I know this subject has been mentioned numerous (understatement) times, but hear me out. I recently purchased some Dullcote and some Krylon Matte Finish clear. The Dullcote says to not spray on styrene. I have a structure that is mostly not painted. Has anyone sprayed dullcote on unpainted styrene with good results?
I have, for years.
Don’t know if they changed their formula, but even if they did, you can get away with it by spraying light coats that dry fast.
I too have used Dull cote on styrene, but always with a coat of some type of paint over which I apply Dullcote.
Be aware that Dullcote stinks to high heaven so I do it outdoors, most of the time. It can’t be good to breathe it.
I don’t like this product at all when using it with an airbrush. I find the acrylic versions (Modelflex, Polly Scale and Model Masters) to give as good but possibly not as hard a finish. However, they go on beautifully and provide as good a finish at a LOT less cost than almost $6.00 for a spray can.
Please report back on your experience with the Krylon paint. I assume “Matte” is their versison of Flat?
Can’t say I’ve every sprayed Dullcote on an unpainted surface. However, if you spray light coats of just about anything you can spray paints that otherwise would melt plastic. Once the first coat is down and dry, your’re pretty safe unless you go overboard on the next one. But it’s a tricky thing - get it too wet and you’ll have melting issues, spray a bit too far away and you’ll get a sand finish because the paint will dry before it hits the surface. Practice first on scraps.
–Randy
Like the other posters I’ve used Dullcote on unpainted styrene by using very light applications and allowing them to dry inbetween. Actually that is how I usually apply Dullcote period.
I also use the Krylon matte finish spray, but it is not equivalent to Dullcote.
It actually works better to replicate the typical from-the-factory matte finish. The best use for Krylon matte that I’ve found has been to blend-in touch up paint on equipment.
Mark Gosdin
Krylon makes 3 clear finishes gloss, matte and flat. Walmart sells them for $2.97 a can around here. I have used the gloss and the matte sprays to seal wood. I have not used any of the 3 spray finishes on styrene or plastic.
I have used Testor’s Dull Cote on painted and unpainted buildings and cars. Dullcote has a strong odor and a spray booth or using it in a well ventilated area is recommended.
I have a new can of dullcote right here,
It reads;
All purpose dullcote for
Plastics__*__, wood, metal
glass, stone, fabrics
paper, ceramic, styrofoam
*NON-SUITABLE for use with POLYETHYLENE and POLYVINYL
No mention of STYRENE
My fault. I read the label wrong.[banghead] I did try it and it turned out fine. I was a little overcome by the stinch of it [:D]
I’ve been using Matte Finish Flat for years as the LHS I frequent and Hobby Lobby don’t carry DullCote. Plus I would much rather pay $2.97 for a big can of tghe Krylon spray. $4.95 for a 3oz can is a bit much.