Acrylics vs. Enamels

Modeling Subjects Figures and Misc.
1

I know that this has been asked before BUT. Tell me should I invest in a good set of acrylics? I say “good” because all the acrylics I use are Tamyia and I hear nothing but BAD about them. I like their enamels. I have heard of the other companies that sell acrylics (I can’t think of how to spell them right now). So should I just bite the bullet?

GRIZZ

2

If you’re moving into figures, by all means, get some Vallejo or Andrea paints. They’re formulated specifically to work with figures and brush on as smoothly as you could imagine. They have good working time and will not rise up if a damp brush touches the edge like Tamiya’s do. You can get them through www.squadron.com, www.milminwh.com, www.sentinelminiatures.com or http://www.hobbybunker.com/.

3

Personally, I am more of an enamel fan when it comes to figure painting, and I have had my best results using Humbrol paints. I have used a Humbrol sand base coat with oil paints for my flesh tones for quite some time now, but I recently gave the new Andrea flesh paint set a try, with o.k. results. I have not tried the acrylic paints in quite some time on uniforms, as the fast drying time can be a little frustrating when it comes to mixing custom colors. This is just my opinion of things, and the best advice would be to try a figure or two using each method to see what you like the best. Good Luck!

Scott [2c]

4

I prefer Vallejo acrylics ( Andrea acrylics are made by Vallejo ) for smaller scale figures up to 54mm. For larger scale figures I prefer artist oils. Humbrol enamels are also very good for some applications. A lot depends on your style of painting of course. Acrylics are more difficult to blend than oils or enamels, but are easier to dry brush, at least in my experience.

Regards, Rick

5

IMO for figure painting, there is nothing better than acrylics that are especially formulated. BIte the bullet and get them. It’ll be worth your while.

6

Hi all

Before i start may i wish all who read this A merry christmas & a Very happy new year.

Right i have been using Vallejo acrylics for about a year now Due to the smell of the thinner used by Tamyia.

Even in a room with all the windows open they made me very ill, i`m not saying that they are no good but the fumes when spraying them .(never again).

With Vallejo acrylics you only use water to thin them & no bad fumes, i still use both tamiya & Humbrol paints but only by brush.

But on saying that may be its just me but i do prime what ever figures i do, i find that the paint stays on better untill i spray matt acrylic varnish.

Alan

7

I only use Vallejo acrylics, for figures and for all the rest. They have two lines of colors one for brushing and one for air-brushing. Both are excellent to me.

In my experience it’s better to prime the model; I use Humbrol’s primer, so an enamel, but that’s the only enamel I use.

To reduce the drying time Vallejo also offers a “retarder” but I hardly use it, since a drop of water does the trick, too.

My choice towards Vallejo acrylics is motivated by following reasons:

  • their drying time: you can apply many thin hands of paint in short time
  • their not having toxic fumes
  • the bottles almost last for ever: I have some colors since ten years and they still work, while in Humorol’s cans the paint dries after a year or two
  • Tamiya’s acrylics have the tendency to dry faster and to be cloggy

So IMHO if you go for acrylics go for Vallejo’s or Andrea’s which is the same.

BTW:
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

8

personally i prefer acrylics, cuz i guess im lazy…cuz all you need to do i wash your brush with water, and also becuz ive used them so much i got used to them, they are also easier when it comes to things such as uniforms on figs cuz you dont get that very glossy effect like in enamels, i also like mixing acrylics and i just find it easier to do so with acrylics instead of enamels. but enamels are good becuz they are more permanant, and better for colors like silver or something glossy.

-DJ

9

Oils rule for figures IMO, but between acrylics and enamels, I’d have to choose acrylics, but only if they’re Vellejo. I use all three mediums on my figures. Acrylics make up my base colors, oils make up my final coats, and enamels are used for metalics and a few other minor details. My experience with Vellejo has been quite positive, though, as I’ve stated many times, I just can’t seem to duplicate the results I get with oils with them. They make superb base coats for oils though. They go on smooth and can’t be disturbed by the oils.