Using Bragdon weathering powders with Dullcote

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I had an interesting discussion with Joel Bragdon last weekend about the subject. I am having difficulty getting the powders to adhere to Dullcote. He told me that the formula for Dullcote has changed recently, due to California toxicity regulations.

He suggested using acrylic clear matte finish spray or clear spray fixitive. I have some of the latter, bought years ago and not used because I didn’t know how to use it.

I checked with Michael’s yesterday and was only able to find acrylic clear flat varnish, and $20.00 (yikes!) per 8 oz. bottle.

So, a couple of questions:

  1. Would the clear fixitive work in place of Dullcote, and is it a hard enough finish for our models?

  2. Does anyone know if Polly Scale acrylic clear flat is the same as the recommended acrylic clear matte? On second thought, paying almost $5 for one ouncy of this stuff is WAY more expensive than the Michael’s offering! The only advantage is that you CAN buy the product in small quantities.

  3. Does anyone use Microscale clear flat for this purpose? If not, what DO you use if for?

2

I used Krylon fixative and it turned my model white. I found a clear acrylic matte spray at Hobby Lobby made by a company called Crafts Etc! $3.99 for an 8oz spray can. Works really well. (can’t find any link on the web to give you)
Just bought a fresh can of Testors dull coat and it seams to be the same good ol chemical they’ve been selling for years. I still think that’s the best flat finish you can buy, but it’s kind of pricey @ $5 for a 3oz can.

3

I have always used Bragdon powders with no problem. I still use dullcote for a airbursh and it works fine. I don’t use the can that much. Don’t have much control, and its kinda pricey. Aggro has used some floor finish and he said it works fine. I don’t know the name he used, but I hope he pops in here to help out.