DUAL EXO 16A – BLUE BOLT 60ML.

Dual Exo 16A Blue Bolt, an acrylic paint with a satin sheen

This is an acrylic modeling paint of the AK Interactive brand from the Dual Exo line. The blue shade is listed in the line as 16A and carries the name Blue Bolt. It is a satin shade, so once dry it leaves a semi-gloss finish.

The satin finish and what to expect from it

Satin is the middle degree of sheen between flat and gloss. It leaves a fine silky reflection that renders shapes and edges legibly but does not reflect light as sharply as gloss. The practical advantage is a surface smoother than flat: decals settle on it better and silvering appears under them less often. A finished coat can also be overcoated with flat or gloss clear and moved to wherever you need it.

How to work with acrylic

• It is applied with a brush as well as with an airbrush. For spraying, acrylic is thinned with a thinner intended for acrylic paints, ideally from the same brand; follow the data on the box for the particular ratio.
• Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. Pigment settles at the bottom of acrylic over time and unmixed paint gives an uneven tone.
• Apply several thin coats rather than one heavy one. A thin coat holds better, does not flood the engraved lines and lets the surface texture of the part show.
• On plastic, resin and photo-etched parts it pays to start with a base coat. It unifies the surface and markedly improves the adhesion of the coat.
• Let every coat dry properly before you overcoat or mask. Apply masking tape to a matured coat and pull it off slowly.

Who the paint is for

The paint suits modelers who build plastic, resin and mixed-media models and want the degree of sheen under control from the coat itself rather than only from the final clear. The Dual Exo line is numbered in pairs with the letters A and B; besides individual bottles there are also sets that bring a pair together in one package. When combining it with other paints, stay within one chemistry, that is acrylic with acrylic, and choose a clear coat compatible with acrylic.

Keep the paint out of the reach of children, in a closed bottle and away from frost. When spraying, work in a well-ventilated space and protect your airways. The manufacturer's instructions given on the box always take precedence.