Anyone affiliated with Humbrol paint on here?

[Monty]

A longtime modeling buddy just contacted me regarding a recent purchase of some Humbrol enamels which disappointed him.  Unlike the Humbrol enamels he'd used in the past, these exhibited vast differences in tone and quality.  Example: Years ago he built a semi in their Baltic Blue (posted on here) but was currently out and needed more for an upcoming project.  Long story short, the five tins he bought weren't even close to the shade we'd been used to for years.

He also stocked back up on some of their Metalcote paints (think Model Master metalizers) but was unpleasantly surprised by the extended drying time, which he said was like original Testors silver.  

This builder is a long term enamel fan who has airbrushed Humbrol and other enamels and achieved remarkable finishes, so changes in tone or performance are disconcerting to him.  

Is anyone aware of any formula changes at Humbrol?  Anyone else experiencing this?

Edited November 5, 2024 by Monty

[kurth]

I can not recall all the details, but I do remember several posts and discussion in other places where Humbrol had to change the formula of the enamel paints. There was a chemical which was banned in europe which was an important part of the formula. This was two or three years ago. I do not think this would impact the color of the paint, maybe some other shortage or change in materials for the pigment  impacted the color. 

[Monty]

Looks like your memory's pretty good.  It appears Humbrol had to retract their enamels due to the presence of Methyl ethyl ketoxime (MEKO) in 2022.  There were lots of rumors, mostly on British hobby sites, that that meant Humbrol was over and done, but apparently they came up with some other formula that allowed them to continue.  

That said, I'm guessing this reformulation played a big part in the issues my friend encountered.   

[robdebie]

I have a page showing 'Humbrol tin evolution': https://robdebie.home.xs4all.nl/models/humbrol.htm. It includes some details on the production locations.

Production was in China for a number of years, but returned to the UK in 2012, outsourced to Rustins Ltd in Cricklewood. The China production was unreliable in quality, but the UK production did not improve it. Many modelers simply gave up after maybe 20 years of unreliable paint, including me. 

Many modelers here (Europe) move to acrylics, and sell their surplus enamels. That's probably the best source for older Humbrol paint, that's of good quality. You can identify the good quality tins by their labels.

I'm still using the 'Authentic' paint from time to time. 40+ years old, shake it a bit, ready to go, excellent coverage. What a difference..

Rob

[stitchdup]

11 minutes ago, robdebie said:

I have a page showing 'Humbrol tin evolution': https://robdebie.home.xs4all.nl/models/humbrol.htm. It includes some details on the production locations.

Production was in China for a number of years, but returned to the UK in 2012, outsourced to Rustins Ltd in Cricklewood. The China production was unreliable in quality, but the UK production did not improve it. Many modelers simply gave up after maybe 20 years of unreliable paint, including me. 

Many modelers here (Europe) move to acrylics, and sell their surplus enamels. That's probably the best source for older Humbrol paint, that's of good quality. You can identify the good quality tins by their labels.

I'm still using the 'Authentic' paint from time to time. 40+ years old, shake it a bit, ready to go, excellent coverage. What a difference..

Rob

i'm in the process of giving mine to someone. i've only kept the 4 i use for flocking