Frequently Asked Questions

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 cure 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 within 
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”.

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) Hot water and soap to remove water-soluble contaminants like dirt, mud, tree sap, bird droppings and road salt.
(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.

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 Ground Coat 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.

Do I have to apply SHIFT over a black or dark color paint?

Yes, SHIFT will achieve the MAXIMUM color-shift effect when applied over black or dark colors, however, the color shift will occur over any base color surface.

What is the difference between Prep Spray and Multi-Purpose Foaming Prep Cleaner?

Prep Spray is a solvent-borne formula, best used prior to painting, to maximize paint performance and adhesion. Multi-Purpose Foaming Prep Cleaner is ideal to clean dust created from sanding or for use on paint-prepped areas.

Will a removable coating ruin my car?

As experts in exact-match touch-up paint, as well as leaders in the automotive aftermarket, do-it-yourself automotive paint, Dupli-Color only brings products to market that have been well tested in a variety of conditions that are formulated specifically for application over original factory finishes.

How much Custom Wrap do I need to do an entire car?

It depends on the size of the vehicle, but a standard vehicle will take around 24-36 cans.

What is the difference between Scratch-Fix® All-in-1 and Universal Touch-Up?

Scratch-Fix All-in-1 comes in color tested and approved by vehicle manufacturers, and comes with everything you need to fix a nick, chip or scratch, including a prep tip to remove loose paint and rust, a paint pen tip for fine scratches, a paint brush end for larger chips and a clear coat to seal, protect and ensure a perfect, factory-matched finish. Universal Touch-Up is ideal for minor scratch and chip repairs when an exact matched color is not needed, and comes with a prep tip, paint tip and paint brush.

Do you have colors to match the exact color of my original factory-applied coating?

Yes, Perfect Match Premium Automotive Paint is an easy-to-use, high-quality, fast-drying acrylic lacquer aerosol paint formulated to match the exact color of the original factory-applied coating, including a primer and a clear coat, and is ideal for small-scale vehicle touch-ups and painting vehicle accessories.

What paint do you have that I can create a high-quality DIY finish with?

Paint Shop Finish System is a high-quality lacquer system designed for automotive and motorcycle applications that is easy to apply, dries quickly and can be buffed to a brilliant, smooth finish. It has everything you need to create a high-quality DIY finish: primer, color and clear.

Do you have products for motorcycles?

Yes, Dupli-Color has a wide array of products that you can use to customize or protect your ride.  Check them out here: https://www.duplicolor.com/en/motorcycle-paints/