Model Master Paints

Mooro wrote:

Any US buddies: Are MM paints as good as they are made out to be? Or are Tamiya acrylics just as good?

So do you a few weeks to sit down and read all that has been said about that comparison?

I only use MM enamels. So far, all the colors I need come pre-mixed and are readily available.   I really like the finish I get with them and never had a problem.  Well I did once but I am sure that was an issue due to the Trumpeter plastic.  I have only built 1 Trumpeter kit and that was the only one where I had any issues at all.  I have never used an acrylic so cannot comment on them.  Many will swear by their acrylics just like I swear by the MM solvents based line.  A lot of modelers made the switch due to smell and toxicity issues form breathing the fumes.  To me, that is not a reason at all since if you are putting yourself in a position where you will breathe any paint… it isn’t good for you.  Good venting, strong fans and a respirator are required, in my opinion, for ANYTHING shot out of an airbrush.

 

And to the forum.

 

I use both Tamiya Acrylics and MM Enamels.  The balance of my work seems to be on the side of MM.  If you are doing hand brushing, MM can be easier to use.  There are ways to overcome the shortcomings of TamA.  I do a lot of US WW2, so I like that I can just use a spray can for most of my builds.

Does the UK have any restrictions on oil-based paints?

At this point I only use Tamiya acrylics. Primarily for ease of clean-up and because I do not have a dedicated paint station. If I did, I would probably use only MM paints - better color match ups with less mixing.

For now the Tamiya acrylics fit my environment, perform well and result in a quality finish. Just have to work the mixing/matching issues.

-dave

Edit: I AB almost everything now. Use a brush only for touch ups. Tamiya paints + brush = frustration (at least IMO)

 

There is no restriction on oil based pains in the UK. 

We have Humbrol readily available

 

Hey Mooro,
IMHO - I'd first find out what is available locally. Compare prices if you have to ship in some other brand like MM. It might not be worth the switch? I think some paints might have there short comings, but with some ingenuity it can probably be worked around.

From what I've gathered from some folks here is these paints in preference order -
Acrylics: Vallejo, MM, Tamiya
Enamels: Testors/MM, ???

Maybe we can get a few more replies with some more paint brands.

Hello Mooro,

Not sure I can answer the first question, but for availability, there are bound to be web-based suppliers ready to ship to the UK.  With regard to Model Master and Tamiya, I too use both.  For decades Testors and model Master was, and continues to be my main-stay.  They are truely excellent paints in my opinion, with nothing but kudos for this well known, tried and true enamel line of paints.  In my 30 years modeling experience I've until recently always reach for Testors enamels, specifically MM.  I've recently built several models using Tamiya, and I've developed a very good system that has allowed me to overcome several short-falls, such as brush painting without pre-mature drying, using alternate thinners, and the airbrush technique.  So far, I've been able to achieve the same results with Tamiya as I can with T/MM, only without the use of potentially hazardous materials found in enamels and oil-based paint.  So I would definately advocate that Tamiya is every bit as good as T/MM.  Even with the good luck I've seemed to have with Tamiya, I still go for the T/MM and always get excellent and predictable results.  Good luck in your research!

Mooro - aren't Gunze acrylics available in the UK?  I know of more than a few that use it on here and it shows good results...

plasticmod992 wrote:

Hello Mooro, Not sure I can answer the first question, but for availability, there are bound to be web-based suppliers ready to ship to the UK.  With regard to Model Master and Tamiya, I too use both.  For decades Testors and model Master was, and continues to be my main-stay.  They are truely excellent paints in my opinion, with nothing but kudos for this well known, tried and true enamel line of paints.  In my 30 years modeling experience I've until recently always reach for Testors enamels, specifically MM.  I've recently built several models using Tamiya, and I've developed a very good system that has allowed me to overcome several short-falls, such as brush painting without pre-mature drying, using alternate thinners, and the airbrush technique.  So far, I've been able to achieve the same results with Tamiya as I can with T/MM, only without the use of potentially hazardous materials found in enamels and oil-based paint.  So I would definately advocate that Tamiya is every bit as good as T/MM.  Even with the good luck I've seemed to have with Tamiya, I still go for the T/MM and always get excellent and predictable results.  Good luck in your research!

Well said,..... Old time MM testors user here. Although I have every Tamiya paint made, I'm still slow to cross the enamel/acrcyl line. The information on this form, and was,  and is readily available in the great magazine that is Fine Scale Modeler, should be enough of a reference and guide to help you with what ever medium you choose...............................the best of luck to ya........