Fuel proofer over acrylic paint

I've painted the ABS cowl of my Galaxy Scorpion using acrylic automotive paints; I now need to fuel proof it (against glow fuel), but I'm having problems finding a compatible finish. I've used Aerocote in the past but, whilst it's very resistant to fuel, I've found it can dissolve colours and I'm concerned that it will react with the acrylic paint; I have emailed Deluxe, but they haven't bothered to reply. I've just tried some Halfords heavy-duty PU lacquer on a scrap of card which was painted with the same paint a couple of weeks ago, so the acrylic is well and truly cured, but the paint crazed almost immediately; annoying, as the instructions on the can says compatible with most paint finishes.

Does anyone know of a lacquer that's both fuel resistant and won't react with the acrylic paint? Don't bother recommending Flair Spectra, I've used it before and it just doesn't cure properly, 5% nitro just makes it go tacky again.

Edited By Martin Whybrow on 11/08/2013 14:23:01

Hi, I've used **LINK** - Oracolor paints&Navmain=Paints, Dope, Brushes with very good results in the past. Mix the clear with a matting agent if that is the finish you want. Seems very similar to the excellent Klasskote paint. I appreciate they are expensive but they work really well and are very easy to use either by brush or spray.

try poly -c. supposed to be fuel proof and goes over almost any paint finish.

A second suggestion for Poly-C. I can't personally conifrm that its fuel proof - not having used it on an IC model. But the blurb claims that it is and I have no reason to doubt them!

I can vouch for the fact that it seems to be fine with automotive acryllics - although I used it the other way round - ie paint on top of Poly-C! It has a milky appearance but dries to all intents and purposes clear - you might get a very slight toning down of the colour - but I don't know. Best maybe to test it on a sample?

BEB

Klass Kote clear, excellent stuff

Paint it with epoxy finishing resin, I use the Zap one, excellent. Just allow to dry in a dust free atmosphere.

I've used poly-c on 3 models over emulsion paint as a fuel proofer, being waterbased will go over almost anything. Easy to apply and dries clear with a satin finish.

I find that it is fine on areas that get a light splattering of fuel or any exhaust residue / oil, but if a fair amount of neat fuel is left to rest it will get through and the paint will lift.

I use a polyurethane clear coat which is one shot, spray ready. It is called Akrifan and dries with a superb gloss. I use it on all my slot car builds for customers and believe me they're fussy.

I also used it as final finish when I re-veneered my son's Triumph Renown dashboard.

Whether it'd fuel proof or not I can only try to find out, when I beg some fuel off a chum, but will report back as Akrifan is only 20 quid a litre and covers incredibly well. I have used it through a small "spotting" gun and a Paasche Model H airbrush. Equally good. Cleans with cellulose thinners.

Cheers,

MrTin

Just doing some touch-up with acrylics on a petrol powered plane. Would Poly-C be ok as a fuel proofer for petrol?

Acid catalysed lacquer works for me

Wow! That stuff looks great!

Rustin's plastic coating too..

Odd Mr. WhyBird... I've use Flair Spectra without issue...

Odd Mr. WhyBird... I've use Flair Spectra without issue...

I've used the Flair satin finish on a scale job and it's wiping off where exhaust or raw fuel get to it. Flair Clear Gloss Lacquer has proven good in the past, but nothing Flair market as 'fuel proofer' seems very fuel proof!

My experience of Flair "fuel proof" finish is also very very poor, would never use it again.

I have by doing a test that polyurethane varnish water base is a good fuel proofer. I did a test by putting the varnish on some car paint on a model I have then let it dry, afterwards I rubbed 2 stroke fuel onto it with no effects I did rub an area without varnish and the paint came off so it does seem to work.

I ve used Poly C (which I understand is a water based varnish). I ended putting on four coats on acrylic paint purchased from Halfords and so far its working fine.

With regards to the Spectra (Flair) Fuel proofer (gloss) I had issues using just one coat but seem to have no problems now with two coats (I allowed a few days between each coat .)

Best of luck!

Sorry should have mentioned a minimum of two coats for the Spectra/Flair proofer with at least 48hrs between coats (I left it my shed which is a bit of a hot house!!). It does go tacky if it hasn't hardened properly or reacted with the paint underneath.

My experience with poly c has shown it does not work with 10% nitro and the exhaust residue. It lifts and leaves a right gooey sticky mess. Otherwise it's fine !