Testors paints

[IndyMike]

Hey guys. I am coming over from painting miniature figures to model building. In the miniature figures world, acrylics are the way to go and there are varying levels of quality between paint brands. With that in mind, I am curious to know if there is any difference between the Testors enamels and the Model Master line aside from the amount in the jar. Is the Model Master line considered to be a superior paint line to the Testors line?

Just trying to get a better understanding before making my paint purchases. Thanks!

[JM485]

As far as I know, they are the same thing, however Model Masters has a larger selection of colors. Testors makes the MM line so you shouldn't see any difference in quality.

[IndyMike]

Thanks! That is what I thought but wanted to make sure.

[Tom Setzer]

You can't beat Testors ENAMEL, MODEL MASTERS, AND BOYDES, Mixed 2 PARTS PAINT TO ONE PART CHEAP LAQUER THINNER!

[AzTom]

I disagree with the above statement that they are the same. Model Masters is a far better paint than the Testors line in most cases from my experience.

AzTom

[scalenut]

I disagree with the above statement that they are the same. Model Masters is a far better paint than the Testors line in most cases from my experience.

AzTom

can you be more specific? I can't tell much difference

[Monty]

can you be more specific? I can't tell much difference

IIRC, Model Master paints allegedly use more finely ground pigments.

[1972coronet]

Persoanlly , I'd stick with acrylics if I were you . I'm not here to knock Testors line of paints ; I just prefer acrylics , and since you're used to working with them , you've already got a selection of them at hand .

I have two bottles of acrylic brush paints which are over a quarter century old , and they're just a good as the day I bought 'em :

- Tamiya Clear Red (bought in late '85)

- Gunze-Sanyo Clear Orange (bought in Summer '86)

Also , Tamiya's spray paints are the best , bar none . Consistant spray delivery , fast dry time (even in cold weather !) , and just all-around excellent results .

[AzTom]

can you be more specific? I can't tell much difference

I just found that the MM seems to flow smoother leaving less brush marks, usually none at all.


The MM spray covers better with thin coats. I've had some Testors rattle cans that didn't want to cover sharp ridges on models after a few coats.



The MM bottle paint is only.02 more per ounce than the 1/4 oz bottles to buy.


I have also had great luck with MM acrylics as well.



Welcome to the Model Car World, Mike.
AzTom

[IndyMike]

Thanks for the insight guys. I am familiar with acrylics and thought of staying with them. However, I picked up Donn Yost's videos and am anxious to try the laquer thinner/enamel combination with the airbrush I recently bought (have to wait until 12/25 to open it since it is a present from my 9 year old son). My work just gave me a gift card that I can use to try the MM line with no cost to me. Hopefully, I'll have something completed that is worthy of posting here soon :-)