UK, Problems with Halfords black sprays

Don't know if any of you guys (or even girls) out there have had this problem but I thought I best warn you.

I've found that the range of (UK) Halfords own Black spray cans can damage Tamiya and Fujumi plastics.

The 3 colours I've had problems with so far are Matt black, Satin Black and Gloss black. All these paints seem to damage the the plastic (give it a fine wrinkled effect) even if you have a layer of primer on the model first. The more paint you add greater the effect. Even after the paint is stripped the plastic remains damaged.

I've confirmed this so far with a few of my old unpainted model parts and unfortunately with a new Fujumi GT40 I'm building. All models were washed, clean and dry for spraying. As a test I primed some and left other parts un-primed. All had the same result as it seems the primer soaks up the lacquer in the paint. Lots of primer left for a week or so helps a little but the problem is still noticeable.

Normal auto "named" blacks work great (Ford black, BMW black etc).

These are the only Halfords paints I have ever had any problems with!! (Just in case the Halfords legal team are listening :evillol: ).

I contacted my local Halfords and was told that the spray paints are tested for auto use only and they cannot guarantee the effects of paints if used on other surfaces i.e. plastics.. (err bumpers and trim?? :screwy: )

If you have also experience this please let me know...
Not that Halfords will do anything about it, it will just make me feel better.. :frown:

Which primer did you use?. Ive had very few problems with these colours but I always use the primer for 'plastic parts'. I have noticed uneven surfaces if you spray the satin black direct onto the plastic but its ok if you give it a decent coat of plastic primer first. :)

How long does it take for the damage to become noticeable?

I've used the Satin Black on both primered and un-primered surfaces and .. touch wood ... I haven't had any problems. However, I've not been using this paint for long so I'm now worried it might start to affect my models at some point in the future :uhoh:

Thanks for the feedback

The primer used was Halfords own grey primer. I haven't tried the primer for plastics as I've never seen it in my local shop.
You could have a solution to the problem there...
I've also been using Halfords sprays for years and never had any problems until now and only with these Colours.


The damage is visible after 20 min or so and gets worse as the paint hardens. It seems to be related to the lacquer in the paint as the satin does not react as badly as the gloss. I did get away with a few satin jobs on a Tamiya S2000 once. but it was only on small areas.

Another idea I had was that these paints have a shelf life?? I've only had them for a few months but they could have been on the self a lot longer.
Last thing I want to do is go out and buy another can just to test it :uhoh:

I have never yet had a problem with Halfords Matt Black or primers. But if I want to paint Gloss black, I use Tamiya TS14 which is great for a shine.

i have noticed that you have to build up the layers thinly and slowly, if you spray a fast, close thick coat you can see the paint "bubbling and moving" as the solvents bubble away, i have had problems with this damaging paint b4, you just have to use it thinly and in the warm

Just out of interest Steve have you ever mixed Halford paints with Tamiya ones?
Say Halfords primer, Tamiya paint, Halfords clear etc?
Or even Tamiya paint on top of halfords paint for car that requires two colours and masking?
I've never had the guts to try it! :cwm27:

Just out of interest Steve have you ever mixed Halford paints with Tamiya ones?
Say Halfords primer, Tamiya paint, Halfords clear etc?
Or even Tamiya paint on top of halfords paint for car that requires two colours and masking?
I've never had the guts to try it! :cwm27:

I've just tried Tamiya TS51 over Halford's primer on my Focus WRC, and so far it's OK. The paint's been curing for 3 days now and no bad signs. I haven't tried Halfords clear over Tamiya colour yet for exactly the same reason - I'm too scared to mess up any decals!

If I remember rightly I may have also used Halfords Satin Black over Tamiya colour with no ill effects ... but that's assuming my memory is working :banghead:

I've used Tamiya paints over Halfords White primer, with no problems.

I've had a problem with Simoniz Satin Balck though, it seems to wrinle up on the plastic similar to what you've said but I haven't tried sanding so i'm not sure if it's damaged the plastic. It says it's cellulose paint, is this bad for plastic?

i have tried all sorts of combos, i used tamiya clear over my rage flip paint and it was fine, i have used halfords clear coat over the top of tamiya acrylics that i airbrushed onto the body, you just have to do lots of mist coats. too thick too quick and it eats into the paint, just light mist coats till you have covered it and have a dry barrier.

all my window rubbers are semi gloss black that i paint onto the painted (halfords) chasis, then i clear coat. you just have to take time.

No probs here