Best acrylics for brush and air brush?

[Cato]

I know that Vallejo paints have an excellent reputation-I just forget which they are superior at. I know there are others that spray and cover well and brush out well with no marks. We're talking acrylics now so figure and armor and AC modelers are welcomed too.

Would like your experiences and preferences for each type of painting.

TIA.

[Cato]

Thanks DD. I guess the one other guy that uses acrylics doesn't look at this forum section.

[scalenut]

you will have a hard time finding automotive colors with Vallejo paints ,,, they are clearly geared for armor, figures and airplanes.

so no matter how good they are, does not help the automotive modeler much .

Tamiya has a better selection but still mainly the basic spectrum ,, nothing fancy but excellent paints

Auto air has all the great finishes , metallics, pearls , candys , lots of great options.A lot of pro graphic guys use it.

I use createx for the general stuff but, step up to auto air , or even the popular solvent based paints for painting high gloss body finishes.

Createx has some really nice colors for that also, but not as expansive and foolproof as auto air.

Createx is good and cheap paint to practice with and easily found almost everywhere

for brushwork I would go with a good brushing paint and shy away from the airbrush ready versions.

I'll second DD on the createx cleaner/conditioner ... it rocks,,, and keeps the airbrush running smooth, rather than just stripping it dry like thinners will...or,A small bottle of airbrush lube is worth the investment.

Edited September 25, 2011 by scalenut

[my66s55]

I have found that I get good results from painting car and truck bodies with Liquitex Professional Heavy Body tube acrylic paints. Add a little Liquitex Airbrush Medium and distilled water and spray at 35-40 psi and I have what I want. Easy clean up, no harmful chemicals and I can paint here in Florida any time of the year. The color selection is good and I can mix to change it any time I please. Anytime I need paint I just grab a Michael's coupon and head on out to the store. A coat of Future give a nice shine and I can also add a clear coat on top of the future.

[Cato]

Thanks guys-good help. I should have specified NOT just for auto modeling. I meant the general universe of acrylics. I have used Createx Retarder to extend drying time and improve gloss but the tip about the airbrush cleaner as thinner is a good one.

[Dr. Cranky]

I like Vallejo and Tamiya, although you also get very nice results with Floquil . . . they are all wonderful acrylics to keep in your arsenal.

[Cato]

Thanks too Virgil. I thought Floquil was out of business.

[The Creative Explorer]

I shoot a lot with Vallejo and Auto-Air (By Createx)

I use vallejo for parts (motor, interior, chassis etc...) and Auto-Air for the custom paintjob of body's. For straight and simple paintjobs, I tend now for Zero Paint. Even though it is not acrylic and quite nasty, it is way superior to acrylics.

[Cato]

Great feedback-thanks all.