Paints ain't just paints...

[Izzy Madd]

Hi,

 

Can anyone recommend a reasonably price source or make of paints for plastic models.

 

I'd rather use water based, low odour if possible.

 

But at the moment all I try seems to be like water and hardly even colours the surface. It's great for weathering.

 

But I need something for the main colours that's opaque and comes in a decent size and range of colours.

 

Any suggestion please oh I'm in the UK so local is best or free P&P as it ends up I'm paying more for post than the paint.

 

Thanks

 

Izzy

[Jason]

I use Vallejo acrylics.  I find them to be very low odor, clean up nicely with only water, and they cover great with a base coat of primer.

 

Not sure if this is near you, but for example: http://www.snmstuff.co.uk/vallejo-products/

[Keith_W]

Izzy, I agree with Jason. I prefer Vallejo. Before this, I used Tamiya and Mr. Hobby. 

 

The advantage of Vallejo is that they come in squeeze bottles, meaning that they won't dry out and cause the cap to be stuck to the glass jar (anybody who has ever used Tamiya paints will know this!). They are also really finely ground, and spread very nicely. I squeeze out a tiny bit of paint directly onto the model, or onto a piece of cardboard, depending on how much control I need over the paint. 

[Philg88]

You could try Admiralty paints from Cornwall Model Boats (http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/admiralty_paints_water.html). I've had no problem with these on wood or plastic.

 

Cheers,

 

Philip

[geoff]

It,s Admiralty colours from Caldercraft/ JoTiKa for me, or Humbrol enamels from most decent model shops.

[GLakie]

Assuming Vallejo paints, from their site, are shipped from the UK, are there any restrictions or extra fees involved when shipping across the pond? Or are there US distributors? 

[jhearl]

I've found Vallejo paints in Hobby Lobby and in my (more or less) local hobby shop. They seem to be pretty widely available here in the US.

[Jason]

George,

 

You can get them at most local hobby stores here in the US.  If you need an online dealer, Free Time Hobbies is a good one, or you can buy them on amazon.

[Philg88]

According to the company's website, Vallejo's official UK distributor is here: http://www.creativemodels.co.uk/vallejo_model_color-c-5_11_227_81.html

[hornet]

I have also found Admiralty Acrylic Paints to be excellent. The colours are authentic and they work very well when diluted for an airbrush. Even though they might not be considered 'cheap,' the fact that they give excellent coverage makes them, in my opinion, very economical. I also love the new lid which is a flip top and has a small lip at the rear which prevents paint spilling down the side of the bottle when opened.

Edited April 2, 2015 by hornet

[Izzy Madd]

Hi,

 

Thanks for all the info, as personal recommendation is unbeatable.

 

One more question I notice Vallejos do possibly as many primers as paints.

 

Does anyone here use them or avoid them for whatever reason?

 

Or are they for specialist materials?

[Jason]

I use them.  Especially for white.  It helps a lot with the coverage, and they are generally cheaper per fl oz. / mL so they come in larger bottles that last a long time.

[Nirvana]

Vallejo and Humbrol paint is my two cents

Vallejo for it's extreme good coverage for airbrushing.

Humbrol for it's extreme good coverage with regular brush.

But again, just my two cents.

Edited April 3, 2015 by Nirvana

[Izzy Madd]

Izzy, I agree with Jason. I prefer Vallejo. Before this, I used Tamiya and Mr. Hobby. 

 

The advantage of Vallejo is that they come in squeeze bottles, meaning that they won't dry out and cause the cap to be stuck to the glass jar (anybody who has ever used Tamiya paints will know this!). They are also really finely ground, and spread very nicely. I squeeze out a tiny bit of paint directly onto the model, or onto a piece of cardboard, depending on how much control I need over the paint.

 

Thanks for this as its the lighter colours I'm struggling with most. I just wish there'd been the Internet forty years ago in staged of just the playground for hints.

[Izzy Madd]

Vallejo and Humbrol paint is my two cents

Vallejo for it's extreme good coverage for airbrushing.

Humbrol for it's extreme good coverage with regular brush.

But again, just my two cents.

Thanks for your two cents worth as it will save me far more than two cents. Having to use trial and error. Personal preferences are very under rated.

 

Thanks

[Jparsley]

Hey guys in a bit of a situation I'm here in the states and I am looking to get a good brand of paint for working with wood on my boat I've seen the recommendation for plastics as above but what's good for wood

[Jason]

I use Vallejo on wood as well.  I know Chuck Passaro uses Windsor and Newton, which can be bought at nearly any craft store.  What is more important on wood, than paint brand choice is the surface preparation and sealing.  Vallejo offers perhaps the greatest variety of colors offered by a manufacturer, and are easily mixable adding even more color choices.  However, if you do not need or want that huge availability of selection, any decent acrylic paint will do well on wood.  Assuming the proper preparation before painting.

[Jparsley]

Ok thank you now next question how do you prep the wood

[jwvolz]

I am also a big fan of Vallejo, but for wood Model Master acrylics work well also (they adhere horribly to styrene, but that's another story). If you can still find them anywhere Polly Scale (discontinued) were some of the best, and I still have a nice little stockpile. 

 

In terms of prep, I only use a primer if I am painting a light color.For black and such I just paint as is over the raw wood, in several thinned coats. This applies over the hardwoods such as pear walnut and boxwood. An application of sanding sealer is a good idea over basswood to seal first, as the water in acrylics tends to raise the grain on raw basswood making it fuzzy. 

[Jparsley]

Thanks joe for the input I appreciate it