Acrylic enamel and enamel

[sak]

Iwas just wondering if somebody could explain the difference between this can of gloss black acrylic enamel duplicolor and a gloss black can of testors enamel. What I mean is acrylic enamel and enamel the same form of paint. I need to find something to replace these small testors cans for my alcading. Too much is wasted as I cannot seem to get the last bit out of the cans.

Has anybody used acrylic enamel under alclad. I notice plasticote gloss black enamel in a big can. They make good primers, but not sure about theyre enamels.

thnxs

Jeff

Edited May 15, 2011 by sak

[sak]

So if alclad says that I need to use a enamel basecoat, they mean it can be applied to anything that is hard and durable?

Edited May 15, 2011 by sak

[Casey]

It's not an easy thing to explain, so here's the wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylic_paint#Differences_between_acrylic_and_oil_paint

[Aaronw]

I've specifically seen Krylon Gloss black mentioned as a good basecoat under Alclad on some of the aircraft forums I frequent. I don't have much experience with Alclad myself though.

[Hoosierfarmboy]

good question and good answers. the wiki article section on difference was enlightening. although geared to artistic painting it still gave a good explanation.

[sak]

So if I want to use paint from this can of "acrylic enamel", as a wash? What do I thin it down with? Water or mineral spirits ?

[Hizoot]

Jeff,

It's easy to become confused by this but the term " acrylic" refers to Acrycil; a liquid plastic that when dry offers an extra hard, glossy finish to most oil or gum based paints. A good example of acrylic is Future Floor Finish which is not wax but 100% pure Acrycil or "acrylic" plastic.

The word enamal normaly refers to the oil based paints used in home & automotive applications. Therefor Acrylic Enamal would be simply an oil based paint with acrycil added to it.

As for Alclad, I don't use it but I know you can apply it over most all paints acrylic or not. Just don't put oil based over it for a clear coat. However I'm told you can put Future acrylic over it.

Hope this helps..!

Hizoot

[sak]

Ah ok thats what I needed to know. That settles it then. Thank you