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Acrylic/Enamel/Oils compatibility

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  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 9:23 AM

One big problem today is the terms used for paints.  For instance, you might think a paint labeled "lacquer" is what you are used to that was called lacquer.  But now there are acrylic enamels and acrylic lacquers, not the same kind of things as old lacquers and enamels.  Some of these acrylics are just called lacquer or enamel without saying they are acrylics.

Best bet is to run tests on paints you are interested in, on scrap styrene, and see what happens.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

cml
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Brisbane, Australia
Posted by cml on Monday, June 6, 2011 11:46 PM

Howdy mate,

Welcome to the forum and back to the hobby!

Whilst most others here have far more experience then me, I'll give you a run down of what i've learnt so far.

Firstly - excellent choice on a first model to come back with.  Is that the RAAF version?  I have it in my stash awaiting it's turn too.

The general rule is, use a different type of paint to the one underneath when doing washes etc.

I've used Windsor & Newton oil paints and have never had them adversely affect an acrylic underlay. 

I've also used model master and testor enamels thinned with tamiya enamel thinner for washes over acrylics with no adverse reactions.

Likewise, if you have an enamel coat, use an acrylic over the top.  Alternatively, if you painted with enamel, you might like to seal with an acrylic gloss then use an enamel wash/oils over the top of the acrylic gloss.

In your case, oils and enamels should be fine to use over the top.

I have however, made the mistake of using a Testors clear lacquer as a gloss coat, then tried an enamel wash - it ended with the lacquer starting to come up and generally ruining an entire wing.  Try to avoid if possible.

To use pigments - i'm assuming some form of pastel, they go down better over a matte coat.  i normally do paint, gloss, decal, gloss, wash, matte, pastels...then matte/gloss depending on the final effect you want.

As for a satin finish - have never done, but think it's possible by simply using a more diluted amount of matte.  If you just use gloss, that's what you'll end up with.  I think a satin needs a small amount of matte in it to be effective.

i have found that pastels will darken slightly with overcoats of both gloss and matte.  Haven't ever noticed the oils changing to darker though.

I'm certain heaps of others will be able to more fully answer your questions, but hope this helps in any event.

Chris.

Chris

  • Member since
    June 2011
Acrylic/Enamel/Oils compatibility
Posted by slinky malinky on Monday, June 6, 2011 10:07 PM

Hi all,

Just back into scale modeling after about 20 years absence... and just new to the forum.

Can anyone let me know the do's and don'ts of using paint types over each other please? I've been painting my 'first-time-back' model (1/48 F-111C from Hobby Boss) with acrylics (Gunze & Tamyia). This has been followed by a gloss coat of Future ahead of some weathering.

I'm wanting to weather the model with oil washes and pigment. Can I then spray clear acrylic over the top to get the satin sheen I want?

Will the oils react with the acrylic?

WIll the pigment permanently darken if I spray over it?

Sorry for the 'noob' questions but I'm a little lost.

 

Slinky

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