Before I start this blog, I just want to state I have been using Createx Paints for over 20 years, with that said… Createx came out with their water based 4030 balancing clear. It is a non-catalyzed, polyurethane base additive. It was intended to be used to mix with their Candy2o or any of their paints to improve spray performance, flow and tip dry (mix 10% to 25% 4030 – 10% to 20% 4012 reducer). The Candy2o needs a polyurethane mixed white it in order for it to cure (dry), candy’s are a dye and have no binders in them so one needs to be added (polyurethane). The problem I and many other users had with this product (as I saw on airbrush message boards), was when the 4030 was with the 4012 it would gel up, and if you mixed it in your color cup, ugh….what a mess!! I even contacted Createx about it, they told me there was no problem and sent me a sample pack. Now, I did notice if the 4012 was fresh (just opened) it would work pretty well, but if I used an older bottle, which still worked well with my paints, it would gel up on me. I got so frustrated I just stopped using it. I think Createx launched this product with good intention but I really do believe they realized there was a problem, went back to the drawing board, and came up with UVLS Clears (Ultra-Violet Light Stabilizer) 4050 Gloss, 4051 Satin and 4052 Matte, water based clears. With this clear, you will reduce it with 4011 (NOT 4012) 5% to 10% per volume. You can use it as an adhesive primer on metal, plastic and other difficult to paint substrates. The 4050 Gloss is the recommended medium to be mixed with the Candy2o, it is compatible with all Createx paints, it can be used as an inter coat clear (between coats to lock in color), or a final clear coat over your finished art work. It is not to be used as a finishing clear coat on an automotive (or motorcycle) paint job, an automotive clear coat is to be used. So, the long and short of it is….I don’t see a need and the hassle that can occur to use the 4030 balancing clear when you can use the UVLS clears and have no problems. They got it right with the UVLS clears, they perform as intended and what is expected, it is truly a great product.
