Customs: Difference between Acrylic and enamel paints?

Discussion in 'Creative General Discussion' started by Astro-Furby, Jul 29, 2015.

  1. Astro-Furby, Jul 29, 2015
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    Astro-Furby

    Astro-Furby Life is strange

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    Hi guys, ive been making plastic model kits for about 30 years, recently ive started scratchbuilding weapos for TFs and some very minor paint customisation, I have always used enamel model paint, usually Humbrol.

    Ive seen on here people talk about acrylic paint and I wondered what the difference was between Acrylic and Enamel? Is there a preferred paint type for painting TFs?
     
  2. Dachande, Jul 30, 2015
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    Dachande

    Dachande MULTI-QUOTE- USE IT. Super Mod

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    I personally prefer acrylics for the ease of use compared to enamels.
    Acrylics are water-based, easily blended and extremely durable after they're cured. They also dry very fast, which makes it easier to stay in the groove and not have to wait for the paint to dry.
     
  3. Weezie, Aug 3, 2015
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    Weezie

    Weezie Well-Known Member

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    Enamels:
    -Need to be thinned with chemicals such as mineral spirits.
    -Take a long time to dry.
    -More resilient than acrylics
    -Oil based so you can achieve nice blends with them.
    -Will never dry on soft, rubbery plastic
    -Stinky
    -Better adhesion to surface than acrylic.

    Acrylics:
    -Can be thinned with water
    -Dries to the touch in seconds or minutes
    -Safe to use on any plastic
    -No smell
    -Safer for your health