Making a "Big" paint purchase

[Mizozuman2]

So, I've recently gotten a lot of model kits, and I'm going to be ordering the paint for them here in the next week or so from Hobbylinc. I like to use Tamiya paints, but I have taken a large liking to Model Master's line, when I used their Arctic Blue Metallic on my Camaro. It came out great. I have used "parma" paint line, but it's really thin for my liking.

Anyways, I'd like to stay as close to "stock" colors as I can, but with variation on the colors as well. Anyways, I'm not sure as to what colors to paint them, so I thought I'd ask for y'all's opinion.

Model List/Paint color

Eckler Corvette - Yellow (Black interior)

'53 Corvette - White (Red interior)

'95 Corvette - **Polo Green (Tan interior)

'68 Firebird 400 - Red (Black interior)

Hummer H2 - Gunmetal Gray (Black/Gray interior)

'65 Galaxie 500 XL - Sky Blue (Tan interior)

'57 Corvette - Red (Black interior)

'57 Corvette - Black (Red interior)

'96 Corvette Grand Sport - Blue (Red/Black interior)

'96 Corvette Grand Sport - Blue (Red/Black interior)

** - I cannot find this exact paint color. If you happen to know a color that matches it closely, please let me know.

What do you all think about these colors? I've changed my mind on them a million and one times. LOL

Also along the lines of paint... Brass from Model Masters. I'm having a hard time painting it on and getting coverage on any base color. White, Gray, or Black. It'll bleed through really bad still after a good 5 coats of it. just looks like a sparkly base coat.

[Kit Basher]

Regarding the Model Masters "brass", make sure you stir it well. I've used it over black and one coat (brushed) gave a very nice brass finish.

[Mizozuman2]

Regarding the Model Masters "brass", make sure you stir it well. I've used it over black and one coat (brushed) gave a very nice brass finish.

I didn't think to stir it... LOL Oops. I just shook it up.

[jbwelda]

that stuff needs to be pretty much stirred constantly if you are airbrushing it. just pour a little in your cup and watch it separate right in front of your eyes. i guess the idea is you need to keep all the solid particles suspended but i never had much luck with it, airbrushing it (only once), spray can or from a bottle with a brush. i have seen it applied really nicely and it looked great, but i could never replicate it.

jb

[Mizozuman2]

that stuff needs to be pretty much stirred constantly if you are airbrushing it. just pour a little in your cup and watch it separate right in front of your eyes. i guess the idea is you need to keep all the solid particles suspended but i never had much luck with it, airbrushing it (only once), spray can or from a bottle with a brush. i have seen it applied really nicely and it looked great, but i could never replicate it.

jb

I've done fairly decent coats using an AB, but when I brush it on, is where I have the difficulty.

[The Creative Explorer]

I wouldn't get all the paint at once, order only for a few models ahead. You keep the paint fresher and still can change the choice of paint if that happen.

[Mizozuman2]

I wouldn't get all the paint at once, order only for a few models ahead. You keep the paint fresher and still can change the choice of paint if that happen.

The only reason why I buy in bulk is because I purchase everything offline from HobbyLinc. They charge shipping. so it's cheaper for me to just buy in bulk, rather than the $6.95 or more for shipping on a few jars of paint. My closest Hobby Lobby or Michael's is about 30 miles away. and my truck barely gets the better side of 10 MPG's on the highway.

[The Creative Explorer]

Cheaper doesn't always mean you pay less.....

I definately understand you, don't get me wrong. But with paint, it is not the wisest thing to do. Especially not when you go for specific colors. I would get it in 3-4 times, sure you spend a few more dollars, but it will give you the room to change and less chance of paint go bad.

[Mizozuman2]

Cheaper doesn't always mean you pay less.....

I definately understand you, don't get me wrong. But with paint, it is not the wisest thing to do. Especially not when you go for specific colors. I would get it in 3-4 times, sure you spend a few more dollars, but it will give you the room to change and less chance of paint go bad.

I didn't know paint went bad. (Seriously, I didn't. not being sarcastic)

How fast does paint go bad? I guess it'd be dependent on Humidity and temperature?

[charlie8575]

I didn't know paint went bad. (Seriously, I didn't. not being sarcastic)

How fast does paint go bad? I guess it'd be dependent on Humidity and temperature?

Kept sealed, paint will keep for a very long time. I have jars from the 1990s that are still good.

Humidity and temperature does indeed affect the life of paint. Keep them in a dry, dark place, not too hot or cold, and stored with the cap on tight, upside down to help keep air out.

While it's good to order some basic, commonly-needed colors up front, I agree that you're smarter to buy paint as you need it.

For the exterior colors, I would recommend either Scale Finishes or MCW. They have real automotive paint in enamel (Scale Finishes) or lacquer (MCW) and you might find they're actually less than having paints shipped from Japan. If you have a hobby shop near you, check them out. If not, may I suggest Model Roundup for Testors paints? He has good service and very reasonable prices.

Charlie Larkin

[Mizozuman2]

Kept sealed, paint will keep for a very long time. I have jars from the 1990s that are still good.

Humidity and temperature does indeed affect the life of paint. Keep them in a dry, dark place, not too hot or cold, and stored with the cap on tight, upside down to help keep air out.

While it's good to order some basic, commonly-needed colors up front, I agree that you're smarter to buy paint as you need it.

For the exterior colors, I would recommend either Scale Finishes or MCW. They have real automotive paint in enamel (Scale Finishes) or lacquer (MCW) and you might find they're actually less than having paints shipped from Japan. If you have a hobby shop near you, check them out. If not, may I suggest Model Roundup for Testors paints? He has good service and very reasonable prices.

Charlie Larkin

I've never heard of either of those companies, I'll have to check 'em out! Thanks for the info on that.

[DrGlueblob]

A little bottle of Vaseline is your friend when you use screw-top bottles. Just a dab around the cap each time you seal the bottle up and your paint will not only keep tighter sealed (and last longer), but no more stuck jars.

I still have Pactra from high school days (1973)..

[Mizozuman2]

A little bottle of Vaseline is your friend when you use screw-top bottles. Just a dab around the cap each time you seal the bottle up and your paint will not only keep tighter sealed (and last longer), but no more stuck jars.

I still have Pactra from high school days (1973)..

AWESOME! Thank you for that tip. I'll be sure to go grab me some!