Krylon Clear Coat Incompatibilities?

jcd132 · Post by **jcd132** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 9:10 pm

Anyone ever have problems spraying Krylon clearcoats over Testors colors? I recently had a model paint finish totally get screwed up after I sprayed a can of Krylon matt finish over the Testors color and off-brand name gloss coat. The paint wrinkled up in several locations, primarily where the matt coat was thicker. Apparently there was a reaction with the underlying gloss coat or Testors color paint, both of which had had several days to dry. Any idea what happened?

photoguy · Post by **photoguy** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 9:44 pm

Yep. Been there, wearing the T-shirt.

#1 Testor's enamels take FOREVER to cure completely. And, Yes, they need to be absolutely 100% cured before you clear over them.

#2 Krylon Clear contains a very "hot" thinner that will soften the underlying paint layers. I've also seen this destroy decals that have not been coated.

These are both reasons I use almost exclusively acrylic paints on models. Being water-based, when they're dry, they're cured - no waiting days for the paint to finish out-gassing. Also, I have had better luck with Testor's Clear coats, or if you prefer the hardware store paints, check out the Excel Colour Vision line. Also enamel/lacquer, but not nearly as "hot" as the Krylon.

jcd132 · Post by **jcd132** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 10:11 pm

Thanks for the confirmation. I usually use acrylic clearcoats sprayed with an airbrush, but I just have been lazy lately. Sometimes it just seems easier to get the spray cans out. Learned a good lesson this time. I'll avoid the Krylon stuff in the future, at least when spraying on Testors products.

en'til Zog · Post by **en'til Zog** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:11 pm

How about old style Krylon matt fixative? Or clear fix? Different formula meant for protecting artwork?

Spacephrawg · Post by **Spacephrawg** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 6:38 am

en'til Zog wrote:How about old style Krylon matt fixative? Or clear fix? Different formula meant for protecting artwork?

that stuff is a bad idea. It isn't even archival 8>/

jonmarcus · Post by **jonmarcus** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 9:22 am

I found out the hard way that Walmart's ColorPlace clear spray enamel should not be used on clear parts. My TOS Viper has a permanently frosted canopy.

Ah well. Live and learn.

photoguy · Post by **photoguy** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 12:14 pm

jonmarcus wrote:I found out the hard way that Walmart's ColorPlace clear spray enamel should not be used on clear parts. My TOS Viper has a permanently frosted canopy.
Ah well. Live and learn.

Lesson of the day - NEVER Clear Coat your Clear parts!