When protecting brass, copper and other decorative metals from tarnishing and oxidation, ArmaLac™ and Incralac are two clear protective coating options available in Australia.
Both are acrylic-based protective coatings, but there are differences in their documented substrate range, available formats and application methods.
This guide compares the two products to help determine which type of clear metal coating may be appropriate for your application.
| Feature | ArmaLac™ Metal Lacquer | Wattyl Clear Lacquer Finish / Incralac |
|---|---|---|
| Coating type | Clear acrylic lacquer | Clear acrylic-based protective coating |
| Copper | ✓ Suitable | ✓ Suitable |
| Brass | ✓ Suitable | ✓ Suitable |
| Bronze | ✓ Suitable | Copper alloys including brass are specified; check current manufacturer documentation for the intended bronze application |
| Polished metal | ✓ Specifically formulated for adhesion to polished metals | Check suitability and surface preparation for the specific application |
| Aluminium | ✓ Suitable | Not listed as a primary substrate in the current manufacturer product description |
| Steel | ✓ Suitable | Not listed as a primary substrate in the current manufacturer product description |
| Zinc | ✓ Suitable | Not listed as a primary substrate in the current manufacturer product description |
| Silver | ✓ Suitable | Not listed as a primary substrate in the current manufacturer product description |
| Tarnish protection | ✓ Contains a tarnish-inhibiting agent | ✓ Designed to protect copper and copper alloys from tarnishing |
| Interior use | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exterior use | ✓ | ✓ |
| UV/weathering resistance | ✓ Excellent UV and weathering resistance stated | Suitable for exterior use |
| Gloss finish | ✓ | ✓ High gloss |
| Matt / satin option | ✓ Flattening agent available | Not listed on current manufacturer product page |
| Aerosol application | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brush application | ✓ | Current product listed as aerosol |
| Roller application | ✓ | Current product listed as aerosol |
| Dip application | ✓ | Current product listed as aerosol |
| Liquid format | ✓ | Current manufacturer listing is aerosol |
| Australian made | ✓ Manufactured in Australia by Fortis Adhesives & Coatings | Refer to current manufacturer information for country of manufacture |
Comparison based on currently available manufacturer product information. Specifications can change. Always refer to the latest Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet before selecting or applying a coating.
ArmaLac™ is an Australian-made clear protective metal lacquer manufactured by Fortis Adhesives & Coatings.
It is designed to protect brass, copper, bronze and other polished and decorative metals from tarnishing, oxidation and corrosion while maintaining the appearance of the underlying metal.
ArmaLac™ contains a tarnish inhibitor and is formulated to provide adhesion to properly prepared polished metal surfaces.
It is suitable for both interior and exterior applications and is available in aerosol and liquid formats.
View ArmaLac™ Metal Lacquer
Incralac is a well-established type of clear acrylic protective coating historically associated with the protection of copper and copper alloys.
Current Wattyl product information describes its Clear Lacquer Finish as an acrylic-based protective coating designed for copper and copper alloys such as brass, with interior and exterior applications.
It has a long history of use in decorative, architectural and conservation applications where the appearance of copper and brass is to be maintained.
Both coating systems can provide clear protection for brass and copper.
A key difference is the broader documented substrate and application range of ArmaLac™.
In addition to brass and copper, ArmaLac™ is specified for use on:
ArmaLac™ is also available in both aerosol and liquid formats and can be applied using spray, brush, roller or dipping methods, depending on the application.
This makes it suitable for projects ranging from small decorative components and restoration work through to larger architectural and commercial metal applications.
For applications involving the clear protection of brass, copper and other suitable decorative metals, ArmaLac™ may be considered as an alternative coating system.
However, coating selection should be based on the substrate, existing finish, surface preparation, application method and expected service environment rather than brand alone.
For applications previously specifying Incralac, Fortis recommends reviewing the project requirements and the current ArmaLac™ Technical Data Sheet before substitution.
For architectural or specification projects, contact Fortis Adhesives & Coatings for technical advice before changing a specified coating system.