Hi! New modeler here. I have a question about (synthetic) lacquer spray paint on my model ship. So I have an Atlantis USS North Carolina and the instructions say to only use enamel paint and to only use glue for polystyrene. So it’s polystyrene, what I assumed all regular scale model plastic is… I see people use Tamiya TS line rattle cans (what I was planning on using for the North Carolina) on model cars all the time, I can’t use them on my ship? It’s a repop of an old kit of course, maybe the instructions were written back when lacquers were more corrosive? Don’t know if this was ever the case, just spitballing. While on the subject, anyone know of rattle can brands with good colors for this kit or others, lacquer or enamel? Tamiya seemed like the way to go… I’ve found amazing looking stuff for airbrush but I don’t have one yet. Also, any recommendations for the colors themselves? Any other tips are very much appreciated! Cheer guys! Thank you!
You can definitely use acrylics (i.e. Tamiya) on Atlantis models. Been building them for years and never had a problem with acrylic paints.
Maybe it’s a throwback to the Aurora/Monogram instructions???
Rob
Iwata Padawan
You can use any spray paint on styrene. Model spray or any spray paint from the store. You can also use any brand of model glue. This is just Atlantis trying to get you to buy more of their products.
Atlantis sells enamel paint? The only thing I saw on the website was Tamiya Panel Wash…
Rob
Iwata Padawan
Don’t know, but the warning to only use enamel paints is BS.
Thanks for your input guys! Btw veedubb, I’m hoping to use lacquer! My post was a little confusing probably! I posed this question to Reddit as well and someone said yes, it’s a matter of the instructions being from 1959 and enamels were about all that used for scale models then. Wish I could find a manufacturer like White Ensign with the exact WWII USN colors for spray cans, not just airbrush. I suspect one could brush paint airbrush colors though.
Welcome to the forums. You can use any kind of paint you want for your Atlantis model. Many different colors of spray paint can be found at Hobbylinc. You should be able to find an appropriate set of colors for your build. Any type of cement can be used as well. I use a variety of cements in a build, depending on what needs to be bonded. Mr. Cement extra thin, Super glue in regular and time controlled, even tube cement in some situations.
Good luck with your build, can’t wait to see it completed!
Thanks buddy! I’ll check out Hobbylinc and give this build all I got. May take me a bit but I’ll share my work when finished!
First PoisonousFrog, Welcome to the FSM Forums. The, “Use only enamel paints…” is from the era of the original instructions. So you should be able to use ay paint you want. Enjoy your modeling and keep us up to date as you progress or have more questions.
Reading this post now, I had the same thought, Rob!
Yeah, PF, you can use acrylics (water-based or otherwise), and lacquers on Atlantis kits, as well as enamels.
And you’re right about polystyrene, that’s the full name for styrene.
Best regards,
Brad
The only time I don’t use lacquers is when brush painting figures or tiny details.
I have found lacquer paint to be so easy to airbrush.
Yes, you can — with care. The warning in the instructions is probably old-school caution from when lacquers were hotter (more aggressive solvents). Modern synthetic lacquers like Tamiya TS are much milder and plastic-safe if:
- You apply light mist coats first to “seal” the plastic.
- Don’t soak the model in wet coats that might pool and soften the styrene.