Like many other airbrushers who don’t have a spray booth or easy access to uro clears, I resort to “rattle can” options (i.e. spray cans) on those occasions when I need a finished piece–especially flexible pieces–to able to survive in the rough and tumble world*.
For many applications, many paint-shooters (myself included) have enjoyed Dupli-Color Truck, Van & SUV Clear Topcoat #T125. While this acrylic lacquer should only be used with a respirator while in a well-ventilated area (seriously, it’s potent), it has a flexibility and compatibility that many other rattle-can solutions don’t. You can imagine my surprise when I dropped by the Dupli-Color site to not find it listed.
I wrote to Dupli-Color and they sent me this response (emphasis mine):
Yes, that particular version is discontinued. The current clear in the line is the BCL0125, which is part of the 8 oz Perfect Match aerosol line we are now offering. The formulation is the same, it’s the packaging that is different.
For the time being, you can still find back-stock of T125 in many stores in the familiar 11oz spray can. If you can’t, keep an eye out for the new number in the smaller package. I’ll try to find a can around here and give it a test to see if it does, indeed, still behave has before.
So you know: for my indoor paintings and scratches I pretty much only use varnish for the protective coat unless I have a compelling reason to do otherwise.
* Do NOT use for protective equipment, sports gear, or other applications where injury could occur if the item fails in use. These items can be weakened by clear coats not recommended by the manufacturer or when applied incorrectly, and they are all but guaranteed to void the warranty. Use a clear coat only for pieces meant for display in these cases after you’ve tested for compatibility–especially on plastics, vinyl, decals, and other polymers.
