Urethane Clears High or Medium solids?

[Len Woodruff]

I have been using Matrix 3 part clear for years. Now it looks like it has changed and now is only a 2 part ( 2 to 1) .

Since we shot this tuff on 1/25 scale cars would Medium Solids be better than High Solids?

[58 Impala]

Medium or high solid clears shouldn't make any difference,the amount and type(slow,medium,or fast) of reducer might have to change so it will flow.

Edited July 25, 2011 by 58 Impala

[Len Woodruff]

Medium or high solid clears shouldn't make any difference,the amount and type(slow,medium,or fast) of reducer might have to change so it will flow.

If it make no difference why do they have them?

[MikeMc]

Hardness...medium will work for models.

I suspect the new Matrix eliminates the need for reducer...a quick way for lower VOCs...A 2-1-1 is 2 parts Clear ,1 part activator, 1 part reducer. Looking at a msds sheet from Valspar they switch the mixture but leave the mix at 2-1-1..But with the ever present CARB and Ca clean air VOCs will soon be gone...along with hard paint.....

http://www.autopaintdirect.com/data/AC4400.pdf

[Len Woodruff]

Hardness...medium will work for models.

I suspect the new Matrix eliminates the need for reducer...a quick way for lower VOCs...A 2-1-1 is 2 parts Clear ,1 part activator, 1 part reducer. Looking at a msds sheet from Valspar they switch the mixture but leave the mix at 2-1-1..But with the ever present CARB and Ca clean air VOCs will soon be gone...along with hard paint.....

http://www.autopaint...data/AC4400.pdf

Thanks Mike. My problem is I have been shoting from the same can of Matrix for the last 5 years and I don't know if it was High or Medium Solids. So I don't want to get one or the other and it not be what I have been using.

The only thing I know is the Hardner is MH005 (Normal) and the reducer is MR870 using a 4 1 1 mix of clear, activator, reducer. Now they say no reducer is nesscesary which may be the VOC thing you mentioned above and the ratio is 2 clear 1 activator.

Edited July 26, 2011 by Len Woodruff

[Jeff Johnston]

FWIW I use a 2 part urethane clear made by Nasan, and it's very inexpensive compared to the Dupont, etc.. I am very pleased with it. I specifically asked about a reducer, as it just seemed like something seemingly this "thick" needed one. They assured me it did not, and they were right. I have to use 35 psi (real high compared to what i use for the paint), but it yields a very nice even and thin clear coat.

Though the guy thought I was nits for using it on plastic...swore it'd melt it. LOL It didn't haha

[Len Woodruff]

FWIW I use a 2 part urethane clear made by Nasan, and it's very inexpensive compared to the Dupont, etc.. I am very pleased with it. I specifically asked about a reducer, as it just seemed like something seemingly this "thick" needed one. They assured me it did not, and they were right. I have to use 35 psi (real high compared to what i use for the paint), but it yields a very nice even and thin clear coat.

Though the guy thought I was nits for using it on plastic...swore it'd melt it. LOL It didn't haha

Thanks Jeff I appreciate the input.

[Chas SCR]

Len, is the mid and high in that paint as compare to "Low tem, Mid Temp and High Temp" This is the only time I come across three part names under Du Pont, and I use a mid temp for the basemaker but do not use any thing els to thin it as this helps on thinning that paint.

On the clear, Du Pont has it's own activator each for like Chromasystom, Nason,Crystal Clear,Hot Hues but you can mix match the activator with either one. The only thing is that if you use the cheapest activ, Nason with say like the 7900 Crystal Clear you will have to wait a little longer for drying time and flash time is all.

Jeff, Nason is made by Du Pont, it is like GM owns Pontiac. same name behind it, just is the low end of there product line.

Edited July 28, 2011 by Chas SCR

[Len Woodruff]

Len, is the mid and high in that paint as compare to "Low tem, Mid Temp and High Temp" This is the only time I come across three part names under Du Pont, and I use a mid temp for the basemaker but do not use any thing els to thin it as this helps on thinning that paint.

On the clear, Du Pont has it's own activator each for like Chromasystom, Nason,Crystal Clear,Hot Hues but you can mix match the activator with either one. The only thing is that if you use the cheapest activ, Nason with say like the 7900 Crystal Clear you will have to wait a little longer for drying time and flash time is all.

Jeff, Nason is made by Du Pont, it is like GM owns Pontiac. same name behind it, just is the low end of there product line.

Thanks Chas. The High or Med solids seems at least on clear to be related to the "shine". During this process I have learned about the different temps for the activators. I have been using Normal but it has been in the 100's for the last 26 days so it seems like I need to use a slower aka Higher Temp activator. I will pick up some of it tomorrow and give it a shot this weekend.