Scalecoat I vs. Scalecoat II: Is Scalecoat Lacquer or Enamel?

If you've spent time reading model railroad forums, painting guides, or older discussions about Scalecoat paint, you've probably encountered several different explanations of the difference between Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II.

One of the most common claims is that Scalecoat I is a lacquer and Scalecoat II is an enamel.

It's an easy explanation to remember—but it isn't an accurate description of the two paint systems.

Both Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II are solvent-based model paints. They use different formulations because they were developed for different substrates. Scalecoat I is primarily intended for metal and brass models, while Scalecoat II is formulated for plastic and styrene models.

So where did the lacquer-versus-enamel distinction come from, and what should modelers actually know before choosing between Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II?

Is Scalecoat I a Lacquer?

Scalecoat I is sometimes referred to as a lacquer, particularly in older model railroad discussions.

However, Scalecoat I is not a traditional lacquer.

Some of the confusion probably comes from Scalecoat I's solvent system and its long association with painting brass locomotives. Modelers have historically associated strong solvents, metal models, hard finishes, and certain thinning characteristics with lacquer paints.

But the strength or type of solvent alone doesn't determine whether a paint is a lacquer.

Traditional lacquers form their coating primarily through solvent evaporation. The solvent evaporates after application, leaving the binder and pigment behind.

Scalecoat I uses a curing binder system. Solvent evaporation is part of its drying process, but development of the finished coating doesn't end simply because the solvent has evaporated.

A better description of Scalecoat I is therefore:

A solvent-based model paint formulated primarily for metal and brass models.

Is Scalecoat II an Enamel?

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

The most important difference is what it was designed to paint.

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

This is why describing the product line as:

Scalecoat I = Lacquer

and

Scalecoat II = Enamel

doesn't really explain the difference.

Both are solvent-based curing paint systems. The formulations differ because Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II were developed around different substrate requirements.

Scalecoat I vs. Scalecoat II

For most modelers, choosing between the two is actually quite straightforward.

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
Formulation	Scalecoat I System	Scalecoat II System
Appropriate Thinner	Scalecoat I Thinner	Scalecoat II Thinner

If you're painting a brass locomotive or metal model, Scalecoat I is generally the appropriate choice.

If you're painting a plastic locomotive shell, freight car, passenger car, structure, or other styrene model, Scalecoat II is generally the appropriate choice.

What's the Difference Between Lacquer and Enamel Model Paint?

Part of the confusion comes from the way words such as lacquer, enamel, acrylic, and solvent-based are used throughout the hobby paint industry.

They aren't necessarily competing categories.

A traditional lacquer primarily forms its coating as its solvents evaporate. This can produce relatively fast drying, and the resulting coating can often be attacked or redissolved by an appropriate lacquer solvent.

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

That's an important distinction because drying and curing aren't necessarily the same thing.

A paint can become dry enough to handle while the coating continues developing hardness and durability afterward.

Does Solvent-Based Paint Mean Lacquer?

No.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions when discussing hobby and model paints.

A strong solvent doesn't make a paint a lacquer.

Likewise, a paint being suitable for plastic doesn't automatically make it an enamel.

The solvent or carrier is only one part of a paint formulation. The binder and the mechanism through which the finished coating forms are also important.

That's why identifying a paint solely by how its thinner smells, how quickly it flashes off, or how aggressive the solvent appears to be can lead to incorrect conclusions.

Why Is Scalecoat I Associated With Brass Models?

Scalecoat has a long history in model railroading, and Scalecoat I became particularly well known for painting brass locomotives and other metal models.

Metal can tolerate solvent systems that would be unsuitable for some plastics. That gives paint formulators considerably more flexibility when developing coatings specifically for metal surfaces.

Scalecoat I is known for its ability to flow and level into the smooth, durable finish sought by many brass modelers.

Those characteristics—and its solvent system—likely contributed to its reputation among some modelers as a "lacquer."

But paint designed for brass does not automatically mean lacquer.

Scalecoat I is more accurately understood as the Scalecoat solvent-based paint system intended primarily for metal and brass.

Why Was Scalecoat II Developed for Plastic?

Plastic presents a different problem.

Polystyrene and other plastics used in model kits can be affected by certain solvents. Depending on the material and exposure, an unsuitable solvent can soften, craze, distort, or otherwise damage plastic.

