Dull coat on traditional Lionel plug cars?

I’ve had bad experience with dull coat (or any clear coats) on unpainted plastic. My experience has been a hazy/cloady finish when it dries. Not sure why but I also tend to have bad luck with paint projects, especially when it comes to clear coats so take this FWIW

Testor's Dullcote has been hard to find recently at local hobby shops and even Hobby Lobby.  I tried Tamiya flat clear lacquer in a spray can, and was very pleased with the results.  When I am airbrushing, I use Tamiya acrylic flat clear, also with good results.

Manny:

I’ve used Dull Cote on many pieces of rolling stock, cabooses and even some engines.

I won a Lionel L&N bay window caboose at a club Christmas raffle 8-10 years ago that had a bright red body and bright yellow end platforms. I just about needed sunglasses when that caboose was on my layout! Dull Cote took care of that real quick making the colors much more muted.

As Mike notes above, I too have found Dull Cote becoming both scarce and expensive. You might want to try using a Rust-Oleum Ultracover product. They make stuff similar to Dull Cote in satin and matte finishes. I started using these products about 18 months ago and have been pleased with them.

Curt

Thanks guys for this great info!

Mannyrock

P.S.-  Lots of Testor's Dullcoat spray for sale on E-Bay right now.  I have ordered a 3 oz  can.

Mannyrock

I dare say you are putting far too much on in one coat; this will lead to a clouded appearance. Put on a light coat, then wait for it to dry (this takes only a few minutes), then see if it needs another coat. I found this out many years ago.