Andrea Paints Question

I just started using the Andrea paints for flesh on my latest figure (I purchaed the six-color set through Squadron).  I typically used oils for flesh tones in the past, and did this over a Humbrol enamel base.  Anyway, I know that a lot of folks like the Andrea colors for clothing on figures, but I have always been a Humbrol person myself.  The only figure that I have painted the clothing with acrylic paints turned out ok, but I was frustrated in how the paints would dry when I was attempting to lay in shadows.  As I would mix small quantities of a color, it took a lot of guessing on what amount I really needed, and more than once, I guessed too little with the quantitiy that I mixed.  I guess that I just have a better feel for the enamels.  That said, I would be interested in hearing from you in the future on how the Andrea paints work for you.  Although I build more 1/16 scale figures than any others, I do paint an occasional 1/72, 1/48, or 1/35 scale figure to go with the other models that I build.  Good luck, and I hope that the acrylics work well for you.

Andrea, and its virtual twin Vallejo, are designed for use on figures. They are, hands down, the best acrylics on the market. Period. Most of the painting on these figures are done in these paints.

http://photos.kitmaker.net/data/500/comp.jpg

http://photos.kitmaker.net/data/500/composite.jpg

http://photos.kitmaker.net/data/500/Commanchero_Comp.jpg

http://photos.kitmaker.net/data/500/DSC000071.JPG

http://photos.kitmaker.net/data/500/591composite.jpg

The predator took a first in class at the 2004 IMPS National event.(Sorry for links only, but this isn't recognizing html again.)

Scotty, are you thinning the paint? Andrea's painting CD-ROM advises this but there's nothing on the website to indicate that. However, for a downloadable tutorial, go to http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/, choose English them "Model color" fromthe drop down menu and scroll to the bottom of the page.

I used to be a "Humbrol-Guy", too, until I tried Vallejo's paints. Now I can't immagine how I did before.
I only use Humbrol's primer and metallic paints.

To me their quick drying time is more an advantage than a disadvantage. Just in case there is a "retarder" which increases the drying time.

Vallejo now also has line for airbrush; the pigments are smaller and the paint is alreaddy thinned in order not to clog the airbrush. 

Almost all the figures on my web-site are done with Vallejo paints.

Anrea Paints are manufactured by Vallejo.  Only difference is the labeling on the bottle.  They are simply the best acrylics available IMHO.

Regards,  Rick

Wow great job. I hope to have my models look like that some day.  I am new to the figure painting models but really enjoy it.  Thank you for the link to the valejo website I am reading the directions now. 

Italpilot

Thanks for the photos and the links, especially the Vallejo link that I have now added to my bookmarks.  Although I mostly build for my own enjoyment and not for competitions, perhaps I will experiment some more with the acrylics as they seem to work well for you.  The acrylics that I had my bad experience with were the old Model Master formula (not the newer Acryl line), and I only painted a single 90mm pilot using that paint.  I have built somewhere around forty or so figures in all scales over the past fourteen years, and I guess that I am just more accustomed to the Humbrol paints as they have worked well for me, and I have a large number of the paints in my possession.  I am not sure that I want to make a wholesale swap to acrylics yet (I wonder what my wife would say), but as I said, maybe I will try to experiment some more.  The directions on the set of Andrea flesh paints that I purchased said nothing of thinning the paints, and that may have led to some challenges that I ran into.  As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect".  Anyway, thanks again for your comments and links.

Scott

More Power Scotty wrote:

I am just more accustomed to the Humbrol paints as they have worked well for me, and I have a large number of the paints in my possession.  . Scott

My first serious figures back in 19-long time ago were done with Humbrols. They worked great and lasted forever. I was able to use some tins that were well over 20 years old with no problem. I moved away form them due to not being able to find them anymore in my area. If you're happy with Humbrol and its results, stick with it. I went from Humbrol to Tamiya (original formula) to Model Master and oils and now I'm realy happy with the results I'm getting with Andrea/Vallejo. The Andrea CD ROM is all audio/visual with no ability to cut and paste or I'd quote it for you. .