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Best place to buy paint

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  • Member since
    June 2008
Best place to buy paint
Posted by Airacobra on Friday, August 29, 2008 10:59 PM
Just as the topic says, I was wondering where the best online source for paint is?  I am building a 1/32 P-39 and I was looking to buy some model master or tamaiya paints.  Any suggestions?
  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Saturday, August 30, 2008 5:46 AM

Your LHS is still the best place.  Even if on-line stores offer a 30 or 40 cent per bottle savings over the shop in your area, the shipping & handling charges will negate any perceived savings.  Unless you plan on ordering 20 or 30 bottles in a crack, go uptown..

Also, don't get too wrapped up in the small bottles and cans of a particular color.  Many on-line and local camping & outdoor suppliers sell camo paints in large cans for hunters and their ilk...  If building US Aircraft & armor are your main focus, for instance, getting the large spray cans of OD, flat black, brown, forrest green, and sand are worth it.  Most of the OD and Tans are very, very close to FS shades, and will go a lot farther than hobby paints.  Another thing is, if you have a buddy in the National Guard, have him pick you up some spray paint from his local armory.  Those cans ARE actual FS shades of paint colors, and will only cost you a donation to the unit morale fund or family support group. 

If it's a hard-to-find color, you may have to go on-line, but that isn't usually an issue with the brands you wasnt.  Any of the E-stores advertised here and in FSM are pretty much all the same, as far as I know... 

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Peoples Socialist Democratic Republic of Illinois
Posted by Triarius on Saturday, August 30, 2008 2:01 PM
As far as online outlets go, YMMV. However, I'd rate Roll Models, Sprue Brothers, and Squadron as the top three, in about that order. While it can pay to comparison shop for larger items such as kits and tools, the time for small items such as a few bottles of paint isn't worth it. Han's comments on S&H are dead on. If your LHS carries the brand or brands you prefer, it's worth the trip unless they're more than a gallon of gas away—and they need your support.

Ross Martinek A little strangeness, now and then, is a good thing… Wink

  • Member since
    August 2008
  • From: Round Lake Heights, IL
Posted by Lofweir on Saturday, August 30, 2008 10:48 PM
I would agree as well.  Between my LHS for the majority of my paints and the nearby Hobby Lobby if I find I'm out of a standard color and don't want to make the drive, I haven't had a need to go looking online yet.  Never saw a big enough savings to make ordering online worthwhile.
Currently Building: Tamiya 1/35 Panther Ausf. A
  • Member since
    June 2008
Posted by Airacobra on Sunday, August 31, 2008 4:02 PM
Thanks for everyone's honest opinions.  I have always bought my paint and supplies from my local hobby stores, but I thought I would throw out that question in case someone knew of a great online shop.  Sometimes online shops offer free shipping on certain orders, but I think I will continue to buy from my local Hobby Town or the Hub Hobby nearby.
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