FREDDIEM Posted July 22, 2023 Report Share Posted July 22, 2023 Has anyone had problems with Alclad gloss black base not wanting to cure fully? Lately it seems like it won't cure, and wants to stay sticky to the touch as well as not being able to sand without packing up on the sandpaper. Not fun! Please let me know if there is anything I can do or should I just trash it and buy new? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcorley Posted July 22, 2023 Report Share Posted July 22, 2023 It all depends on humidity. Here in Florida, I either paint it in the winter or bring it in the house to cure for a week Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Bell Posted July 23, 2023 Report Share Posted July 23, 2023 This may not be 100% correct, but I never use Alclad base coats. Any gloss base coat will suffice. I never spend the extra money on their proprietary stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghodges Posted July 23, 2023 Report Share Posted July 23, 2023 (edited) Be aware that you may have a BAD BOTTLE! Your complaint is a rather common one, and it seems that there was a time period a few years ago when Alcad put out some of its Gloss Black Primer that just doesn't dry properly, if ever. I have 2 bottles of it myself, but both of them have performed well, drying hard within 24hrs. In fact, I've even been using it to paint gloss black trim on models, and not just for primer. I live and model in my garage here in Florida, and do have to be aware of the humidity, but I don't think that's your problem. In my opinion, you've just gotten one of the bad batch bottles. Ron is right in that although gloss black works best for the brightest NMF over it, ANY gloss primer can be used for a smooth surface. If you need to use a substitute, I recommend getting a couple of the SMALL bottles of Testors Gloss Black (or Model Master gloss black IF you have it or can find it still), thin it with lacquer thinner, and prime with that. It should give you a smooth, glossy black primer coat and dry within 24hrs with no problems. It's also cheaper than the Alclad brand! If you're thinking of getting more Alclad gloss black, you can give it a try. The complaints about the non-drying were first made 4-5yrs ago and have greatly lessened over the last couple of years. I know I got both of mine within the last 3yrs and they do dry properly. If your new bottle doesn't perform, then I'd contact Alclad directly to see about some sort of refund or replacement from them. Hope this helps. Gil Edited July 23, 2023 by ghodges Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcorley Posted July 24, 2023 Report Share Posted July 24, 2023 Gil, Mr Leveling Thinner works great on Testors enamels. Most common place to find them in areas without a local hobby shop is Hobby Lobby 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctruss53 Posted July 24, 2023 Report Share Posted July 24, 2023 I don't use Alclad base. I may have a different approach. I don't even use paint under my chrome or metal finishes. I use black primer and then I apply a clearcoat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FREDDIEM Posted August 10, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2023 Thank you all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFster Posted August 11, 2023 Report Share Posted August 11, 2023 Not sure which one you’re using, but Alclad ALC-304 Gloss Black Base was replaced by ALC-305 Gloss Black Base because of curing issues. There are still bottles of 304 out there on store shelves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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