Is Scalecoat Lacquer or Enamel? Understanding Scalecoat I vs. Scalecoat II Model Paint

If you have spent much time reading model railroad forums, painting guides, or older discussions about Scalecoat paint, you have probably seen several different descriptions of Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II.

Scalecoat I is sometimes called a lacquer. Scalecoat II is sometimes called an enamel. Other sources describe both paints as enamels, while some simply group Scalecoat with solvent-based model paints.

So, what are Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II actually?

The short answer is simple:

Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II are both solvent-based model paints. Neither is a traditional lacquer. They are two distinct paint systems formulated for different substrates and applications.

Scalecoat I is primarily intended for metal and brass models, while Scalecoat II is designed for plastic models.

Understanding why requires looking beyond the words “lacquer” and “enamel.”

What Is a Lacquer Model Paint?

The term lacquer is commonly used in the hobby paint market, but it has a more specific meaning in coatings chemistry.

Traditional lacquer forms its paint film primarily through solvent evaporation. The binder is dissolved in a solvent system. After the paint is applied, the solvents evaporate and leave the solid coating behind.

This is why traditional lacquer can dry extremely quickly and why its dried film can often be attacked or redissolved by the appropriate lacquer solvent.

One common misconception is that the strength of the solvent determines whether a paint is a lacquer.

It does not.

A paint having a strong odor, using aggressive solvents, or requiring a powerful thinner does not automatically make it a lacquer. The binder and the way the coating forms and cures are much more important to its classification.

This distinction is particularly important when discussing Scalecoat I.

Is Scalecoat I a Lacquer?

No. Scalecoat I should not be classified as a traditional lacquer.

Scalecoat I is a solvent-based model paint formulated primarily for metal and brass models.

The misconception is understandable. Scalecoat I uses a solvent system capable of producing excellent flow and leveling, and historically the paint has been closely associated with painting brass locomotives and other metal models. Its characteristics are different from many traditional hobby enamels.

Those characteristics have sometimes resulted in Scalecoat I being informally described as a “lacquer.”

However, strong solvents do not define a lacquer.

Scalecoat I uses a curing binder system rather than relying solely upon solvent evaporation to produce its finished coating. After application, solvent evaporation is part of the drying process, but the coating continues developing and curing afterward.

This contributes to the smooth, hard and durable finish for which Scalecoat I has long been known.

For modelers, the useful description is:

Scalecoat I is a solvent-based model paint designed primarily for brass and metal models.

It is not necessary to classify it as a lacquer simply because it uses a strong solvent system.

Is Scalecoat II an Enamel?

Scalecoat II is also a solvent-based curing model paint, but it uses a different formulation from Scalecoat I.

The major practical difference is its intended substrate.

Scalecoat II is formulated for use on plastic models, including styrene.

This is why the existence of Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II should not be interpreted as:

Scalecoat I = Lacquer
Scalecoat II = Enamel

That is an oversimplification and does not accurately describe the chemistry of the two paints.

Instead, think of them as:

Scalecoat I = Solvent-Based Model Paint for Metal & Brass

Scalecoat II = Solvent-Based Model Paint for Plastic

Both belong to the same broad family of solvent-based curing coatings, but they use different formulations designed around their respective applications.

Scalecoat I vs. Scalecoat II

The biggest difference between Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II isn't whether one is a lacquer and the other is an enamel. It is the surface each paint system was formulated to accommodate.

Feature	Scalecoat I	Scalecoat II
Paint Type	Solvent-Based Model Paint	Solvent-Based Model Paint
Traditional Lacquer	No	No
Water-Based Acrylic	No	No
Primary Application	Metal & Brass	Plastic & Styrene
Separate Binder Formulation	Yes	Yes
Requires Appropriate Scalecoat Thinner	Yes	Yes

The distinction becomes particularly important when choosing paint for a model.

For a brass locomotive or other metal model, Scalecoat I is generally the appropriate system.

For a styrene locomotive shell, freight car, passenger car, structure, or other plastic model, Scalecoat II is generally the appropriate system.

Always follow the current product instructions and test unfamiliar materials before painting an entire model.

But Aren't Scalecoat Paints Enamels?

Calling Scalecoat an enamel isn't necessarily incorrect, but the word “enamel” has become extremely broad.

Historically, enamel generally describes a paint formulated to produce a smooth, hard and durable finish. Many traditional solvent-based enamels use curing binder systems that continue to harden after much of their solvent has evaporated.

That description is considerably closer to how Scalecoat behaves than describing it as a conventional lacquer.

However, the modern hobby market has made the terminology confusing.

Today, modelers encounter products marketed as:

Acrylic paint
Acrylic lacquer
Lacquer paint
Enamel paint
Water-based acrylic
Solvent-based acrylic
Alcohol-based acrylic
Acrylic enamel
Urethane paint

These terms don't always describe the same property of a paint.

For example, “acrylic” describes a type of binder chemistry, while “water-based” describes the carrier system. A paint being acrylic does not automatically mean it is water-based.

Likewise, “solvent-based” does not automatically mean lacquer.

Enamel vs. Lacquer Model Paint

For modelers trying to understand the difference between enamel and lacquer paint, a useful simplified comparison is:

Traditional Lacquer

A traditional lacquer primarily forms its coating as solvents evaporate.

