Enamel or acrylic?

thanks for the information Stikpusher!

One of my local hobby shops carries the full line of Testors paints, enamels and acrylics. With the latest revamps of the charts, they added the new colors onto the racks, and put discontinued colors into their clearance boxes.

I know several folks here have written posts about contacting Testors online or by phone and being told by them that enamels will be discontinued. Yet I have yet to see such information on their site. And their introduction of new colors would seem to indicate otherwise. Why introduce new colors in a line that will be discontinued. I can understand the discontinuation of ones that do not sell well.

Looking at their current enamel paint charts, I can see that Flat Sea Blue (FS# 35042) and Armor Sand (FS# 30277) have been discontinued in their American FS enamel line. In their International and Figures chart, all of the French colors are gone, as are some of the Japanese, Italian, and Soviet/Russian.

these are their current enamel paint charts on their site. which would indicate that that is what they are currently selling. They are at my best local shop, so that’s all I need.

https://www.testors.com/~/media/DigitalEncyclopedia/Documents/Testors/ColorCharts/RM280037_0914_ModelMasters_AmericanFSEnamel-MetalizerPaint.ashx

https://www.testors.com/~/media/DigitalEncyclopedia/Documents/Testors/ColorCharts/RM280040_0914_ModelMaster_IntMilitary_FigureEnamelPaints.ashx

As for how long, who knows. Just like Revell/Hobbico, they could suddenly go away due to bad business practices.

No the paint chart does not show the consolidation, per say (this was discontinued, this is still here, and we added these new colors). But from personal experience, I’ve been using Model Master paints since they first came out back in the day. I recall first seeing the expansion of the Model Master II line in the 90s. As well as their first iteration of Acrylics (gray bottle top) in the later 80’s. I had a pretty good idea of which colors were available in which line. Original Model Master was almost exclusively FS colors, along with some generic stuff. It was geared heavily towards the colors in use at that time: MERDC, IDF, SEA, Europe I, Ghost Grays, Aggressor, USN/USMC TPS and Temperate Land schemes. Model Master II added the Figure and flesh colors, WWII ANA colors, foreign colors (IJA/IJN Aircraft, modern & WWII Soviet, WWII French, Italian), Gulf War colors, and some new FS colors, and the new NATO vehicle tri color camo. Naval colors were never issued in enamels, nor were many of these new armor colors. The latest iteration of the charts has those, but does not have some of the older colors. 

I think that the confusion comes from the title of International and Figure line being discontinued. Many of those colors that were introduced for those lines are on the latest chart. They did not exist back when Model Master first hit the store shelves and you’re only other enamel options were Pactra and Humbrol.

stikpusher

 

 

bluenote

Testors really needs to update their site/colour charts.  I have no idea what colours are still available, what's discontinued, etc!

 

 

 

 

 

The color charts are what’s currently available after the two MM lines were consolidated and the newest colors introduced. They also introduced railroad colors, probably to replace the Floquil rail road colors that they discontinued. Although their railroad line is a fraction of what Floquil offered. As far as their paint charts go, if it is discontinued, it’s no longer on the current chart. Their site was revamped recently as well. Much more crafty and far less hobby now.

 

That doesn't make sense, because on their website I see:

https://www.testors.com/~/media/DigitalEncyclopedia/Documents/Testors/ColorCharts/RM280040_0914_ModelMaster_IntMilitary_FigureEnamelPaints.ashx

According to Testors, the International Military and Figures line was all discontinued. 

I don't see any chart showing the consolidation of the 2 lines.

(by the way, I'm not trying to disprove you, I really want to see what's available for MM!)  

bluenote

Testors really needs to update their site/colour charts.  I have no idea what colours are still available, what's discontinued, etc!

 

The color charts are what’s currently available after the two MM lines were consolidated and the newest colors introduced. They also introduced railroad colors, probably to replace the Floquil rail road colors that they discontinued. Although their railroad line is a fraction of what Floquil offered. As far as their paint charts go, if it is discontinued, it’s no longer on the current chart. Their site was revamped recently as well. Much more crafty and far less hobby now.

