ROKAF
I don't know if this question should be here, but I'm very new to this hobby (what do you call it, modeling?) anyway. I have previously only used snap-kits with colored parts. Now I want to make models that require painting, I can't afford an airbrush, so I looked for spray cans. I'm very health cautious, so I wasn't convinced to spray the paint, due to the fumes either. So I decided to brush-paint my models, so I went to the local hobby shop and found these Vallejo model air paints that looked promising. But then I wondered about the toxic stuff, but I'm new to modeling and need some advice. Are Vallejo model air paints toxic? and could they affect my eyesight (note I'm hand-brushing) and my future health? Should I use a respirator and eye protection when brush painting? what respirator and eye protection do you use? what do you guys do? thanks for the answers and sorry for the many questions.
Hi, ROKAF, since you mention that you want to brush your paints by hand, I'll point out that Vallejo's Model Air line is formulated for airbrushing. They can be brushed by hand, but Vallejo's Model Color paints are specifically for hand-brushing. They are popular among figure painters, because they are easy to use, go down smooth, and can produce good results.
As far as Vallejo's toxicity goes, try not to ingest the paints, but that's true of any paints available to us. They're not very volatile, they don't give off noxious fumes. They're water-soluable, which makes using them easy. I use a wet palette with my water-based acrylics; that is an airtight container with a sponge and a piece of permeable paper as a palette. The sponge holds a quantity of water and keeps the paints uniformly thinned while I work. Since the container is airtight, it keeps the paints fresh over several sessions. I recommend one, if you use water-based paints.
Besides Vallejo, there are many similar brands. I also use Andrea paints, some LifeColor, and several craft-store brands: Americana, Folk Art, and Apple Barrel. Those craft store paints are reasonably priced for the quantities, and work just as well for me as the model paint brands. And just like Vallejo, none of them produce any noxious fumes. Just don't drink 'em.
There are other brands besides those, including brands common among fantasy wargame painters. I don't use any of those, but it's worth it to take a look at those, too. Warhammer, Citadel, and others.
Those are all made specifically for painting by hand, and they're all water-based, which makes them easier to work with, in my experience. You can use them to paint other models, like armor, aircraft, etc, and the key is thin coats.
I do not wear a respirator when painting by hand, nor eye protection. I have not found them necessary. Of course, others will have their own experience to share.
Hope that all helps!
Best regards,
Brad