This generally produces relatively fast drying and allows the finished coating to remain susceptible to sufficiently strong compatible solvents.

Traditional Enamel

A traditional solvent-based enamel normally loses solvent during initial drying but also undergoes additional curing as the binder develops its finished film.

That means drying and curing aren't necessarily the same thing.

A coating can feel dry enough to handle while continuing to harden and develop solvent resistance afterward.

This distinction helps explain why judging model paints solely by how quickly they become touch-dry can be misleading.

Why Does Scalecoat Take Time to Cure?

Scalecoat's curing characteristics are part of the reason it can produce such a smooth finish.

Extremely rapid solvent evaporation isn't always desirable in a model paint. The coating needs sufficient time to flow and level after application.

Good leveling helps minimize visible spray texture and allows the coating to develop a smooth surface.

After the solvents have substantially evaporated, the binder can continue developing its final properties.

Consequently:

Dry to the touch does not necessarily mean fully cured.

This concept isn't unique to Scalecoat. It is common among many curing industrial and finishing coatings.

Why Was Scalecoat I Developed for Brass Models?

Brass locomotives and other metal models present different painting requirements than styrene.

Metal isn't vulnerable to solvent attack in the same way as polystyrene, allowing a paint formulation to use solvents and application characteristics that would be inappropriate for some plastics.

Scalecoat I became particularly well known among brass model railroaders because of its ability to produce a smooth, durable finish on properly prepared metal surfaces.

Its association with brass is also one reason modelers sometimes assumed Scalecoat I must be a lacquer.

Again, however:

Paint for brass does not automatically mean lacquer.

Scalecoat I is better described as a solvent-based model paint specifically formulated around metal and brass applications.

Why Is Scalecoat II Different?

Plastic changed the equation.

Styrene can soften, craze, distort, or otherwise be damaged when exposed to unsuitable solvents.

Scalecoat II therefore uses a different formulation designed to provide the desirable application and finish characteristics associated with Scalecoat while being suitable for plastic modeling applications when properly used.

This makes Scalecoat II the normal choice for many:

Plastic locomotive shells
Freight cars
Passenger cars
Structures
Plastic model kits
Styrene parts
Other compatible plastic modeling surfaces

The two systems serve different purposes even though both are solvent-based paints.

Does Solvent-Based Mean Lacquer?

No.

This is perhaps the most important misconception surrounding model paint terminology.

There are many different types of solvent-based coatings.

The liquid carrying the paint does not, by itself, determine the chemistry of the finished coating.

A solvent-based paint can use a variety of binder systems and curing mechanisms. Likewise, two paints using noticeably different solvent blends can still belong to the same broad coating family.

When comparing model paints, it is therefore better to consider the complete paint system rather than assuming:

Strong solvent = lacquer

Mild solvent = enamel

Neither assumption is reliable.

Which Scalecoat Paint Should I Use?

The easiest way to choose between Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II is based on what you are painting.

Painting brass or metal? Start with Scalecoat I.

Painting styrene or a compatible plastic model? Start with Scalecoat II.

The two paint systems should be treated as distinct formulations, and the appropriate Scalecoat thinner and current application instructions should be followed for each.

So, Is Scalecoat Lacquer or Enamel?

If you're searching for a simple answer to “Is Scalecoat lacquer or enamel?”, here it is:

Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II are solvent-based curing model paints, not traditional lacquers.

Scalecoat I is formulated primarily for metal and brass models.

Scalecoat II is formulated primarily for plastic and styrene models.

Although the term enamel can reasonably describe this general type of smooth, durable, solvent-based curing coating, we prefer the broader and clearer description solvent-based model paint when discussing Scalecoat.

Most importantly, Scalecoat I is not a lacquer while Scalecoat II is an enamel. That commonly repeated distinction confuses solvent strength with paint chemistry.

Both are solvent-based paint systems. They simply use different formulations designed to accomplish different jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scalecoat I lacquer?

No. Scalecoat I is a solvent-based curing model paint formulated primarily for metal and brass. Its solvent characteristics have sometimes resulted in it being informally called a lacquer, but that does not accurately describe its binder and curing system.

Is Scalecoat II enamel?

Scalecoat II can broadly be described as a solvent-based enamel-type coating, although Scalecoat generally describes it simply as a solvent-based model paint. It is specifically formulated for use on compatible plastic and styrene models.

Is Scalecoat paint solvent-based?

Yes. Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II are solvent-based model paint systems.

Is Scalecoat acrylic paint?

No. Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II are not conventional water-based acrylic hobby paints.

What is the difference between Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II?

The most important practical difference is their intended application. Scalecoat I is primarily intended for metal and brass models, while Scalecoat II is formulated for plastic and styrene models. The two systems use different formulations to achieve those requirements.

Can Scalecoat I be used on plastic?

Scalecoat II is the Scalecoat system specifically formulated for plastic and should normally be selected for styrene and plastic models. Scalecoat I's solvent system can be inappropriate for solvent-sensitive plastics.

What paint should I use for a brass locomotive?

Scalecoat I is the Scalecoat paint system designed primarily for brass and metal models.

What paint should I use for a plastic locomotive?

Scalecoat II is the Scalecoat paint system designed for plastic models, including typical styrene locomotive shells and rolling stock.