Model Master Acrylic Problems

[seral1969]

Hi:

I have just started modeling.
I am building smaller moldels working my way up to the PL refit.

Here is my problem: Model Master's Acrylic!!! I can airbrush with them fine, but when it comes to handbrushing, it is like painting with milk.

I have also tryed Testor's acrylics with the same result. A milky mess.

I stir them and shake them forever!!!

What am I doing wrong?

Should I switch to enamels for handbrushing?

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[macfrank]

Testor's has a line of paints called Model Master, which includes acrylic paint. Years ago, they had a brand that was Model Master's Acrylic - the formulation was awful; coverage was poor and it turned to goo in the jar
within months.

The current Model Master acrylic paint is called Acryl. It's a close relative to another Testor's brand, Floquil Pollyscale. Some of the Acryl and Pollyscale paints can be brushed, but some colors will be translucent.

If the paint - right out of the bottle, without thinning - is translucent when painted onto the model, you'll just have to brush paint several layers, or paint a layer of primer that is close to the paint color.

Other acrylics you can try are Tamiya and Gunze Sangyo, although some of their colors will be translucent as well.

Frank

[Godfather]

Should I switch to enamels for handbrushing?

Couldn't hurt to try. I had less problems diluting enamels and getting a good results handbrushing than with acrylics, unless they're Tamiya acrylics.

[Digger1]

I actually prefer to brush with Acryl. It takes a few coats but you'll find that the end result is better by far than brushing with enamel.

[macfrank]

Another thing you can try is brushing with less force - just let the brush glide over the plastic at first. Make sure that the plastic is free from oils, too.

Frank

[seral1969]

Should I be thinning the acrylics?

Is it difficult th airbrush with enamels?

Would it be a good Idea to switch to enamels for all painting?

[TER-OR]

I use acrylics for most painting - with oils and enamels for some drybrushing and washing effects.

Most of these model acrylics are meant for airbrushing. If you want to focus on hand-brushing, you'll benefit from paints like Vallejo, Reaper, Games Workshop etc. These are formulated with more carrier, higher pigment loads, and flattening agents. They're designed to be diluted with drying retarder and flow agents for layering and blending.

You can get decent results hand-brushing with enamels, if you use a broad, flat brush and paint several light coats - preferably in different directions.