Hi
In the UK what you term 'Laquer' I believe is 'Cellulose', I use what we call 2K paints as cellulose products are phased out now here however we can still buy cellulose thinners (virgin thinners) and this is how stupid it is I can buy a 2k 'convertor' which converts the 2k back to cellulose
. 2k paints need the addition of a hardner so they are a 2 part paint whereas cellulose paints do not.
Beware !!!! cellulose paints are toxic in many ways not only from inhalation but they are highly flamable so precautions are needed before use plus as bassn1 says they are a solvent base so will do serious harm to certain plastics. That concludes the downside of 'Laquers', here is the upside, they shoot beautifully through the smallest nozzel and dry almost instantly so paint jobs are very quick. The pigments in the paint are the best you will ever get and you rarely have to put several coats on to get the required coverage. You can also make a 'Laquer' transparent by using a laquer base which is what the paint is made of before the pigment is added. A lot of members here have serious concerns over the health implications of laquer paints and rightly so but if you take the required steps there should not be a problem, do not skimp on the respirator, buy a good one with the corect cartridge for use with solvents.
'Laquers' 'Cellulose' whatever you want to term them get a thumbs up from me
and you should be able to get hold of them without too much trouble at a reasonable cost although I have to say they are expensive but they do go a long long way because when you buy them they are very thick and you will be thinning at least 60/40, 60 being thinners 40 being paint and most of the time even more.
As a footnote if laquers are used forget topcoats with a solvent base as they will dissolve your paint job. There are no better paints for the special effects you mention and whatever you see in the motor industry will be available to you.
philB