Testors really needs to update their site/colour charts.  I have no idea what colours are still available, what's discontinued, etc!

bluenote

 

 

stikpusher

In the Model Master line, some of the new colors are German- Feldgrau (Olivgrau) RAL 6003, Olivgelb, the previous mentioned naval colors such as hull red, RN, USN, and DKM colors. In the little square bottle colors they have new colors such as pea soup, sunflower, honey, etc. They are named in crafty names, but of course have uses in our hobby.

 

 

 

 

All of those Modelmaster colours you mentioned are part of the Modelmaster II line (International Military & Figure Enamel Paints) which according to Testors were all discontinued.  

 

https://www.testors.com/~/media/DigitalEncyclopedia/Documents/Testors/ColorCharts/RM280040_0914_ModelMaster_IntMilitary_FigureEnamelPaints.ashx

 

But perhaps you mean that they've kept some of those and combined them with the Modelmaster I line?

 

Ugh, Testors always seems to make this so confusing!  Even on their website they make no indication of the discontinued paints!  It would be so much easier if they had an up-to-date paint chart.

 

Thanks for the information Stikpusher!  Perhaps I jumped to the wrong conclusion that Testors was discontinuing their enamel line.  

 

No, the RAL 6006 is different from the Felgrau uniform color that was introduced as part of their MM II line. As it should be. It is the color that all the metal personal gear was painted in- Helmets, gas mask case, canteen cup and mess kit... Also the Olivgelb is new, being the Bundeswehr pre tri color NATO camo  shade painted on their vehicles. And they never before offered their naval colors in enamels, only as acrylics. Enamels had far better adherance properties to plastic compared to acrylics. Especially Model Master acrylics. Primer is a must with them. That’s another stage of painting and a day or more of delay. Acrylic primers are worthless in my experience.

Edit- Its Gelboliv RAL 6014 that also is a new color not previously offered by Testors. Before they brought this color out, your only enamel options for it were the discontinued Roco Minitank paints, or Revell Germany. If you’re a Bundeswehr fan, the color is long overdue here. Yes, now there are also some acrylic options... finally. But before, nope.

Don Stauffer

In the round bottles they have a couple of new metallic colors, and have brought back the semi-gloss black, which I really like.  I believe they used to call it black chrome, but the new semi-gloss black seems to have the same sheen as the old black chrome.

 

 

Black Chrome is and always was the same as Semi-black all along. Neither were different from the get go.

Model Master always had semi-gloss black in their line. I still have mine although

Don Stauffer

In the round bottles they have a couple of new metallic colors, and have brought back the semi-gloss black, which I really like.  I believe they used to call it black chrome, but the new semi-gloss black seems to have the same sheen as the old black chrome.

 

 

In the round bottle Model Master enamels they have Gloss Black and Classic Black. The local dealer told me the Classic has less gloss than the Gloss black fwiw. I have just the Gloss black, I have plenty of acrylics that can cover matt or satin blacks and anything in between so I  have not bought the Classic black to confirm. But the little bit I saw on the rim when I peaked in a jar did seem it would dry with less gloss than the full gloss.

In the round bottles they have a couple of new metallic colors, and have brought back the semi-gloss black, which I really like.  I believe they used to call it black chrome, but the new semi-gloss black seems to have the same sheen as the old black chrome.

stikpusher

In the Model Master line, some of the new colors are German- Feldgrau (Olivgrau) RAL 6003, Olivgelb, the previous mentioned naval colors such as hull red, RN, USN, and DKM colors. In the little square bottle colors they have new colors such as pea soup, sunflower, honey, etc. They are named in crafty names, but of course have uses in our hobby.

 

In the Model Master line, some of the new colors are German- Feldgrau (Olivgrau) RAL 6003, Olivgelb, the previous mentioned naval colors such as hull red, RN, USN, and DKM colors. In the little square bottle colors they have new colors such as pea soup, sunflower, honey, etc. They are named in crafty names, but of course have uses in our hobby.

stikpusher

 

 

bluenote

 

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

 

 

bluenote

I only used to use Testors and Modelmaster but Modelmaster is continually discontinuing colours and the fumes when airbrushing were becoming a problem.  

