How good are Mig Ammo acrylics for hand painting?

I use a lot of the Ammo of Mig paints. I do like them for airbrushing, they are a bit tricky and some people have trouble getting the hang of them. As for handbrushing, I have used them occasionally, mostly on small parts. They work fairly well, but may take a couple of coats to completely cover an area. They are very thin consistency. I typically prime with Stynylrez before painting. I've used Ammo of Mig primer, but found that it doesnt adhere to the surface as well unless you use fine grit sandpaper to prep the surface area first, which can be a bit tricky on some aircraft and armor, especially trying to work around some detail. 

Valleyofvallejo

 

 

Kentucky Colonel

I've used Meg Ammo for hand painting a few times. They do work but you have to remember they are a little thin so they can be use straight from the bottle in an airbrush so when I hand paint with them I paint several coats. One other thing. Make sure you prime your models before using Ammo, they worked much better for me.

 

 

 

 

What primer did you use? Also, how does Mig compare to Vallejo?

 

I've used Tamiya  rattle can primer and also AK primer. Both seems to work ok with the new Mig. I also have the old Mig and it works great for handpainting, more in line with Vallejo. Both of them have "new" paints that are thinner and can be used straight in an airbrush without thinning them as does AK.

One other thing I noticed. The new thinner Mig washes off a model easier so when I'm though with a model I finish it off with a coat of Testors Dullcote.

Go ahead and give them a try. If they work for you then great but if not you can always go back to what works. I have to order mine online since only one hobby shop here has model paints and does not carry any of the Mig, Ak or Vallejo

Kentucky Colonel

I've used Meg Ammo for hand painting a few times. They do work but you have to remember they are a little thin so they can be use straight from the bottle in an airbrush so when I hand paint with them I paint several coats. One other thing. Make sure you prime your models before using Ammo, they worked much better for me.

 

What primer did you use? Also, how does Mig compare to Vallejo?

Phil_H

 

 

Valleyofvallejo

Is Gunze water based?

 

 

They are alcohol based and similar enough to Tamiya acrylics that their thinners are interchangeable.

 

Gunze has two paint lines, one acrylic, and one non acrylic. The Gunner Acrylic line is no longer imported into the USA due to labeling issues. The non acrylic paints are not similar to Tamiya in any way and only clean up with Gunze thinner or Lacquer Thinner. In my experience, neither of their acrylic paint lines works optimally with the other brands thinners. And hand brushing with either line is a challenge.

Valleyofvallejo

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Tamiya more optimized for airbrushing? Yes. Handbrushing? Yes as well. Gunze are fine for hand brushing as well. Never used Mig Ammo though.

 

 

 

 

I've heard that if you don't allow Tamiya acrylics to fully cure, they will peel off if you paint another layer of it by hand. I've also heard that they dry quicky, sometimes right on the brush before you can paint. AFAIK, Tamiya is alcohol based. 

 

Is Gunze water based?

 

I never had issues what you're describing here. For Tamiya and Gunze, I use Testors Universal Acrylic thinner.

I've used Meg Ammo for hand painting a few times. They do work but you have to remember they are a little thin so they can be use straight from the bottle in an airbrush so when I hand paint with them I paint several coats. One other thing. Make sure you prime your models before using Ammo, they worked much better for me.

Valleyofvallejo

Is Gunze water based?

They are alcohol based and similar enough to Tamiya acrylics that their thinners are interchangeable.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Tamiya more optimized for airbrushing? Yes. Handbrushing? Yes as well. Gunze are fine for hand brushing as well. Never used Mig Ammo though.

 

I've heard that if you don't allow Tamiya acrylics to fully cure, they will peel off if you paint another layer of it by hand. I've also heard that they dry quicky, sometimes right on the brush before you can paint. AFAIK, Tamiya is alcohol based. 

Is Gunze water based?

Tamiya more optimized for airbrushing? Yes. Handbrushing? Yes as well. Gunze are fine for hand brushing as well. Never used Mig Ammo though.