Paint Cost Question...

[ShaolinMassa]

Just curious, how much is a quart of regular white acrylic enamel in the U.S., they want $40 just for a quart where I live...

[mike@af]

Dont use acrylic-enamel. Try out acrylic-lacquer, or acrylic urethane. It is crap, and I am speaking from a professional stand point. Acrylic enamel is not a durable paint and it is very soft. Also you cannot put acrylic lacquer over acrylic enamel other wise it will cringe, thus making you screwed when it comes to clear coat. Most clear coats are acrylic lacquer.

[ShaolinMassa]

Ok thanks Mike, well I went to the store today and everything is hella expensive so I am gonna order everything from the US and have it shipped to me, before I do that I just wanna make sure I got it right so I am gonna make a list of the stuff I am getting and the steps. Could you look at it for me and let me know if I am on track?

[WRECKAMENDER]

Doubt if you can even get laquer anymore.Our PPG and Martin Senour suppliers quit distributing that garbage years ago.Was o.k. for jambing kinda miss it for that but for that only.Remember how there used to be so many cars running around that lost there shine and appeared dull (maybe your too young, manufactureres quit using it in the 70's) that was likely laquer finish.Also,I think GTMike is confusing acrylic enamel with synthol enamel.After manufacturers quit using laquer many used AE wich was a much better paint but still didn't match the quality of today's finishes.Just make sure not to be cheap and skip using the hardener/catalyst along with it.Looks the same going out of the booth but but doesn't have near the durability.Also clearcoats are of acrylic urethane in nature,the only laquer clear is for the laquer.The only thing the above post was right about is the fact you don/t want to put laquer over enamel,you can however put enamel over a factory laquer.I really have to question Mikes "professional" opinion,hope you didn't order your supplies already.

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by WRECKAMENDER

Doubt if you can even get laquer anymore.Our PPG and Martin Senour suppliers quit distributing that garbage years ago.Was o.k. for jambing kinda miss it for that but for that only.Remember how there used to be so many cars running around that lost there shine and appeared dull (maybe your too young, manufactureres quit using it in the 70's) that was likely laquer finish.Also,I think GTMike is confusing acrylic enamel with synthol enamel.After manufacturers quit using laquer many used AE wich was a much better paint but still didn't match the quality of today's finishes.Just make sure not to be cheap and skip using the hardener/catalyst along with it.Looks the same going out of the booth but but doesn't have near the durability.Also clearcoats are of acrylic urethane in nature,the only laquer clear is for the laquer.The only thing the above post was right about is the fact you don/t want to put laquer over enamel,you can however put enamel over a factory laquer.I really have to question Mikes "professional" opinion,hope you didn't order your supplies already.

I mainly use Acrylic Urethane, my uncle and I paint the planes he builds, all we use is AU. I have had other friends that have use AE and have had bad results, it is possible they didnt use enough catalyst.

I personally hate all enamel paints. Enamels are too soft, and are not very durable. I love lacquer and urethane, some of it is preferential I guess.