Has Anyone used this clear

Cue Crazy

Cue Crazy

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I saw a site where a guy restores pinball games, and he ranked #1 on his list "dupont chroma 7600" for clear coating the playing surface on them. It seemed he could either spray the stuff on or use a foam brush.

Anyway, I went down to the local paint supply today to pick up a quart to try out. Well, It turns out, the people down there say they no longer make It under that #, and that It was replaced by # HC-7776S Multi-Mix Snap Dry Clearcoat. They only had gallons of the new stuff in stock, and that was $140. They carry 2 choices of activator in stock in smaller pint sizes though. I didn't need that much of the clear, but did get them to order me a quart of It to try out. Anyway they said the stuff was top of the line, and that Omni doesn't even compare. I'm sure either will work though, just mentioning what they said.

I was just curious If anyone has tried this chroma out, and if they were happy with the results?

Also I Keep reading/hearing about guys applying clearcote on cues with a foam brush too. Few questions about that- Wondering if a slower activator is used so It has time to level out better & Wouldn't the foam create bubbles, or is there a trick for that? Also what type of brush strokes are used?


They printed some specs sheets out for me, with instructions on spraying the stuff. There are 4 activators listed, although the local place only carries 2 of them.

Any comments or tips from people that have used It would be Apprietiated.:)

Thanks in advance,

Greg
 
i think some guys "roll and tip" it.you can roll it on or brush it on and then follow up quickly with a brush to knock the bubbles off.you may need someone els to help you b/c it dries quickly.
 
7600 is the old Dupont Finish all kinds of us used. It was pretty good. Have not tried the new numbers. Foam brushing clears on does load it up with bubbles if you are trying to get a flow out type of coat. But you can brush real thin coats on fine with a foam brush. But instead of two coats done twice you might have to apply 15 or 20 thin coats. But that method makes it pretty much fool proof.
 
Hi Greg,
One thing you should realize is that brush application does not make it any less toxic. Actually brush application may be more toxic given the extra exposure time required for this.

There are several draw-backs to brush application, probably one of the biggest being non-uniform coverage. Brush streaks shouldn't be a problem as most clears are self-leveling.

Dupont's may be great finishes but they're also some of the most toxic. Wear your respirator at all times when working with this stuff.

The catalysts that are offered are designed for different cure times. Slow, med. fast etc. Choose the one that will give you the time to complete your task.

Personally, I wouldn't even consider an attempt at brush-on application. Spraying is so much easier, quicker, ultimately cheaper and yields more professional results. Also, don't buy into the 'quick-cure' hype. Any auto-clear can be force-cured in 30 to 45 mins when exposed to temps of 130/140 degrees for 20/30 mins. Let it cool-down, wet sand, buff/polish and deliver. Many times I've shot my last coat at 11 am and delivered it for shipping by 1pm. I use some of the least expensive clear that you can buy. No famous brand name and $38/gal on sale.
 
For your reading enjoyment.....
Edit: I've tried to link the Dupont page here but it won't let me.
Once you pull up the Dupont....do a search for "performance coatings" and it should get you to all the info you need about their clears.
Duponts web page is as complex as all their clear coats.....
The 7600 was changed to 7600S which was changed to 2300S,I believe.
The 4700S is the best because of the higher solids content(= higher sheen) in the base, IMO, but requires a little more finesse when mixing.

You can spend some time researching final coatings but it is the frosting on the cake and makes all the difference in the world for a finished product. I've always thought if you want the best in end results you must spend a little more time and pay a little more for it.
 
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I use the HC-7776S with the 7765S activator, since it came out. It tacks up so that you can spray another coat in 2-3 minutes...JER
 
i also have been using this for some time. i initally used the 7600 too. the new snap finish was designed for spot repairs like on a panal that had just been finished. dupont says it can be sanded and buffed within 1 hour. i have not tried this , but i love the fact it can be handled in 15 minutes. their finish and durability is the best in my opinion.hope this helps. kevin mcclain
 
big daddys said:
i also have been using this for some time. i initally used the 7600 too. the new snap finish was designed for spot repairs like on a panal that had just been finished. dupont says it can be sanded and buffed within 1 hour. i have not tried this , but i love the fact it can be handled in 15 minutes. their finish and durability is the best in my opinion.hope this helps. kevin mcclain
Click to expand...

I usually wait overnight, but once sanded out a Q after 3 hours...JER
 
Thanks guys, I really apprietiate all the info.

Sounds like I could have done alot worse, and It's reassuring to hear others are having good results with It.:)
 
you may laugh at this one and thats fine. I have been foam brushing Minwax PolyAcrylic. I do a minimum of 3 coats but I find 5 or six works best. Granted this is a hobby for me on the 2 hours wait is no big deal seeing as I'm at the pool hall all day where I work. But nonetheless I've had great results. The key I found was in the final polishing. I use automotive polishing compound (it the grade between car wax and rubbing compound) them 2000 grit sandpaper to do the final "burnishing". I know it "amateur" to you guys but I've been doing customer repairs for six months now usuing this method and materials and when the customer gets their cue back thet can't tell me where the imperfection was. Honestly I was shpocked too that it matched to factory clearcoats so well. Oh yeah total cost for a quart of clearcoat, 1 package a 2000 sandpaper , polishing compond a nd towelss....25 bucks... talk to you later... just thought I'd add my two cents even thought they might not be worth one hahah
 
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