okay I want to know what the ratio is between those who use acrylic paint and those who use enamel paint.
Hard one… I use both, though have a preference for Humbrol’s enamels so I’ll vote there. But I also use artist oils, and artists’ watercolours a lot… And there must be some out there using inks and cellulose based paints, no?
I can’t really vote on this one because I’m a lifelong enamels user who’s trying to convert over to acrylics…So far I’m doing pretty well with Tamiya. Still like the durability of enamel a bit better though.
I just wanted to find the difference between enamel and acrylic users. That’s why I didn’t put anything else in
I use both and have no strong preference for one over the other. The real determining factor is the model and what it’s made out of i.e. injected, vac or resin.
I use acrylic because of easy of cleaning, but I prefer enamel. The look and last better, and the are easier to apply. But I’ll sacrafice that to escape the fumes and cleaning of the airbrush with enamels.
I use enamel because its all I can find within fifty miles. Never tried the other.
95% on my paint is applied by brush.
Chris,
There’s really no hard and fast rule that I follow, but generally autos and airliners get automotive acrylics, AFV’s get either flat enamels OR acrylics, as do camo aircraft. I guess it depends on the color wanted and if it’s a color already mixed to an FS color chip.
I almost always prime with Model Master enamel - it’s very smooth and lays down very well.
Cheers
LeeTree
I’m sure acrylics are just fine, but I like the way enamels cover and their durability. And that smell, you just don’t get that great smell with acrylics! LOL[:p]
I use enamel because that’s what I’ve always used and have acumulated a wide range of colors. I have tried acrylics and I liked what I saw, but find it hard justify the expense of making the switch. It will be a long slow process if I make the switch.
Somebody call an ambulance for Woody…! He’s been exposed to those fumes for way too long…!
Having said that, I just loved the smell of the old ‘Authentic’ Humbrol RLM02 paint. No wonder the German pilots were flying high!
I use both, depending on the circumstances. I prefer Humbrol enamels because not only do they cover well whether brushed or sprayed, they last a long time after being opened. Has anyone else ever had Testor’s paint turn into a solid glob at the bottom of the bottle? It frustrates me; I only use Testor’s now if the color I need isn’t available from Humbrol. But it always feels like a waste of money to me because I know when I open that bottle of Testor’s paint 3 months later, there will be a layer of clear carrier on top and a solid, rubbery block of pigment in the bottom. The cynic in me (and boy does he talk a lot) says it’s a purposeful act by Testor’s to keep us buying their paints; the more sensible side says it’s because of all the laws about paints not containing lead and toxic stabilizers. Anyway, when I plan to paint a figure with tube oil color, I always paint the main colors on the figure first with acrylics. Tube oils are usually translucent, so having the same basic color underneath gives some depth and allows me to use a very thin layer of the oil color and not hide any detail.
I used to use exclusively Enamels…how ever I have now phased in a few acrylics and more than likely by the end of the year will be using exclusively Acrylics…of course thats the plan and could change at any given moment.
Acrylics because of ease of use, clean-up, and availability. I use automotive spray cans for most body colour or Tamiya spray cans.
I use enamels because they are cheaper to buy and easier to find in my part of the world. When they were availiable to me I did use aeromaster acrylics they were a little more expensive, but they were very good.
Now days what paint I use is decided by what my nearest model shop is stocking at the time.
I have always used enamels but have picked a few acrylics lately to give them a try. To me the enamels don’t really have a smell but the acrylics do have a little bit of a funky smell.
mostly acrylic since they are odourless which is very important if you live with others and not having your private workbench -lab room.
Plently of enamels on stock used outdoors,indoors when occassion arises…lol
I hardly ever use plain old enamels. I use Tamiya acrylics, Testors Metalizers and Floquil. I use an automotive clear lacquer, PPG Ditzler Acrylic Lacquer Clear. It is not kind to enamels. It’s ok over acrylics though.
Glenn
I have to agree with you guys about the odor of enamel paints; in a small room like I work in it can get pretty noxious over a period of hours ( Although I have to tell you I enjoy the smell of Humbrol paints). Actually there are two small windows in the room (its in the basement) but they don’t provide much ventilation. I am currently saving my spare change to invest in a spray hood for airbrushing. When I spray with canned paints I go out in the garage (and no, the car isn’t parked in there). My favorite smell, I must admit, is tube oil color. I guess it goes back to me days as an art major in college. Linseed oil just does it for me, what can I say?
Although enamels are the only thing that I can find here in Oklahoma City (until Hobbytown opens here in December), I prefer acrylics and I order acrylics online. Acrylics are so much easier to use and clean. I prefer Gunze (they do have horrible fumes though so I wear a respirator) they are very smooth and they leave a glossy finish that decals adhere to easier so I do not have to spray Future on first. I also use Testors acryl’s and Tamiya acrylics although Tamiya can be difficult to match up to federal standard colors, at least in my experience. I do use Model Master buffing metalizers as well. Overall acrylics are my first choice.
Steve