The end for Humbrol Enamel paints?

[Modler bob]

If you want to stay on the enamel paint. Have a look a sovereign hobbies. Its very good paint and the colours match well. They do not contain the chemical that's killing off Humbrol.

what is the chemical in Humrol then Ian, and can sovereign hobbies match the Humbrol number on the instructions?

[Ian M]

Not sure of the full name of the chemical but MEKO in everyday speak, it might cause cancer. Some Health group halved the limit which put Humbrol over the new limit.
As for matching the Humbrol colour number no they don't, but then no other paints do either.
In fact I think it's only really Airfix that uses the Humbrol numbers in their paint guidelines.
Sovereign paints are what they say if you need paint for the RAF, say extra dark sea grey, that's what you need to look for and not a number.
Have a look at their Web shop.

[Modler bob]

Thanks Ian, understand.
I had a look at their website, so I can try to match the colours required.:smiling4:

Cheers for your input.
Bob

[Flip]

Ian,
MEKO stands for Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime (apparently a derivative of MEK - Methyl Ethyl Ketone) and is the anti-skinning agent used in the paint.
The EU have changed its classification and banned it from sale to consumers as of 01 Mar 2022.
The HSE in UK don't currently classify MEKO as carcinogenic, hence its use in the UK is not banned per se.
The fly in the ointment in the UK is reflected in the following (reproduced from the Dacrylate website - a member of the British Coatings Federation):

"[COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Methyl ethyl ketoxime (MEKO) or butanone oxime, is a substance used to prevent the skinning of some solvent-borne paints in the container or prior to use. Once the paint is applied to a surface, the MEKO evaporates, thereby allowing the drying process to proceed. Historically, it has been used by the industry for many years as it is a very effective anti-skinning agent.

We are an active member of the British Coatings Federation (BCF), and along with all BCF members, we take our responsibility for health and safety very seriously. Whilst every effort is made to formulate paints without hazardous ingredients, sometimes new knowledge comes to light about ingredients used in current products.

In 2020 the classification of a category 1B carcinogen for MEKO was adopted in the EU via the 15th Adaptation to Technical Progress to CLP(1), and subsequently adopted in Great Britain following the end
of the transition period. Due to the new classification MEKO will be restricted from use in products intended to be placed on the market or used for supply to the general public(2) as of the 1st March 2022.

Whilst the legal position in regards to UK REACH is still evolving, due to the severity of the classification (category 1 carcinogen), we and our fellow BCF members feel it is appropriate to take the position that MEKO containing products should be withdrawn from sale by retailers and merchants. Therefore, the BCF recommends that within the supply chain ‘First In First Out’ (FIFO) is strictly controlled through the sale of these products and that sale of products containing MEKO >0.1% should stop as of the 1st March 2022, both to the general public and to painters and decorators.

Since before the classification was adopted we, along with our counterparts, have been very concerned with the new information available regarding the classification of MEKO and have been committed to substituting the substance at the earliest opportunity to ensure sell through of the product in the marketplace before the 1st March 2022. Not only have we taken the stance to eliminate the substance from those supplied to the general public and to painters and decorators, but we are eliminating the substance from all our product ranges. We would therefore expect the majority of MEKO containing paints to have already been sold through the supply chain before this date.[/COLOR]"

I am also led to believe that there aren't any meaningful buy-back options for stockists holding the paint.
Since it is not illegal to sell the stock of paint, I do not blame them for doing so - I would.

The removal of these products is a bit galling when the test criteria are examined: tested on lab mice and rate for 8 hours/day - 6 days/week - 18-to-24 months duration. There is no way any of we hobbyists will have that sort of exposure to the paints. The only people that do will be in the manufacturing sites and they have their own H&S regulations (respirators, filters and so on)

As consumers, however, we are facing a cessation in supply of any products containing MEKO.

I am not a paint expert but, allegedly, there is a known alternative to MEKO. I guess we just have to wait for the paint boffins to finish their certification testing and release the product to market.

I hope this helps.
Regards,
John

[stillp]

Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime has also been associated with occupational asthma in the UK.

I think that Hornby have behaved badly over this subject. Chatting to the sole proprietor of a small hobby shop recently, he said that Hornby had made retailers aware of the impending EU restriction on MEKO many months ago, but had said that they (the retailers) could continue to sell their stock. Then a few months later they told the retailers that selling their stock was now illegal, but Hornby refused to accept it back or to recompense the retailers. My friend therefore had to write off over £1000 worth (at the cost to him) of stock, a significant loss for a one-man hobby shop.
Shocking behaviour, especially considering that there are alternative anti-skinning agents available, and the restriction of MEKO has been under discussion for several years. so I would have expected a paint manufacturer to have been aware of the situation.
I understand that Revell enamels have been using an alternative agent for some time.

Petet

[Flip]

Peter,
Ah, relief. It's nice to know that Revell have addressed the issue so there is some form of continuity of supply.
John

[Tim Marlow]

Personally I think Hornby are using this as a way to get out of the enamel paint game. It’s a pity to see them go, but they are no longer the only game in town. My LHS stocks at least eight major paint ranges, and Humbrol have to compete with them all. Reformulating the range to service a shrinking market is probably not economically viable, so it is completely understandable.

[stillp]

Whether that was their intention or not Tim, I doubt if many retailers will want to stock their paints again.
Pete

[Tim Marlow]

Testors did that to my nearest LHS in Salisbury before it closed. The guy bought a display cabinet and the full range of paints. He was really chuffed to be the only local stockist and it brought him in a lot of customers because they are well regarded. Then, after about six months, they discontinued the range. He was far from happy, I can tell you.

[Mini Me]

I'm sad to say this will not end until every bit of anything, not just hobby related with chemicals, which may or may not cause some sort of health threat are gone.....on the horizon.......Clean Green everything! :smiling4:

[Jim R]

John was asking about a new range of enamel paints from Ukraine the other day. I rather like enamels and although they may be seen as 'old school' they airbrush nicely, are pretty robust and dilute well for washes. There are not that many hobby enamels around so if Humbrol cease to be maybe the ones from Ukraine may be worth a look.

[Mini Me]

John was asking about a new range of enamel paints from Ukraine the other day. I rather like enamels and although they may be seen as 'old school' they airbrush nicely, are pretty robust and dilute well for washes. There are not that many hobby enamels around so if Humbrol cease to be maybe the ones from Ukraine may be worth a look.

Jim, do you happen to know the brand name and who manufactures them?

[Jim R]

Arcus Model Paints.

[prichrd1]

Rick,

There are some sets listed on fleaBay - between £8 - £10 for 6 x 10 ml bottles and there are two retailers from the U.K.
One U.K. retailer stocks both the sets and individual colours.

HTH,

Paul.

[Tim Marlow]

There are also Phoenix Precision enamels…..

https://www.phoenix-paints.co.uk/products/paint-products

I used them quite a bit for railway modelling in the old days, and they were as good or better than Humbrol. They certainly sprayed better, their quick drying air thinners, in particular, was excellent. Not used them for a long time though, so they might have changed the formulation like Humbrol have.