Hi all
I have dumb question #6,785 and 1/2
If I go out to a hardware store such as Lowe's, Home Depot, etc... and buy a big can of flat laquer spray, is that the same stuff that Testors puts in thier little bitty cans of flat laquer spray


Thanks,
Wayne

Sort of. In the sense that Model Master, Tamiya, Liquitex and no-name craft store acrylics are all the same thing.

If you buy clear flat laquer from a hardware store, here's what you can be sure of, barring a disastrously bad-quality batch: it will be (relatively) clear; it will be relatively to very flat; laquer thinner will act as a solvent on it.

What you won't know without testing: how "hot" it is - i.e., whether it will eat acrylic paint, enamel paint, styere plastic, CA glue, etc.; how hard it is, physically - i.e., whether a fingernail will scratch the finish once its done; how hard it is, chemically - i.e., whether an oil-based wash will dislodge or discolor it (unlikely, but possible); whether it will yellow over time (more likely than you think). Excessive "hotness" and yellowing are the 2 most likely problems, in my experience.

Will it work out? Probably. But how much of a chance are you willing to run? At the very least, test it on a similar piece of plastic (ideally the same type as the model) that has been painted by some of the same paint, applied in the same way. You won't be able to tell about the yellowing for a few months or years, though you may be able to speed it up by leaving the test piece in direct sunlight.

Maybe someone can recommend a particular brand of flat laquer they have used successfully over time?

Thanks for the info Captain Part-Timer,
I think I will definately stay with the 'real' model sprays like Testors,etc...
After putting all the time and work into a great kit I would absolutely be devastated if things were to turn out nasty like you say.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the help,
Wayne

My guess about non model specialized products is that they can be used as long as they have been enough testing with all kinds of materials that u r going to use em. Some laquers might been harmful for your paints and models. someof them might be ok . I ve located an acrylic flat varnish that costs 10 euro while the equal amount in modelling company would cost me 58 euro so . i bought it test it even in my fragile painted figures and works fine. so its ok . thats the procedure i think

Your best bet for the $$, is to go to the craft store and get the large can of Art Supply clear flat.
Its laquer based and very flat, and it doesn't eat plastic. The product is used to seal
pastel and chalk portraits.