Omar Khalid
When it comes to painting plastic models, there are three main types of paint to choose from: acrylic, enamel, and lacquer. Acrylic paints are water-based, dry quickly, and are easy to work with, making them a popular choice for modellers and beginners. Enamel paints, on the other hand, are oil-based and offer better colour coverage and a smoother finish but take longer to dry. Lacquers, which are cellulose-based, dry hard and are known for their high gloss finishes, but they have a strong odour and are highly flammable. With these options in mind, modellers can choose the best paint for their specific needs, whether it's the quick-drying properties of acrylics or the high gloss of lacquers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Acrylic, Enamel, Lacquer |
| Base | Water, Alcohol, Oil, Solvent |
| Ease of use | Acrylics are the easiest to work with and are the most highly recommended for beginners |
| Drying time | Lacquers dry the fastest, followed by alcohol-based acrylics, then water-based acrylics and enamels |
| Durability | Lacquers dry the hardest, followed by enamels, then acrylics |
| Colour options | Lacquers have the most colour variations, followed by enamels, then acrylics |
| Finish | Gloss, Satin, Matt |
| Odour | Lacquers have the strongest odour, followed by enamels, then acrylics |
| Toxicity | Lacquers are highly toxic, water-based acrylics are non-toxic |
| Brands | Humbrol, Revell, Tamiya, Polly-S, Testors, Vallejo, Mr. Color, Badger Stynylrez, Green Stuff World |
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What You'll Learn
Acrylics vs. enamels vs. lacquers
Acrylic, enamel, and lacquer paints are the three main types of paint used for model kits. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one depends on the modeller's preferences and the specific requirements of the project.
Acrylic paints are water-based, making them easy to handle, thin, and clean up with water. They are the most common type of paint and are popular among modellers due to their quick-drying properties, ease of use, and lack of strong odour. Acrylics are ideal for beginners and can be used with various painting techniques, such as drybrushing and washes. However, they tend to be thinner and less durable than enamels and lacquers, making them more susceptible to scratches.
Enamel paints, on the other hand, are oil-based and have been traditionally used for a long time. They provide better colour coverage and a smoother finish compared to acrylics. Enamels are unique in that they can be manipulated even after they have dried, but this also means they have a longer drying time, typically around 2-3 hours, with a 24-48 hour curing time. Enamels have a slight odour and are recommended for hand painting and panel washes due to their slower drying time, which allows for self-levelling and the hiding of brush strokes.
Lacquer paints, the least commonly used of the three, are known for their durability and fast-drying properties. They dry harder than acrylics and enamels, making them more resistant to scratches. Lacquers offer a wide range of colour options and are particularly suitable for high-gloss finishes, especially for model cars. However, they have a strong odour and are highly toxic, requiring well-ventilated areas and masks during handling. Lacquers are also challenging to work with and pose a risk of damaging the plastic if removal is attempted after drying.
In summary, acrylics are ideal for beginners and those seeking quick-drying, easy-to-use, and odourless paint. Enamels offer better colour coverage, a smoother finish, and unique post-drying manipulation but have a longer drying time and a slight odour. Lacquers provide durability, a hard finish, and a wide range of colour options but are the most toxic and challenging to work with.
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Water-based acrylics
Water-based acrylic paints are the most popular type of paint used by modellers. They are non-toxic, odourless, and dry very quickly, so you don't have to wait a long time between coats. They are also easy to clean up with just water if you ever spill any. Acrylic modelling paint is the standard preferred choice for almost every model enthusiast and is the most highly recommended paint for beginners. They are easy to work with and can be thinned easily by mixing with water. They are also ideal for airbrushing as the alcohol keeps the paint from drying in the paint nozzle as quickly while spraying.
There are several manufacturers of acrylic paint for modellers that use an alcohol base instead of a water base. As alcohol evaporates faster than water, these paints dry even quicker than water-based acrylics. The downside is that these paints are generally thinner, so they give less coverage, and the solvent in the fresh paint can damage paint underneath that has not fully cured.
When thinning water-based acrylic paints for use with an airbrush, it is best to thin them with a specially made acrylic paint thinner. You can also add an acrylic paint retarder to slow the drying time.
When painting on plastic models, you must apply proper undercoats and overcoats to prevent the paint from absorbing moisture. Enamel paints are usually a better option for plastic models as non-porous materials do not breathe, so anything painted on them needs to dry perfectly and not swell or contract.
Some popular manufacturers of water-based acrylic paints include Humbrol, Revell, and Xtracrylix.