 

 

Testors Model Master are only eliminating certain colors in their enamel line - not all of them.

Your fume problem can be solved if you invested in a spray booth.

 

 

 

 

Model Master used to have close 300 or so enamel colours at the height of their popularity, they are now down to around 100 (with about 60 of those specific to cars).  I think its pretty clear they are getting out of the enamel business.  They discontinued half of their enamel line with the discontinuation of their Model Master II line (international military and figure).  

 

Yup, I can get a spray booth, but why bother if there's acrylic paints that don't smell and I can just spray at my desk?  Much easier for me.  Don't really have the room either for a spray booth.

 

To each their own, but I have no use for Modelmaster anymore.  There's just way too many better options for me now.  

 

 

 

 

Its not so much that Model Master discontinued their MMII line as that they consolidated both lines, and discontinued colors from both lines. And they also added new colors. They finally introduced enamel versions of their ship colors, as well as some various new international colors. And as stated above, they have expanded their small square bottle enamel line and more than doubled the old color selection there. 

I suspect that Testor enamels are not going away anytime soon.

 

 

do you know any of the names of the new colours?  I’ve been checking in on testors website and it shows the same colours for years.  I can’t see anything new.

this is definately good news though, I didnt know they were adding any new colours

bluenote

 

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

 

 

bluenote

I only used to use Testors and Modelmaster but Modelmaster is continually discontinuing colours and the fumes when airbrushing were becoming a problem.  

 

 

Testors Model Master are only eliminating certain colors in their enamel line - not all of them.

Your fume problem can be solved if you invested in a spray booth.

 

 

 

 

Model Master used to have close 300 or so enamel colours at the height of their popularity, they are now down to around 100 (with about 60 of those specific to cars).  I think its pretty clear they are getting out of the enamel business.  They discontinued half of their enamel line with the discontinuation of their Model Master II line (international military and figure).  

 

Yup, I can get a spray booth, but why bother if there's acrylic paints that don't smell and I can just spray at my desk?  Much easier for me.  Don't really have the room either for a spray booth.

 

To each their own, but I have no use for Modelmaster anymore.  There's just way too many better options for me now.  

 

Its not so much that Model Master discontinued their MMII line as that they consolidated both lines, and discontinued colors from both lines. And they also added new colors. They finally introduced enamel versions of their ship colors, as well as some various new international colors. And as stated above, they have expanded their small square bottle enamel line and more than doubled the old color selection there. 

I suspect that Testor enamels are not going away anytime soon.

bluenote

 

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

 

 

 

Testors Model Master are only eliminating certain colors in their enamel line - not all of them.

Your fume problem can be solved if you invested in a spray booth.

 

 

 

 

Model Master used to have close 300 or so enamel colours at the height of their popularity, they are now down to around 100 (with about 60 of those specific to cars).  I think its pretty clear they are getting out of the enamel business.  They discontinued half of their enamel line with the discontinuation of their Model Master II line (international military and figure).  

 

Yup, I can get a spray booth, but why bother if there's acrylic paints that don't smell and I can just spray at my desk?  Much easier for me.  Don't really have the room either for a spray booth.

 

To each their own, but I have no use for Modelmaster anymore.  There's just way too many better options for me now.  

 

I am wondering if Testors is really getting out of the enamel business.  While they have eliminated the military line, they have added colors to their general enamel color line.  Maybe they are just trying to bring in more crafts and non-military enthusiasts.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

 

 

bluenote

I only used to use Testors and Modelmaster but Modelmaster is continually discontinuing colours and the fumes when airbrushing were becoming a problem.  

 

 

Testors Model Master are only eliminating certain colors in their enamel line - not all of them.

Your fume problem can be solved if you invested in a spray booth.

 

bluenote

I only used to use Testors and Modelmaster but Modelmaster is continually discontinuing colours and the fumes when airbrushing were becoming a problem.  

Testors Model Master are only eliminating certain colors in their enamel line - not all of them.

Your fume problem can be solved if you invested in a spray booth.

