SPA Modeler

I’ve been floating around Facebook a lot recently and one of the things I’ve picked up on is a seemingly general dislike of enamels (except for things like washes etc.) by a lot of modelers – even to the point where some people get quite ‘passionate’ about it.

I’m not talking about the obvious reasons such as being easier to clean, or less smells etc. because the people who seem to get really irate use lacquer paints which to my mind smell even worse! The general comment enamels (especially Humbrol and Model Master) are just crap paints.

Am I missing something?

I’ve been using enamels on and off for 35 years, and whilst I’ve made a fair investment into acrylics as well I would never have said acrylics was a better paint. Both have their drawbacks, but I’ve often thought the colour density, pigment and ‘brushability’ of enamels was better, and I also like the fact that you can generally thin the crap out of it and it not break down (unlike some of the acrylics I’ve used).

I’m not saying Acrylics are bad either, in fact I do paint far more with them. I just don’t see where this ‘hate’ comes from - Part of me just thinks it’s an ‘Emperor’s new clothes’ type situation, as enamels are seen as too old hat for the new in crowd (I’m thinking one FB group in particular here) but I really don’t see it myself.

Actually typing this has made me feel like I should probably use them more often.

But what are your thoughts – what am I missing?

Heh … you're going to find haters out there on both sides of the spectrum for enamels and acrylics. Who knows why? Maybe they're environmental nuts out to save the world.

Acrylics (and the use of lacquer thinner) has some very vocal supporters in the Facebook-verse. I must say I like that to but I also use enamels. I think the vocal supporters have found their “receipt for succes” and are often focused on finish (not building, history or specific subjects). Within that focus they want replicable results so they use one methode. It is all quite understandable but not what I am looking for when modelling.

I stepped away from enamels when the airbrush came into play. Properly thinned they work okay through the AB, but there are paints out there specifically made for getting atomized. Water and alcohol based acrylics, lacquers and some hybrids - a huge variety.
Because of their oil nature (with its short drying but long hardening time) enamels can(!) cause some unpleasent reactions to upper layers or decals. But all in all I can't find anything about them that would make them bad paints for me.
Their durability is a big plus that has to be mentioned, too!

Not sure what’s going on on Facebook,but I use what’s available for my build and I have no problems with Modelmaster enamels at all.

Stuart, I am in complete agreement. I am a die hard enamel fan, especially of Humbrol. I like Model Master as well, but have noticed some quality control issues in the past few years. I agree that they offer superior hand brushing qualities over acrylics.
Humbrol did have some issues when they went to Chinese production for a bit, but that ended, and the current batches are back to the same old high standards. Model Master on the other hand seems to be cutting their color selection and not addressing their quality control issues. It is what it is. I have used other enamel paint brands as well, some still around, most discontinued, and some only available on your side of the Atlantic. That’s the part I hate with enamels- availability. I would love to be able to get Xtracolor and Revell enamels here.
I use acrylics too. They compliment one another at times. Their is no law or rule that says you have to and only can use one type or the other.
Anyways no sense in getting yourself worked up over the online non sense of others.

Stik -

Lucky Model has Revell paints. http://www.luckymodel.com/scale.aspx?de ... ntbrand=RE

Xtracolor paints: LHS right out of Germany.

https://www.aero-spezial-modellbauversa ... 762b9c5cae

That's about $2.50 USD per tin.

Blacksheep, I figured that I could likely get them online from someplace or another. Thanks for those links. But I much prefer to buy my paints in a shop. It gives me an excuse to go when I’m out of this or that color. A couple of the local,shops used to stock Xtracolor. But one closed up when the owner decided it was time to move on, and the other stopped carrying them not many years after. And shipping enamels can be difficult from overseas suppliers. Annoying regarding of one sort or another due to shipping type- air or surface...
As long as I have my Humbrols, I’m ok.

Even though I have had to become an Acrylic user,,,,,,,,I would go back to Model Master, Humbrol, XtraColor, and Colour Coats enamels in a heart beat.

I don't have a choice anymore,,,,,,,,but, I sure miss those 4 paints, especially the Humbrol "old style" formula,,,,,,,,that paint changed my modeling life way back in the day.

RexCag wrote:Even though I have had to become an Acrylic user,,,,,,,,I would go back to Model Master, Humbrol, XtraColor, and Colour Coats enamels in a heart beat.

I don't have a choice anymore,,,,,,,,but, I sure miss those 4 paints, especially the Humbrol "old style" formula,,,,,,,,that paint changed my modeling life way back in the day.

The ones in the black tins? Those are fantastic paints! I have a few left that are probably at least 30 years old and still good...