Acrylic, Enamel ?

[Van Halen]

Hey guys, when i re-stared model kits a few weeks ago my kit arrived early and i didnt have any new paints/tools for it..

So i rushed to my LHS and bought about 10 small pots of ENAMEL paint for all the detailing, ive noticed its a complete pain to use at times and when i just looked at some guys photos of a WIP he uses Tamiya acrylic pots (X-##) which another LHS has every color of, i used to use acrylics for when i did war gaming models, but i presumed everyone used enamel in cars for some reason ?

So it is ok to go buy a load of Tamiya Acrylics for my detailing instead of those pain in the back side enamels ?

And if so/no what are the pros/cons in model car kits when using them ?

Thanks in adVANce

[Madd Trucker]

I use both on my models and never had a problem with any except one was Model Master aluminium which took three days to dry I like the Vallejo and Bager for the range of colors and use Tamiya clear red , yellow and orange for marker lights also it would depend on the color you want to use at the time but as I stated I never had any problems with enamels or acrylics

[hellonwheelz3]

I have been using both enamels and laquers in the five or so years I have been building models. I will admit that I have only recently started using lacquers. I've sprayed and I've airbrushed. So far, I actually prefer the rattle can option with lacquer paints over the enamel paints. As long as you do the body work and lay down a coat of primer that is as smooth as glass, your lacquer will come out GREAT

[Monty]

I'm guessing your hobby store sells either Humbrol or Testors enamels, so I'm curious as to what problems you actually experienced with them. Testors' Model Master range and Humbrol's Super Enamels offer finely ground pigments and a fairly extensive range of shades and colors. I'd venture to say that the vast majority of us started out with enamels and found them more than adequate for detailing purposes.

Tamiya acrylics are nice, but in my experience, they require learning a "one-stroke" technique because, unlike an oil-based paint, acrylics don't respond well to being manipulated by a brush. They do airbrush nicely, especially with their reducer.

Again, until we know what specific problem you had with the enamels, it'd be difficult to tell you whether you need to spend the money replacing them all with acrylics.

[Junkman]

I have yet to use acrylics for detail painting and use Humbrol or Revell enamels exclusively and and apply them with paint brushes.

I have never ever encountered any issue with enamels. All I can say is, they must be stirred thoroughly before use. I stir them for at least a cigarette length, which is > 5 Minutes for all non-smokers.

Edited June 15, 2010 by Junkman