I use Tamiya acrylic for airbrushing and brush painting.  I try to airbrush almost everything and Tamiya is perfect for the low fumes, ease of cleanup and how easy it is applied.  2 drops paint for 1 drop of Tamiya thinner and it sprays perfectly every time.

The colour selection is more than fine with me.  

I also use it for brushpainting details and small parts and with a drop of tamiya retarder it works perfectly.

For car and motorcycle bodies, I stick with Lacquer (Scalefinishes).

I only used to use Testors and Modelmaster but Modelmaster is continually discontinuing colours and the fumes when airbrushing were becoming a problem. 

It’s definately a preference, you must experiment on which medium suits you.  I tend to use all three.  Acrylic and enamels for the interior/exterior.   And a spray of gloss lacquer before applying decals.

Mind you, I now have a apprentice at hand.  My grandson Ezra, so now I’ve been using a lot of acrylics.  No fumes and it’s ease of clean up.  My go to AB media is Vallejo Model Air.  No mixing needed as you can shoot it right out of the bottle.

I also use Model Master acrylic/enamel, depending on what needs to be covered.  Do what I have done, a little bit of acrylic, enamel, and lacquer as needed.  I’ve yet to try out Alclad, so this will be another experiment for me.  

Your friend, Toshi

Acrylics like Vallejo hand brush very well on figures and small parts.

For air brushing nothing beats enamels for their ease of use and  durability. I can spray hair thin lines with my Badger Renegade Xtra  thin tip air brush for hours without having to worry about tip dry, paint splatter etc.

Greg

I also use them all. Acrylics, lacquers, enamels.

Mostly acrylics due to drying time, lack of solvent-based fumes, and easy cleanup. But I agree with Steve and others above, they all have a place in my building.

My favorite smell though is good old enamel, though that is my least used.

 

I like the smell of lacquer better than enamel.  And, my favorite smell is the old cellulose airplane dope.  I think that is from my early days at airports.  My dad's idea of spending quality time with me was taking me to airports and letting me wander off while he hanger-flew with his buddies.  I didn't mind, and learned a lot about airplanes and airports.  Ah, those smells of dope an hydraulic fluid!

I use both and occassional lacquer.

Hah ! Testors Enamels takes me back to 1959 to my little Testors bottles and very first cans of spray paint. Model Master enamels flows a little nicer but doesn't smell much different.

I find MM acrylic and especially Tamiya acrylic to go on much like enamel when thinned with my own thinner blend. Enamel dries slightly more glossy though. Either one can be buffed up later on. All of those I spray with a .5 needle from my 45 yo Badger 200. I don't get the acrylic spatter patterns you see in some videos fwiw. They look more like enamel going on, at least those two brands anyway. Enamel flows out a bit nicer initially.

I also use them all. Acrylics, lacquers, enamels.

Mostly acrylics due to drying time, lack of solvent-based fumes, and easy cleanup. But I agree with Steve and others above, they all have a place in my building.

My favorite smell though is good old enamel, though that is my least used.

Okay ;

 Ya got me here . I prefer Enamel above all else .Why ? Well I have been building , personally and professionally for over 65 years. I just started with Enamels and have always preferred them .  Now I am , like so many other marketing things , Being Forced to use the darned Acrylics .I say to Heck with this trend . Gimme my well covering line of Myriad enamels back .And Lacquers for my model cars !  T.B.

O.K. Tickmagnet ;

 How do you deal with brushability issues without resorting to strange mixes ? Doc - T.B.

Acrylics. Easy clean up, no harsh odors. No harsh odors keeps the wife happy so I can just keep right on building to my hearts content. I don't care for the odors either and prefer easy water clean up.

Both have their place.  Depends on the job.  Enamels are my goto- I have been using them for about seventy years.  Particularly for glossy finishes, a gloss enamel gives a realistic gloss look without a clearcoat.  Great for older factory stock car- heavy glosscoat does not look right on a forties or fifties car.

I find acrylics a bit harder to airbrush unless I add retarder.  Some brush okay some don't.  I think there is almost more variation from brand to brand than between acrylic or enamel.  And, then, there are the lacquers :-)