Using an acrylic top coat?

[uart]

I've just been cleaning and touching up a few blemishes on the old Apollo Concorde that I'm (partially) restoring (Will post some photos soon). It's nothing too special believe me, but I was going to put on a light clear coat once I'm finished. I usually use something like White Knight "clear guard", but I've got none left. I've got a spray can of some basic looking "SCA Acrylic clear coat" laying around, it says it can be used on plastic, metal or fibreglass. I wonder if it would be worthwhile giving that a go?

I used to think that the White Knight stuff was something better (costs a lot more), but last time I used it on bare metal the rust just came straight through in a matter of weeks, and I'd cleaned it really well to bare metal (yeah I've since learnt that it really does need the paint underneath). Now I'm wondering if the White knight stuff really is any better than the cheap generic stuff like this SCA one?

[Tim]

Is it an exterior grade clear product?
Reason being that the more expensive exterior quality clear coat finishes have UV stabilising additives.
Cheaper interior clear finishes often go yellow and ultimately break down after exposure to the sun.
Acrylic/water based finishes however are less prone to yellowing than oil and solvent based products.

[LG]

My very basic understanding is that you can use enamel over acrylic paint, but it doesn't work so well the other way around. Not sure if this helps at all.

[duncan16v]

Dulux clear coat two pack is the way to go: https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-duram ... t_p1400741

It spays on noice and you should have fewer issues with solvents attacking the existing coating, although test on an inconspicuous spot first.

You should use a respirator if you're going to use it, but at least it doesn't contain isocyanates.

[QuangVuong]

I've used the SCA clear acrylic before. Its a decent clear coat for fresh paint. I haven't used it for spraying over old paint, but as long as you prep the underlying surface you won't have any real issues with it.

As LG stated, an acrylic clear will not really adhere the best to enamel paint. It will dry as a layer of paint on the top rather than chemically bond onto the underlying surface, but since you're spraying onto old paint it won't really make a difference.

[uart]

I've used the SCA clear acrylic before. Its a decent clear coat for fresh paint. I haven't used it for spraying over old paint, but as long as you prep the underlying surface you won't have any real issues with it.

As LG stated, an acrylic clear will not really adhere the best to enamel paint. It will dry as a layer of paint on the top rather than chemically bond onto the underlying surface, but since you're spraying onto old paint it won't really make a difference.

Ok thanks. This is the stuff I've got. http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Produc ... 00g/288522

This bike is not exactly the Mona Lisa or anything, I just want to try and gloss it up a little bit. Yeah I think I'll give it a go.

Dulux clear coat two pack is the way to go: https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-duram ... t_p1400741

Wow, two pack in the one can, that's pretty cool. I'll remember that one for next time I'm doing a proper job.

[ldrcycles]

The regular duramax clear coat is also good, I used that over duramax metallic red on a recent project and got a fantastic result. Another good clear is Rustoleum 2X, also available at Bunnings. I used that on my car bonnet as it's supposed to be UV resistant, I'll find out soon enough on that score

[Roisin79]

For all us cheapskates who do rattle can repaints, it looks like Dulux has stopped producing at least three popular Duramax metallics; Red, Green, Blue; I looked online and there was no sign of them, nor when I visited Bunnings. Bit of a blow that as the latter two were very period looking, so much so I was about to start the prep of my Two Star for a green paint, it matching the old 160's Malvern Star shade very well. Yes, I know it is an inferior method of painting a frame but when they are low to middle tier bikes, I think it is a no-brainer, especially when with good prep you can absoluely get a top finish.

[P!N20]

I looked online and there was no sign of them, nor when I visited Bunnings.

What are the colour names? Looks like Collingwood has Duramax in stock, but I don't know which colours you need.

Edit: ah yeah, not many options in the metallic range.

[Jean]

I've been using artists acrylics from MTN. Very good to use IME, though, while you can apply another coat quite quickly, it takes a day or two for them to set up properly if you want to handle the item. If the paint feels even vaguely soft or spongy, walk away and come back tomorrow. Going to an art store like Erkersleys opens up your spray paint horizons considerably (though MTN ship direct from their own set-up)

The SCA spray paint is OK for small jobs, but I've found it a PITA for larger ones. Spend a few dollars more in the same shop and get the Septone stuff, IMO. If nothing else, the nozzles are much better to use. But both are designed for use on cars, so should stand up well in the longer term without yellowing.

[Roisin79]

I've been using artists acrylics from MTN. Very good to use IME, though, while you can apply another coat quite quickly, it takes a day or two for them to set up properly if you want to handle the item. If the paint feels even vaguely soft or spongy, walk away and come back tomorrow. Going to an art store like Erkersleys opens up your spray paint horizons considerably (though MTN ship direct from their own set-up)

Yeah you are right in term of horizons opening, a huge chart...but still, few metallics!! I have no predudice in terms of brand, it's just that the Dulux ones mentioned were very bike-like, I'm repainting an early '60's two star and the Duramax metallic green I have left is almost identical to the orig MS shade. Although I have a gun and compressor, I have no paint or thinners atm....spending maybe $150 on them is not worth it on a low end frame.

[Jean]

Yeah you are right in term of horizons opening, a huge chart...but still, few metallics!!

A layer of metal fleck will turn any base colour metallic. https://www.mtnaustralia.com.au/collect ... er-varnish