DupliColor

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Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS

MIRAGE

METALCAST

TRUCK BED COATINGS

What is a lacquer?
Lacquer materials dry entirely by the evaporation of their solvent. The dried film will re-dissolve in its original solvent for an indefinite period of time; no chemical reaction occurs to alter the properties of the film. Generally, Lacquer topcoats are easy to use, fast drying, high gloss, durable, and easy to buff. Lacquers have no re-coat window.
What are the different types of paint?
The two families of paint are lacquers and enamels.
What is an enamel?
Enamels dry or cured through oxidation and polymerization, which is the combining of individual molecules to form larger molecules. This new film will not re-dissolve in its original solvent. Generally, enamels are very durable, high gloss coatings.
Can Enamels be used over lacquers?
Yes. Dupli-Color® enamels can be sprayed over lacquer substrates, or any other painted surface that has been sanded smooth and clean of dirt, grease, and dust.
Can Lacquers be used over enamels?
Lacquers have a tendency to lift enamel surfaces. Lacquers will work over most fully cured enamels that have good film integrity. Test carefully in an inconspicuous area before proceeding.
What is a re-coat window?
Re-coat windows apply to enamel paints and refers to the time period during which a second coat maybe applied. After spraying the first coat of an enamel, a second coat must be applied with in 1 – 2 hours or wait 5 days for the coating to cure. The paint may wrinkle or lift when resprayed during this curing period. Lacquers do not have a “re-coat window.” Subsequent coats of Lacquer can be applied over a Lacquer finish without wrinkling or lifting due to a "re-coat window".
How important is cleaning?
Very important. When painting, a clean, well-sanded surface is key to a successful finish. Once all loose paint, rust and debris have been removed, we recommend the surface be cleaned with a mixture of mild detergent and water, rinsed and dried. Then follow by cleaning the surface with a wax and grease remover. ( Dupli-Color® – CM 541). Dry thoroughly.
Why do you recommend cleaning with a water and mild detergent mixture then a Wax and Grease Remover?
We recommend two different cleaning methods to remove two different types of contaminants:
  1. (1) Hot water and soap to remove water-soluble contaminants like Dirt, Mud, Tree Sap, Bird Droppings, and Road Salt
  2. (2) Wax and Grease Remover to remove solvent soluble contaminants like Grease and oil, Road Tar, Wax and Polishes, and Silicone
Is sanding important?
Yes. Very important. Sanding is important to ensure good mechanical adhesion of paint to the surface. Before applying paint be sure to remove sanding dust from the surface with a dry cloth.
Should I always protect surrounding areas from overspray?
Yes. Be sure to mask any area you want to protect from overspray with masking tape and paper with a minimum of 18 inches. Always spray in a well-ventilated area away from open flames.
How do I get paint to stick to plastics?
Clean plastic with a water and ammonia based detergent solution, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Next use Dupli-Color® Wax and Grease Remover (CM541) to remove any silicone. Dupli-Color® offers paints intended for plastic application such as our Bumper Coatings, Vinyl and Fabric Colors and Trim Paint. For maximum adhesion, some plastics may require Dupli-Color® Adhesion Promoter (CP199).
Why do you offer 4 different color primers?
Different color primers help improve hiding of Topcoats:

Gray – use under light to medium colors.
Red Oxide – under dark colors such as maroon, brown.
White – under white pastel colors such as yellow, cream, light metallics.
Black – under dark colors such as black and dark charcoal.
What should I do if the paint tip becomes clogged?
Wipe orifice with lacquer thinner. Do not remove tip or stick pins in the orifice. To prevent clogging, clear the valve after each use by holding can upside down and spraying until clear gas comes out.
Do I need to apply the black base before applying the MIRAGE® Mid-Coat Color?
Yes, MIRAGE® Mid-Coat Color should only be applied over the MIRAGE® Base Coat. If MIRAGE® Mid-Coat Color is not applied over MIRAGE® Base Coat the coating will appear translucent and the desired color effect will not be achieved.
How many coats of MIRAGE® do you recommend to achieve good color change?
Applying 3-6 medium coats of MIRAGE® Mid-Coat Color should achieve good color change. Allow paint to dry between coats. The more coats sprayed the greater the color change.
I want to paint my motorcycle tank with MIRAGE®, will the paint be resistant to gasoline?
Gasoline may stain the MIRAGE® finish. A two-component clearcoat can be applied to the tank for improved durability and chemical resistance.
When I spray the METALCAST™ do I need to apply the Adhesion Promoter?
Yes, Dupli-Color® Adhesion Promoter (CP199) is recommended when spraying over chrome. In addition, scuff the surface with a red scuff pad before applying the Adhesion Promoter. Allow 15 minutes for the Adhesion Promoter to dry before applying two coats of METALCAST™.
I want to paint my chrome valve covers with METALCAST™. Will it hold up to the engine temperatures?
Yes, METALCAST™ has been formulated to resist intermittent heat up to 500 degrees F, as well as to resist oil, gas, scuffing, chipping and fading.
Do I have to use the METALCAST™ Ground Coat on chrome or bare-metal surfaces?
No, METALCAST™ Color works best when applied with the CP-199 Adhesion Promoter directly over scuffed chrome-like or bare-metal surfaces. The METALCAST™ Groundcoat is recommended for pre-painted surfaces only.
When applying Truck Bed Coating, how much sanding is required?
Thoroughly sand truck bed with 180-220 grit sandpaper, in corners or hard to reach areas use red scuff pad. All areas of the truck bed must be thoroughly sanded. Be sure to follow all prep cleaning steps as listed on product label.

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