Acrylic or Enamel???

Thanks Roosterfish,
Seems like everyone has a good arguement over one or the other. For my first project or until I get use to an air brush, which have never used, I think I will go with the acrylics the first time around. Just sounds like the clean up will be a little easier.

Hi all,

I started out using the Testors Model Master Enamel line. Using this paint I had nothing but head and heart ache. It was hard to use and harder to spay and even harder to clean up.

Then I was given a bottler of Tamiya Acrylic paint and every thing improved. All was easier to do and was more fun to do it....

It is now a joy to paint.

I do use Enamels, Tamiya, to wash.

In short I will never go back and always suggest to new modelers and veterans a like to use or make the switch to Tamiya acrylics. Say what you want about Tamiya. However, when I open the box or bottle, I know that I will always receive a top notch quality product not found in any other manufacturer in the business.

dss902

amen to that dss902!!!!!

I use Tamiya acrylics on my armor and aircraft. I do not use any primer before airbrushing.

I usally ruff-up the surface (lightly) with a green Scotch Brite pad. Seems to give the acryic paint... something to grab.

Acrylics for me.. flow better on airbrushes!!...(enamels wear them out) ..Sorry boys

I've used both enamels and acrylics, and would go with acrylics for the bulk of painting, with enamels reserved for weathering etc, as they take longer to dry and therefore remain workable for longer. Useful when blending colours.

I primarilly use Gunze and Lifecolour acrylics, with some Tamiya. In my experience they all spray well, but the lifecolour seems to have a slightly rougher finish than the Gunze and the Tamiya, making it good for armour and scenery.

I used to airbrush enamels years ago, and when I returned to modelling, and bought an airbrush did not want to risk knackering my airbrush with enamels.

As for primer, some manufacturers kits seem to require it, otherwise the paint doesn't adhere properly, but as Mike said a primer coat is useful for identifying those areas which require further work, prior to final coating. There is nothing worse than putting on a top coat only to discover there is a visible seam line on the model!

Sorry to go on, but I hope it helps.

Karl

Funny thing for me is that I'm starting to use enamels again after moving to acrylics. My best brush painting paint are acrylics too. There are a couple of reasons I started using enamels again. I seem to keep aquiring paints even old stock or new paint with interesting colors. I just got a bunch of White Ensign paints because of their excellent color matches. I learned about lacquer thinner so I can clean my airbrush well and also get an extra bite with the spraying. I got a respirator. But still, if I could get all the colors I want in Polly Scale I would not be getting any other paints.

Generally, I have found that I get better coverage with lighter colors if I use enamels. I've thrown out my white acrylics, just took too many coats toget decent uniform coverage.

QUOTE: Originally posted by jjlopez Acrylics for me.. flow better on airbrushes!!...(enamels wear them out) ..Sorry boys

How do enamels wear out an airbrush?

Mike