Dull-Coat questions

Many Trains Mar 6, 2022

  1. Many Trains

    Many Trains TrainBoard Member

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    I have a few questions regarding Testors dull-coat.

    The background - I purchased off of ebay a custom painted locomotive, specifically an n-scale Atlas GP-9 that is custom painted for the B&O. I have disassembled the shell in order to remove the handrails/walkway as these are bowed up from the side sills - long time n-scalers will know what I am talking about here, this is a common issue with the earlier (late 90's) runs of these, I plan to try using a set of handrails/walkways from another unit to see if this will resolve that issue.

    Anyways, in the course of the disassembly, I noticed that the main body of the locomotive is very shiny/glossy. Too much so. The custom paint job is nicely done as is the decaling. But it looks to me like the final step of going over the finished product with dullcoat was never done. I am considering doing this. But before doing so, I have a few questions.

    1. Can dullcoat "go bad"? The spray can I have is pretty old, 10 to maybe 15 years old. Still plenty in the can, I have never used very much, but can it go bad with age?

    2. Am I risking a bad reaction to the paint job? I bought this off of ebay, used. I have no idea when it as painted/how long ago. I do know from the atlas box that it is on a locomotive from the late 90's runs. So the custom paint job could potentially be over 20 years old at this point. But I have no way of knowing. The seller I bought it from didn't do the paint job, so I can't get the info from them. Is there risk in applying the dullcoat?
     
  2. Mike VE2TRV

    Mike VE2TRV TrainBoard Member

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    From your description, I suspect that the model has been sprayed with a clear gloss coat. Lots of it.

    I've seen paint spray cans go wonky, spewing out an uneven, blotchy coat that looks awful. Try it on something else before risking it on a model.

    As for a bad reaction with unknown paint, "orange peel" is the biggest danger. Remember the advice on a lot of products that can be sprayed or otherwise applied on different materials: test on an inconspicuous spot first. If it's OK, go by light coats.
     
  3. wpsnts

    wpsnts TrainBoard Supporter

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    To avoid a possible wonky spray can try spraying the contents into an empty paint jar and then spray using an airbrush assuming that you have one.
     
  4. fordy744

    fordy744 TrainBoard Member

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    A lot of the bad spraying can come from a clogged tip and bits dried affecting the spray pattern, safest way is to swap to nozzle out.

    Can't comment on it going bad over time, I doubt it given the obnoxious chemicals it contains but a good shake will be vital.

    As to reacting with previously painted model of unknown materials, it's always a risk. Generally if it has been sealed previously you "should" be ok. The biggest contaminant I find is dust/oils so suggest a good thorough clean especially since you don't know it's history.

    Good Luck!
     
  5. MRLdave

    MRLdave TrainBoard Member

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    To be safe , spray something else before the loco.......if the dullcoat comes out evenly you should be good to go. Remember that Dullcoat is a lacquer, not an acrylic or enamel. Use multiple light coats vs a heavy coat A clean model isn't a necessity.......many people use dullcoat to seal their weathering powders, but remember that anything there when you spray it will be there forever (unless you completely strip the model).
     

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