nylons and pantyhose that the female members of my familly save for me.

[loathar]

I like the Krylon matte finish. It's cheap and VERY dull looking and doesn't have the bad smell of the Testors stuff.DO NOT use Krylon fixative spray! It turns white.

[Anonymous]

Modelmaker,

So the PollyScale flat would be a close comparision to DullCote? I have a few bottles here. I am looking to seal and try something besides Dullcote as I detest the smell.