Begginer advice?

[stona]

As you say it's about what suits you. I first started spraying..ahem....a while ago using Humbrol enamels which were just about all that was available then. They were very good. I chose to switch to acrylics mainly to reduce the odours. At that time I had neither the booth/extractor, nor the space which I now enjoy. I tried Vallejo (both) Xtracrylix, Lifecolor and probably a couple more. I was never really happy with any of them during the two years I used them. I did get some decent results, particularly with the Xtracrylix, but why should I be adding retarders and flow aids to a purpose made product? I bought a couple of WEM Colour Coats for the colours which I needed on a project, being enamels I had no trouble spraying them, loved the results and more or less gave up on acrylics and reverted to enamels there and then!

Cheers

Steve

[flyjoe180]

I have a few Humbrol enamels that are over 30 years old and still perform. Do enamel paints last longer than acrylics when stored?

[Guest]

Vallejo, Joe, say their acrylics will be fine for at least 5 years. Various have been tested at 10 and 20 years and have been found to be OK.

But they say water will eventually evaporate and the pigment sink to a lump at the bottom.

Humbrol or other enamels not a clue.

Laurie

[flyjoe180]

Thanks Laurie. The old Humbrols just needed a stir and they are ready again. Saved me a small fortune in paint when I got back into the hobby.

[aaron]

Me too Joe, I have humbrol paints that have lasted for years.I even have some of the polishable metalizer that is still fine.

I use both acrylics and enamels on the same kit...I love them both.

[stona]

Thanks Laurie. The old Humbrols just needed a stir and they are ready again. Saved me a small fortune in paint when I got back into the hobby.

Good on you Joe. You are obviously the meticulous sort who cleans the top of the tinlet and lid before sealing the paint in. I too have some 20+ year old Humbrols that still work absolutely beautifully, but being more slapdash in my younger days I've lost a few by failing to put the lid on properly too.

Cheers

Steve

[dave]

As someone who recently returned to the hobby I have 20+ year old Humbrol enamels and Tamiya acrylics that are fine, although the Windsor and Newton Inks had faded. I have always used a mixture of enamels and acrylics with artists oils and acrylics added to the mix, depending on the effect I want and the colours I have.

I use both Vallejo Model Colour and Model Air for airbrushing and I have to say the Model Air is better. I thin my Model Colours with the Vallejo thinner but I still have more problems. I also brush paint with both, but I routinely thin Model Colour with a distilled water/flow enhancer mix.

Which I buy depends on colour availability and if I think I will be airbrushing or brush painting most with that particular colour.