LittleDrummerBoy Aka LDB Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Hello everyone Im getting back into modeling. Havent built much since I was younger. Over the years I have bought a fair amount of testors enamels in the small bottles. I use vellejo on minitures and military models, I know vellejo is "pretty good" for minitures etc compared to cheaper paints. My question doesnt have to do with vellejo and im not looking to use vellejo. My question is are these testors enamels suitable to build a good quality model? or are there more popular better performing paints around now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabrux Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 I've actually started transitioning away from the Testors enamels to Vallejo as I find they are a superior paint. I also like working with the acrylics for easier clean up and less odour. Plus, with a toddler the less toxic chemicals I have around the better. That being said, there are a lot of specialty colours in the Testors line that you just can't get with Vallejo, so there is that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randx0 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 The problem with the testors enamels is the dry time . However with the proper solvents this can be remedied . Short answer is Testors is fine when used properly with patience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 I have used Testors paint for years and its good quality paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southpier Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 I don't think there's an either/ or answer. different brands & lines have strengths + weaknesses. most folks mix 'n' match. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleDrummerBoy Aka LDB Posted July 28, 2014 Author Share Posted July 28, 2014 I have wondered about the vellejo on model cars, I have searched many forums to see if people use them on cars but I didn't find much. The vellejo brushes on very nicely. I have so much testors though, may try to use up some of them so they don't waste and then try to transition to vellejo and see how it works out. Thanks all for the responses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmvw guy Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 I am not familiar with vellejo at all, in fact I've never heard of it. However, I have used the little bottles of Testors from the beginning of my model building back in 1958. They work best for me when sprayed through an air brush. The drying time when thinned with enamel reducers is the only problem. I started useing lacquer thinners and found the drying time to be much like lacquer sprayed from a can. Also the gloss is really great. I learned this trick from other guys on the forum. I also use spray from the cans but, prefer useing the air brush. Another plus is that you can spray the Testors paints directly on styrene without the use of primer. I do use a variety of other paints but, I still love the Testors. I will have o check out the vellejo, thanks for the tip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleDrummerBoy Aka LDB Posted July 28, 2014 Author Share Posted July 28, 2014 Vellejo is widely used in military models and minitures. Vellejo is an acrylic paint made specificly to be used with regular brushes. Their line called Model Air is made specificly to be used with an airbrush. One of their other popular lines is called Game Color, these paints are similar to original vellejo but come in bolder colors and are made for painting gaming minitures suck as warhammer 40k figures. Vellejo has an extensive line of colors for military models, camo specific colors etc. They brush beautifully and even smell good lol. They have many colors that would apply to model cars but testors and some other brands have a wider range of colors that are auto specific. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleDrummerBoy Aka LDB Posted July 28, 2014 Author Share Posted July 28, 2014 The vellejo paints are highly pigmented and are really high quality paints. The price is good on them too. My local hobby lobby carries some vellejo and my Lhs carries a very large range of their products. The small bottles are usually around 3 bucks a pop and a small bottle goes a long long way. They make primers, liquid mask, washes, dry pigments, varnishes, and many other products that go with their line. All the products of theirs I have used have been excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hjracing Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 I been using Vallejo primers and paints in some of my builds, I'll post some pics as soon as I can, and whit the adecute air presure can be really nice to use. In my case my compresor don't make more than 20 psi, and you'll need a litle more, but it work for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragline Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 I use Vallejo paints a lot lately. But I'm transitioning a bit to different [iE: Military, Figures] types of models. If you are building say a 57 Chevy? Well, Vallejo does not have a metalllic red to spray onto the body. They make mostly flat earth tones with some primary colors thrown in for good measure. Car models require colors the Vallejo range simply does not make. I mix and match paints as i progress which is why my paint inventory has grown considerably over the last year or so. That and my airbrush and compressor purchase. I can now shoot Alclad and basically anything I want onto the model of my choosing. Vallejo paints are superior to almost anything out there and if they made automobile colors I'd have them in my stash and would probably say goodbye to enamels forever. I shoot Testors enamels thinned with laquer thinner with great results but find I need subsequent coats for total coverage. Vallejo paints cover in one coat any color over any color. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hjracing Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Vallejo have this new line of paint that include metalics colors: http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/en_US/premium-rc-color/family/20 Athoug I don't try those yet, it's seem like a good choice... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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