|
Post by Laurie on Oct 23, 2010 19:28:02 GMT
This is for plastic model aircraft.
There seems to be a definite divison between enamel & acrylic.
Being new to all of this what is the difference between the two.
First in application & use.
Secondly the actual finish.
|
|
|
Post by neilc69 on Dec 31, 2010 10:53:46 GMT
Laurie I don't really build model aircraft, only trucks and cars but read on and see if this is any help. As far as I know, Enamel paint is oil based while the acrylic is water based. I have always used Humbrol enamel paints for years, but have recently started to use Tamiya acrylic as I find them better for picking out fine detail etc. Sometimes I find that one coat of acrylic doesn't always cover as well as one coat of enamel though. Acrylics also seem to dry faster with less smell. I have always applied them with a brush on small areas. On larger areas I tend to use spray cans although I am starting to have a go with an airbrush. Hope this has helped Neil
|
|
|
Post by Rob Monfea on Dec 31, 2010 17:26:15 GMT
Hi Laurie,
Way back when I started modelling I used Enamel paints (usually Humbrol) and these required clean up with white spirit. I have subsequently moved over to Acrylics (such as Lifecolor or Xtracrylics) which clean up easier with water and washing up liquid.
Either can be brushed or sprayed. Enamels have a more hard wearing finish than acrylics (although a varnish topcoat such as Johnsons Klear floor polish can make acrylics much more durable).
Hope this helps,
Rob
|
|
|
Post by foxy on Dec 31, 2010 17:53:03 GMT
Hi Laurie. One other very important thing,weather using Enamel or Acrylic. Is to wash the plastic model in warm soapy water and dry well before painting, this will help the paint take hold much better. I use Acrylics mainly now, but that's my preference. Try them out on some waste plastic and see for yourself.
|
|
|
Post by Laurie on Jan 3, 2011 21:28:50 GMT
Thanks guys for your replies.
My first model I used enamel & unfortunately got a dud tin of paint which did not help. Found to begin with that enamel is messy but after some experience & finding a way of working cleanly especially with the air brush it is much better.
Must though try Acrylics.
Thanks again.
Laurie
|
|
|
Post by Loiner on Jan 4, 2011 13:42:16 GMT
I'm another who used enamels in the early days (decades ago) but moved over to acrylics in recent years and have not looked back. Acrylics are just much more 'user friendly' in my opinion without having to mess around with oils, white spirit etc. With acrylics I just thin the paint and clean everything with water (although the brushes get a soapy wash after using Tamiya).
I also find that acrylics are much beter for painting details, particularly on figures, the paint seems to mix and flow better, the brush can be cleaned to change colours/shades instantly, which makes it so much easier to make many subtle shades for more detailed shading, and also good for limited but quick basic washes.
I use Tamiya and Revell Aqua paints for main military colours, but by far prefer 'Games Workshop' paints for figure detailaing.
|
|
|
Post by Laurie on Jan 4, 2011 19:45:48 GMT
Going to Acrylic the next model. Any tips on airbrushing ? Is there any difference in technique ?
Have airbrushed with enamel which by no way have I mastered but getting reasonable results with improvement each time.
What have you found to be the best thinning with Acrylic? Been using a third thinners with enamel.
Laurie
|
|
|
Post by Loiner on Jan 7, 2011 17:43:58 GMT
I've always thinned acrylics with water without any problems at all, although I think some would say you should use acrylic thinner. As for airbrushing, the key thing is to get the consistancy of the paint right which is quite thin, approx the consistancy of milk, then just experiment a little with differeing compressor pressures and distance of the airbrush from the model surface, you should find the ideal combination which puts a smooth layer on fairly quickly.
|
|
|
Post by opadag on Feb 8, 2011 21:42:16 GMT
When everyone mentions acrylics there is no mention of the brand. I see Lifecolour and Atracrylics, is that all there is. I am trying to re-start and am gathering stuff to-gether, and for paint (acft) I would like to use acrylics, but here in Ireland I can't find a lot. Very few LMS, so whats the best and most widely available. I suppose its an order from Hannants, but they don't deliver paint without an order, and i have enough in the attic. Any idea Thanks
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2011 23:06:52 GMT
|
|
|
Post by playtime on Feb 9, 2011 1:06:07 GMT
The best bang-for-buck thinner for acrylics is iso-propyl alcohol. A whole 5 english pounds per litre from your local chemist.
|
|
|
Post by opadag on Feb 9, 2011 22:34:29 GMT
Ah Ha1 thank you Nick, thats a help.
|
|
|
Post by John Tapsell on Feb 9, 2011 22:49:02 GMT
My preference is Tamiya acrylics, but I also use a lot of Games Workshop paints which are also acrylic.
The GW range doesn't brush paint well straight from the bottle but if I decant some onto a palette and add a drop of cheap car screenwash (the cheapo, cheapo blue stuff), it acts as a great carrier and the paint covers really well.
For spraying, I thin both GW and Tamiya paints with neat screenwash.
I haven't used Vallejo or Lifecolour brands but I've heard good reports about them.
Humbrol and Revell also produce arcylic ranges.
Regards, John
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2011 1:11:20 GMT
Ah Ha1 thank you Nick, thats a help. Excellent range of acrylic paints, both in ready to spray Vallejo Air, and mixable Vallejo Colour. Prices vary but expect to pay around £1.70 - £1.85 per bottle.
|
|
|
Post by stuckontrucks on Feb 10, 2011 15:43:44 GMT
Different modellers will always have their own favourite acrylic paint, so I can only speak for myself. After trying various manufacturers over the years - Vallego is a winner by miles in my opinion. You will only discover what is best FOR YOU, by trial and error.
Southsix1 (above)says you can spend £1.75`ish for a small eye-dropper bottle. This is very true - but you`d be amazed at how much a single drop will cover.
|
|