But, some modelers I knew did use auto lacquers for their model cars (many still do). Apply a number of very light "mist" coats using the spray lacquer, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. I'm new to modeling as well. After an almost 30 yr hiatus from building military models, I've got back into the swing of things. Lacquers and enamels should never be mixed together. Clear enamel is like lacquer, in that you can apply it on wood or metal. However, that term is more correct for wood versus metal applications. $12.53 $ 12. It seals and protects the surface underneath and provides long-lasting protection. ( not saying painters are any worse than the rest of us, just that I hate to lose control) sorry for the long rant Ship to the lower 48 states ONLY!!!! That is why you see the top layer of the object separately from the layer of lacquer. It just won't hold up. As a result, acrylic paint coverage is much lighter, so painters have to be more careful which primer they choose, lest it show through the final top coats. (So says a victim…). He made beautiful finishes with both types of lacquer paint. I don't recall having a choice, as a kid, when it came to model paints like we do now. Then as base coat clear coat became the norm I tried that. Any info is greatly appreciated and THANKS in advance!! $40+ shipping. I use acrylics for pretty much all my major painting and exclusive airbrush acrylics. Enamel Vs Acrylic Vs Lacquer Model Paint Compatibility. In general is this true? I've been modeling for sixty years. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. It does not simply mean "water-based". Nope. Note: Though many acrylic paints can be cleaned up with water, the term Acrylic refers to the chemical composition of the base. What type of coat – acrylic, enamel, or lacquer – is a more critical issue. If you plan on airbrushing and can stand the smell (and the Earth screaming a little every time you clean the brush), enamels / lacquers have the best consistency and ease of use, especially in tricky work like faded mottling on German armor and planes. Its been a LONG time since I last built and painted anything, so be gentle!Not having any "artistic" background, my question is this... What are the differences and when should one type be used/not used, rather than the other?!?! The use of lacquers in automobile finishes was discontinued when tougher, more durable, weather- and chemical-resistant two-component polyurethane coatings were developed. The clear coat is easy to apply and is dry to the touch within 30 minutes. Our Clear Coat is part of the basecoat/clear coat system developed by AutomotiveTouchup which faithfully reproduces the same paint system used by OEM manufacturers. Tamiya sprays (laquer) are very popular here as well as testors enamal sprays. Then if you used Acrylic and you want a Gloss Coat you should only put Clear Acrylic over that? Lacquers, on the other hand, dry but technically speaking, they do not cure. I had no idea there was that much to it- all the alcohol/water/oil base stuff!! Acrylic lacquer vs. nitrocellulose lacquer. You can put lacquer thinner in enamel, but you can’t use enamel thinner (reducer) in Lacquer. It is also more expensive. You don't want to put something hot over something not as hot, as it might eat through it and ruin the underlying paint job. I generally use these for detail painting only, as they tend not to dry as fast as acrylics. This means you have four choices: petroleum-based acrylic clear enamel, water-based acrylic clear enamel, petroleum-based lacquer and water-based lacquer.