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Alcohol-based acrylics
Performance and Application: Alcohol-based acrylics are favoured by many model painters because of their performance and application characteristics. They dry quickly, similar to water-based acrylics, but with a more vibrant and smooth finish. When used with an airbrush, they are less likely to dry in the paint nozzle during spraying due to the faster evaporation rate of alcohol. This makes them ideal for airbrushing, as they don't require priming and can save time in the painting process. However, brush painting with alcohol-based acrylics may be more complex than other techniques like detail work or basic painting.
Thinning and Compatibility: Alcohol-based acrylics are typically thinned with lacquer thinners, which can also be used with other types of paint. However, when thinning alcohol-based acrylics, it is recommended to use a specifically designed thinner as they do not mix well with water. IPA (isopropyl alcohol) and acetone are also used for thinning, but they are less preferred. It's important to note that thinning and compatibility vary among brands, so it's always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Safety Considerations: While alcohol-based acrylics offer high performance, they may have stronger odours and toxic fumes than water-based acrylics. Therefore, it is important to use them in a well-ventilated area or a spray booth. Additionally, wearing a respirator and protective gloves is recommended to safeguard against toxic fumes and chemicals.
Brand Options: Popular brands of alcohol-based acrylics include Tamiya, Revell, and Gunze Sangyo. These brands offer a range of colours and finishes specifically designed for model painting. However, it's important to note that the availability of colours in alcohol-based acrylics may be more limited compared to water-based options.
Suitability: Alcohol-based acrylics are generally preferred for model painting, while water-based acrylics are more commonly used for figurine painting. This preference is often due to the compatibility of paint types with different application techniques. Airbrushing, commonly used in model painting, works better with alcohol-based acrylics, while figurine painting usually involves brush painting, where water-based acrylics excel.
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Priming
Before priming, it is crucial to clean the plastic surface thoroughly. Remove any dirt, dust, oils from fingerprints, and mould release agents. These contaminants can prevent the paint from adhering properly. When washing the plastic pieces, ensure that all pockets of liquid are dried, as any remaining liquid can also affect paint adhesion. An air compressor can be useful for this step.
There are various primers available for plastic models, including automotive primers like PLASTICOAT, which can be purchased from auto supply stores. This type of primer comes in a rattle can and is designed to be sprayed onto the model in light coats to ensure complete coverage without damaging the plastic. After applying the primer, you can lightly buff it with a cloth to maintain the surface definition before proceeding with your chosen paint.
When selecting a primer, consider the paint type you will be using. For example, if you plan to use lacquer paints, an acrylic lacquer paint can serve as both the primer and the final coat. Acrylic lacquers chemically etch themselves into the plastic surface, providing a durable base for your paint job. However, if you are using other paint types, such as acrylics or enamels, it is essential to choose a compatible primer and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for thinning and application.
Primer can be applied using different techniques, such as spraying or brushing. Spraying with light coats is a common method to ensure even coverage. If you are a beginner, using a brush to apply the primer can be a more accessible option. Tamiya, a popular manufacturer of modelling supplies, offers primers and acrylic paints that can be easily brushed onto the model, providing a convenient way to get started with your project.
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Thinning
Water is the best thinner for any acrylic hobby paints. Most household faucets in modern homes have soft water, but if you live in a place with older pipes or a water system, you may want to filter your tap water before using it as a paint thinner. You can use a Brita filter or distilled water. If water isn't working for you, you can try using airbrush mediums or airbrush paint thinner. Vallejo Airbrush Thinner and Liquitex Airbrush Medium work great with any model paints and provide a great viscosity for spraying with an airbrush.
The proper viscosity for airbrushing depends on the air pressure, the resolution, and the airbrush nozzle size. For larger models and more surface area, use higher air pressure along with thicker paint. For smaller miniatures, use lower air pressure with thinned paint for finer atomization.
When thinning your paint, you want to achieve the right consistency. The paint should be diluted enough that it is easy to apply with smooth brush strokes, but not so diluted that it clumps or runs. A nicely thinned layer of acrylic paint is semi-translucent and will not be opaque until several layers are applied. Each layer should be allowed to dry before the next is applied.
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Frequently asked questions
Acrylic paints are water-based and are the most popular type of paint used by modellers. They are non-toxic, odourless, dry quickly, and can be thinned with water. Acrylic paints are also easy to work with and are the most highly recommended paint for beginners. Some popular acrylic paints for plastic models include Tamiya, Vallejo, Humbrol, and Revell.
Before painting, it is important to wash and dry the model to remove any factory residue and prime the surface, especially if you are painting a light colour over a dark one. When thinning acrylic paint, use a specially made acrylic paint thinner for the best results. You can also add an acrylic paint retarder to slow the drying time.
Acrylic paint is easy to work with, dries quickly, and can be easily thinned with water. It is also non-toxic and odourless, making it convenient for use in poorly ventilated areas or around children. Acrylic paint is also less expensive than other types of paint, such as lacquer or enamel.
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