OK,I know I'll probably get alot of flak for this but you'll never hear me say it again.If you're comparing the same system between different makers alot of times it's no biggie to intermix.For the most part PPG,DuPont,etc pretty much use the same ingredients and very close chemical composition in their clears,the hardners and reducers are the big difference.Some are separate and some are premixed like DuPont.PPG sells ingredients to some of the top names but I'm not sure if HOK still is since Valspar took over (original HOK clear was made with alot of PPG ingredients,if not being basically the same thing).I've used Rubber Seal's clear and I've got jobs out for over 5years that still look great over PPG's DBC and DBU.Last I knew a gallon with hardner and reducer was about $100.Mixing hardners is very scary,ie:brand A's catalized sealer and putting brand B's catalized single stage over it.NOW THE BIG BUT-warrantee.You wont get one unless you give it personally and eat it on a redo.They know the products will be compatible,but who's to blame-brand A's base,brand B's pearl or candy mix,brand C's clear,and on and on,and each will blame it on the others or you.I could cut material costs in half but I personally guarantee my work in case PPG says they wont,so I'm forced to stay with one system since it's not uncommon to get a recalled lot of material-I'm covered no matter what.It really is better because there are some base/clear mixing combos that will cause a problem.Like I said,you wont hear me say this again for the fact it puts my butt on the line if you mix and get a disaster.This isn't made up or rumor either as far as I've found because I've pried this out of a few people 'in the know' over the years.This is more of an information post that I probably shouldn't share and you will literally be on your own if you do it and have to suffer the consequences.
