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Enamels or Acrylics

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Enamels or Acrylics
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, February 12, 2004 8:44 PM
What do the pros prefer? And what brands lead? Thanks!Question [?]
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Thursday, February 12, 2004 8:52 PM
Welcome CDDC. I can't speak for the pros out there, but I prefer Model Master Acryls or Tamiya acrylics for airbrushing. Easy cleanup and less obnoxious fumes is part of it. For brushing I like enamels, I just feel they cover better. You will get many an opinion on this one. You may want to check out the painting and airbrushing forum to answer question.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Dahlonega, Georgia
Posted by lizardqing on Thursday, February 12, 2004 8:54 PM
Welcome to the forum CDDC. I'm far from being a pro but I do have an opinion. I have gotten to where I like acrylics for most of the painting I do cause they are easier to clean up, seem to spray easier than enamels and dry faster. I still use enamels for some stuff, basically if I have the particular color still.
  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by shermanfreak on Thursday, February 12, 2004 9:22 PM
I prefer Tamiya Acrylics myself. With a little Model Master Acrylic thrown in for colour selection. But I've heard some great things about Vallejo Acrylics and intend on giving them a spin one of these days.
Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, February 12, 2004 9:46 PM
Tamiya Acrylics and Testor's Metalizers for me.

Glenn
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, February 12, 2004 9:48 PM
Sign - Ditto [#ditto] I have to agree with these guys. It all depends on what I am doing. I use ModelMaster and Tamiya Acrylics for general painting and Oils and enamals for weathering (longer working time). Pastel washes are acrylic...well thinned with an alcohol/water mix. I have from time to time chatted with some of the "professionals" and they are of the same mind... Almost none are exclusivley enamel or acrylic.

Its whatever works....thats the short of it!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, February 12, 2004 10:11 PM
Thanks for the quick replies. I have already used some Model Master acryls on a 1944 Panther kit from Dragon and it came out really nice. These paints seem really forgiving. OK! Have a great week all!
  • Member since
    February 2003
Posted by Anthony on Thursday, February 12, 2004 10:34 PM
First, welcome to the forum. I am with tigerman. For airbrushing, acrylic paint is the best because of easy clean up, and most important, most acrylic paints are non-toxic. But STILL you need good ventilation and repiratory protection, also young children or babies or pregnant should not be around. One weakness of airbrushinng acrylic paint is that after the paint is dried, it's could be chiped off or scratch off more easily compare to enamel paint(which is stronger when dried), you may need to airbrush a thicker layer. To me Tamiya acrylic paints are the best. They are easy to thin, last longer and have excellent adhesion. Mr Colour(Gunze Sangyo) and Model Master and Polly Scale acrylic paints have more varieties to choose and many are specfic for specfic vehicles( e.g. olive drab for modren US tank, WWII tanks, UAAF planes etc). I find them ok but easier to dry, therefore they may clog paint nozzel of your airbrush(to solve this problem: rub the nozzel tip with a cotton swab dipped with thinner).

Due to the toxicity of enamel paint, I mostly try to avoid airbrushing enamel except in very rare occasion. If I have to airbrush enamel paint, I would do it in outdoors(in the balcony or back yard) whenever possible. Again good ventilation and respiratory protection are must.

For hand brushing, I would recommend enamel paints. Because of the surface tensionc enamel oily texture can easily spread through out the surface. Enamel paint IS TOXIC, so good ventilation and respiratory protection are must. IMHO, Humbrol makes the best enamel paint. They have good texture and dry slowlly therefore less likely to leave brush track. Model Master and Testors arre also very good.




  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, February 13, 2004 7:04 PM
Another question Anthony (or any other pro out there): I admit am quite confused on the correct ratios to thin paints. I know this is the most basic of the basic, but I I'm new at this again, and I just don't know. For acryls, what is the best ratio for airbrushing and washing, and the same question for enamels? I realize I need to learn from trial and error, but I am looking for a starting point. Please advise.... Thanks!

CDDC
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Philippines
Posted by Dwight Ta-ala on Friday, February 13, 2004 7:13 PM
Tamiya Acrylics for me....

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Friday, February 13, 2004 7:17 PM
CDDC, this is my personal opinion, but I think it varies on what paint you use. For Tamiya I mix a 80/20 ration of alcohol to paint. For Model Master about the same except with distilled water as a thinner. This is just my choice. You will get many more opinions here, which is good.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, February 13, 2004 9:56 PM
OK, I am about to begin the painting phase of my Dragon E100 Super Heavy Tank. I'm excited!
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Friday, February 13, 2004 10:04 PM
Good luck CDDC. Which paint are you using? I just reread your last post and for a wash you want more thinner, somethng like 90/10.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 14, 2004 10:04 AM
Hey tigerman. I'm using Tamiya. The consensus seems that these are the best. Other paints in my inventory include model master enamels and acryls and I bought some Polly Scale flats for camo. We'll see.

It's snowing in Dallas!

CDDC
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