Scalecoat II uses a different formulation intended for plastic modeling applications.

That makes Scalecoat II the normal choice for many:

• Plastic locomotive shells

• Freight cars

• Passenger cars

• Styrene structures

• Plastic model kits

• Styrene detail parts

• Other compatible plastic modeling surfaces

As with any solvent-based paint, following the manufacturer's current thinning and application instructions is important. Testing an unfamiliar plastic or substrate before painting an entire model is also good practice.

Is Scalecoat an Enamel?

You'll also see Scalecoat described as an enamel, and that's considerably more reasonable than describing Scalecoat I as a traditional lacquer.

The word "enamel," however, has become a broad term within both the coatings and hobby industries. It is commonly associated with paints designed to produce smooth, hard, durable finishes, particularly solvent-based paints that continue curing after their initial drying period.

For modelers who simply want to know what they're buying, solvent-based model paint is perhaps the clearest description of Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II.

It avoids suggesting that Scalecoat behaves exactly like every other hobby paint marketed as an enamel.

Is Scalecoat Acrylic Paint?

Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II should also not be confused with the water-based acrylic model paints commonly sold today.

This highlights another problem with hobby paint terminology: "acrylic" and "water-based" don't actually mean the same thing.

Acrylic refers to binder chemistry. Water-based refers to the carrier. There are both waterborne and solvent-borne acrylic coatings.

Likewise, the fact that Scalecoat is solvent-based doesn't make it a lacquer.

Which Scalecoat Paint Should I Use?

Instead of worrying about whether Scalecoat I or II should be placed into the familiar hobby categories of lacquer versus enamel, choose the system based primarily on the material you're painting.

For brass and metal models: Scalecoat I is generally the appropriate paint system.

For plastic and styrene models: Scalecoat II is generally the appropriate paint system.

The corresponding thinner and current application instructions for the selected Scalecoat system should be followed.

So, Is Scalecoat Lacquer or Enamel?

If you're looking for the simple answer:

Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II are solvent-based model paints, and neither is accurately described as a traditional lacquer.

Scalecoat I is primarily formulated for metal and brass models.

Scalecoat II is formulated for plastic and styrene models.

Calling Scalecoat I a lacquer and Scalecoat II an enamel may provide a convenient distinction, but it confuses differences in solvent systems and applications with the actual type of coating.

For modelers, solvent-based model paint is a much more useful way to think about both Scalecoat systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scalecoat Paint

Is Scalecoat I lacquer?

No. Although Scalecoat I has sometimes been called a lacquer by modelers, it isn't a traditional lacquer. It is a solvent-based curing model paint primarily intended for brass and metal models.

Is Scalecoat II enamel?

Scalecoat II can broadly fit within the enamel category, but it is more simply described as a solvent-based model paint formulated for plastic and styrene models.

What's the difference between Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II?

The biggest practical difference is their intended substrate. Scalecoat I is primarily intended for metal and brass, while Scalecoat II is formulated for plastic and styrene. They are separate formulations rather than the same paint sold under different names.

Can I use Scalecoat I on plastic?

Scalecoat II is specifically formulated for plastic applications and is generally the appropriate Scalecoat system for styrene models. Scalecoat I's solvent system may be unsuitable for solvent-sensitive plastics.

What Scalecoat paint should I use for a brass locomotive?

Scalecoat I is the system generally used for brass locomotives and other metal models.

What Scalecoat paint should I use for a plastic locomotive?

Scalecoat II is generally the appropriate system for styrene and compatible plastic locomotive shells, rolling stock, structures, and model kits.

Is Scalecoat water-based?

No. Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II are solvent-based model paint systems.

Is Scalecoat acrylic?

Scalecoat I and Scalecoat II are not conventional water-based acrylic hobby paints. They are solvent-based curing coatings.

Final Takeaway

Don't let the old "Scalecoat I is lacquer, Scalecoat II is enamel" explanation determine which paint you choose.

The more useful distinction is simple:

Scalecoat I → Metal & Brass

Scalecoat II → Plastic & Styrene

Both are solvent-based model paint systems, but each uses a formulation developed for its intended application.

Fusion Scale Hobbies carries Scalecoat paints, thinners, and related finishing products for model railroad and scale modeling applications. Always refer to current Scalecoat product instructions for thinning, application, drying, and substrate compatibility.