Testors Glosscote and Dullcote.

It's a little confusing how they label stuff. Recently I emailed Alclad paints regarding the proper fluid to thin their Alclad II Lacquer Gloss Klear Kote  ALC 310. I was told not to use LT but to use enamel thinner to dilute it. 

Thanks, Ernie.

For lacquers and acrylics I'll use the Testors gloss and dull, for MM enamels I'll stick to Micro clear products. I decided to try the Testors because of Lawdog telling me it's the best he's found, and we know the kind of work he turns out. You as well, your latest F-4 looks outstanding.

About 3 or 4 years ago, I asked Testors about a clear product of theirs, a four bottle set called MM "Custom Enamel System." Gloss, Satin and Flat, but the thinner is called lacquer thinner. Being old school and recalling the no lacquer over enamel rule, I called and got this answer. 

"We refer to it as lacquer thinner, because most folks associate a clear coat as a varnish, which is commonly considered a lacquer." Well now, that really clears that question up, doesn't it???

So, they sell three bottles of gloss, satin and flat, labeled Custom Enamel System, but the thinner is labeled Custom Enamel System Lacquer Thinner. Maybe I lack the intellect to find the logic in that.

Anyway, thanks all for the help, much appreciated.

Patrick

I have also used polyurethane for clear coats.  One advantage is that semi-gloss (semi-matt?) clear polyurethane is readily available.  It takes a bit more thinner (turpentine) than Testors enamels.

Hi Patrick

I use both Testors gloss and dull cote and use Home Depot LT to thin it about 20% LT and rest Testors stuff. It's fine to spray over cured acrylic cuz it dries quick. I also use the Alclad flat kote which thins with Testors enamel thinner.

Again, make sure the acrylic has cured at least a few days. And forgot to mention Aqua Gloss from Alclad which is an acrylic and sprays very smooth.

patrick206

Thanks, Fermis - Have you seen any reactions to finishes, enamel or acrylic? I'll look for some, there's a large home center near me. Sounds interesting.

I really appreciate the responses, fellas, very helpful.

Patrick

 

I do not use acrylics at all, so can't comment there.

I use nothing but MM enamels. The only issues I have ever had with the Minwax have been when I sprayed too much, too quickly (had same issue with Testors gloss too)...that will crinkle up the paint. I typically do a couple light coats (this will dry to the touch in just minutes), then get a little heavier, with a few more coats.

Thanks, Fermis - Have you seen any reactions to finishes, enamel or acrylic? I'll look for some, there's a large home center near me. Sounds interesting.

I really appreciate the responses, fellas, very helpful.

Patrick

Don Stauffer

I also thin it with hardware store thinner.  I start with a 1:1 mix and alter it thinner if needed.

 

 

I use their dull coat...for gloss, though, I bought a quart of Minwax "clear gloss lacquer" (the quart cost about the same as 2-3 Testors bottles of gloss). I've done close to 200 builds, so far, and still have almost half a quart still. I also thin about 50/50...same for gloss and flat.

Thanks, Don. I checked with our big RR club members here in town, they say it's not touchy stuff at all, generic lacquer thinner works well. The hobby shop called me, said that Testor's quit producing the thinner they say is the ONLY one to use, but still produce the Gloss and Dullcote. What's the sense of that? Kinda screwy.

Patrick

I also thin it with hardware store thinner.  I start with a 1:1 mix and alter it thinner if needed.

Thanks, Ed - I have plenty of lacquer thinner, DuPont and some Testors for their small bottle clear coats, it's called a lacquer thinner, I'll give a try for a small test batch.

Do you need to thin it very much for airbrushing?

Thanks again.

Patrick

I have used Crown brand lacquer thinner from the local Lowe's hardware store with good success.