Clear "primer" for polycarbonate

[XLR8]

I'm looking for a clear polycarbonate primer over which I can apply any type of paint. I will be painting the underside of a body so it's important that the primer dry perfectly clear so that it doesn't alter the final color. I'm aware that Tamiya makes a matte clear for poly but I've stumbled upon "Polycarb Spray Base Backing Cover Coat" from Duratrax that could be a better value. Has anyone here used this paint and if so does it dry perfectly clear?? thanks!

[juicedcoupe]

I haven't used the clear but Duratrax is my paint of choice. I'll use others if I have to but will use Duratrax if there's an option.

[XLR8]

Yeah, I agree. I've always had good results using Duratrax. Larger can, better value, etc.
I need to know if this paint is better suited for application on the outside of the body because, perhaps it's not crystal clear.

thanks!!

[juicedcoupe]

Being that its intended for backing, I assume that it is more of a translucent shade. Something that won't change the final color as much as traditional backing colors (black, silver, or white).

[XLR8]

I believe you are correct again. I've asked the question over on another message board and one responder said this paint is definitely not clear. The key word here is "backing" - it's meant to be applied after the final color on the inside of a lexan body not before the final color.
Anyway, it seems clear (sorry) that this isn't what I looking for.

thanks again.

[radioactivity]

Doug

I was watching a Createx video on Youtube trying to find painting tips.
The video was highlighting

Looking at their site they have a couple "clear" Water-Based acrylics. 5601, 4053
I have used 5601 as a dilutant and in different situations. I have had no problems even mixing with other brands of paint.
5601, in my opinion, may not be perfectly clear. Maybe slightly translucent.

I am not positive as to 4053's adhesion to polycarbonates but it should be a candidate. "High gloss" would hint at a transparent nature of the paint.
Might give them a call first with your requirements in mind.

Chuck

[XLR8]

Thanks Chuck.
Just checked out the website and looks like it's worth a try.
Actually, 4050 is recommended as a primer rather than their other clear coatings in the series.
Question is; can it be overcoated with Duplicolor lacquer paints? I guess the best way to know for certain is to try a small bottle.
thanks again.

This is from the Createx website:


UVLS Clears are water-based, architectural-grade clears made for interior and exterior applications.
They are made with an acrylic – aliphatic polyurethane resin which is exceptionally durable with excellent adhesion.
UVLS Clears are durable and do not yellow over time.

UVLS stands for Ultra-Violet Light Stabilizer; clears contain UV protection for underlying colors, especially helpful when top-coating candy2o and other dyes & stains.

UVLS Clears have an ASTM E84 Class A fire rating for smoke & flame spread.

Available in 4050 Gloss, 4051 Satin and 4052 Matte and in 6 bottle sizes (2oz, 4oz, 8oz, 16oz, 32oz & Gallon)

• 4050 Gloss is the highest gloss-level Createx clear.
• 4051 Satin & 4052 Matte maintain a consistent gloss-level that doesn’t “gloss up” when excess material is applied.
• 4050 Gloss has the best adhesion and is the recommend UVLS Clear for use as a primer.

Compatible with all Createx paints

UVLS Clears Have 3 Functions
1. Top-coat clear for sign, costuming, modeling and more.
2. Primer – Adheres to most any substrate except silicone
3. candy2o carrier

Mixing & Thinning UVLS Clears
UVLS Clears are thinned with 4011 Reducer 5% – 10% per volume.

Application
UVLS Clears may be applied by spray-gun, airbrush or traditional brush.
Pin-hole free coverage is achieved with 3 medium coats

For full product details please refer to our TDS Sheet

[radioactivity]

Doug

The videos from Createx have been playing in the background for the last few hours. Addictive...
I saw a portion of one titled "Solvent based clears for Createx automotive based paint jobs". It may have either answers or clues to your question.

I do believe that 4053 high gloss is a newer clearcoat superseding 4050.


Also a ton of info on shooting candy and candy apple paint.

Probably wouldn't hurt to send them an email or call to firm up the answer though I guess.

I only wish I had seen these videos a week or so ago.
I might have used 4050 type as a primer on my TOMSE wheels.

Chuck

[Basher67]

Why do you want to lay a clear primer coat and what paint are you going to spray on top of it? The reason I ask, is if you're spraying Tamiya rattle cans, you don't want or need a "primer". Lacquer based paints bond very well to polycarbonate. You definitely do not want a water based paint as a "primer" to a lacquer based paint. It's not that it can't work, it just wont be as durable and can have bad habits and lifting on tape edges during the paint job. Ask me how I know Using createx clear as a primer base for spraying createx waterbased paints works well. I use it to remove static after peeling liquid mask so that I don't get "ghost farts" and weird effects in my shading.

[rwordenjr]

Why do you want to lay a clear primer coat and what paint are you going to spray on top of it? The reason I ask, is if you're spraying Tamiya rattle cans, you don't want or need a "primer". Lacquer based paints bond very well to polycarbonate. You definitely do not want a water based paint as a "primer" to a lacquer based paint. It's not that it can't work, it just wont be as durable and can have bad habits and lifting on tape edges during the paint job. Ask me how I know Using createx clear as a primer base for spraying createx waterbased paints works well. I use it to remove static after peeling liquid mask so that I don't get "ghost farts" and weird effects in my shading.

do you back acrylic airbrush bodies with anything? im using proline airbrush paint and the paint scratches off just by putting body on and off