Model Railroading > Nationwide Dullcote Shortage

I use a ton of Dullcote spray in my custom-building activities and lately there has been none to be found. My regular hobby distributor has been out a couple months and places like Wal-Mart, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, et al are all out of stock. There are a couple people on eBay attempting to get over $20 for one can (plus shipping)! No thanks! I found a place that allegedly had it in stock, then advised me they did not after I ordered. I hate that!

This happened for a while last year too but I was able to source some. Testors is now part of Rustoleum Corporation. I hope they don't do away with the stuff!

In the meantime, I have to do triage on the many almost-empty cans around here that I save for structure weathering and the like. It's hard to get one all the way to the end without "spritzing".

TJY

Microscale has "Micro Flat" along with Micro Glass and Micro Satin.
Not as convienant as the rattle can, but it's available.

If dullcote and fixtive are similar try this four part post on this well known hobby discussion site:

Date: 10/08/20 00:15
Fixative Shootout (Part 4)
Author: tmotor

https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?3,5117206

I started using Dead Flat #3 after the write up on TO last month. Needs to be sprayed with an air brush. Way cheaper then dullcote. 

Valleyman

My two go-to's are Tamiya TS80 and VMS's 3 choices of flat clears.  

Rustoleum Chalkboard Clear Paint. 

Ken
 

Pretty steep prices over on Amazon as well... anywhere fro $8.50 to $15.00 per can for 3.0 oz Testors Dullcote spray, yikes! A year ago I snagged 12 cans for $60.90 ($5.07 per can after taxes).

~ Mr. MRL

The Dullcote hoarding begins...

Posted from Android

> Testors is now part of
> Rustoleum Corporation.

Thirty-six years ago - 1984.

Testors has been dying in the model railroad press ever since. Testors death has been accelerated by the internet. For twenty years.

What is different is that model building is no longer a significant market. AND, there is significant competition for Testors remaining model products.

MrMRL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Pretty steep prices over on Amazon as well...
> anywhere fro $8.50 to $15.00 per can for 3.0 oz
> Testors Dullcote spray, yikes! A year ago I
> snagged 12 cans for $60.90 ($5.07 per can after
> taxes).
>
> ~ Mr. MRL
  Amazon is my last choice due to price ebay seems to beat them every time just did that last week on ten items from ten diffrent sources.

I have made the switch to Krylon Matte Finish. It has a finer spray tip than Dullcote, cheaper, more readily available, and to my eye looks better.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/20/20 07:19 by tramfan.

tramfan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have made the switch to Kylon Matte Finish. It
> has a finer spray tip than Dullcote, cheaper, more
> readily available, and to my eye looks better.

This is what I use now as it doesn't get removed from handling like the Testors Dullcote would, over time. YMMV.

Krylon is now my go-to,  It helps to warm the cans in the sun or place them next to a heater.  It's easy to decant small amounts intoa jar for airbrushing.

Thanks for all the suggestions. The Krylon might work well for my purposes. Also going to try the Microscale products.
Don't want to melt anything!

TJY

Count me as a third vote for Krylon matte finish!

My weekly newsletter from Michigan Toy Soldier (military model builders) indicated that Dull Coat is now back in stock after a long shortage.

amazon has dullcote  look there

tom

I've begun using Vallejo acrylic matte finish from one of their large rattle cans. Nice finish, fine spray head. It's a bit pricey but it is an acrylic finish so no compatibility issues.  

Bob


icancmp193 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks for all the suggestions. The Krylon might
> work well for my purposes. Also going to try the
> Microscale products.
> Don't want to melt anything!
>
> TJY