Paint Sources

[RAYD7024]

I find that I spend as much for paint as I spend for the kit that I am painting. If the kit costs $45.00, the paint the finish the model will cost another $45.00 or more. Does anyone know of a source for acrylics larger than the 1/2 ounce sizes that the hobby shops carry?

[Mitch]

Smaller but more efficient...

What I have found and now use is "Vallejo" paints. They come in small plastic bottles the size of an eye dropper. To use the paint you put a drop or two on you pallet add a bit of water and you are good to go. The paint in the bottle does not dry out. They are not cheap, but I believe they are more cost effective. They can be found at better hobby shops or game shops. NOT Gameworks... they have there own brand and you have to open the jars and the paint will dry out.

Vallejo has about 80 colors in "Model Color" and another 80 colors in "Game Color" those are a bit brigther and designed for fantasy wargame figures. They are also sold in sets for specific "Army colors" for ex. a set for "Africa Korps" of 8 specific colors and also in a master set with carry case of the complete 80 or individually.

I hope this helps... They are the only paint I use now... Mitch

UPDATE: I just looked at there website and they have 218 colors!

[Pauli72]

This will save you some $$$

http://www.hobbylobby.com/weekly/coupon.cfm

If you have a Hobby Lobby in your area, this will cut your paint budget almost in half. The coupons are good for online sales too. They always have these coupons every week on their web site. If not, you may want to see if your local hobby store accepts competitors coupons.

[akofly]

I agree with Mitch. Vallejo paints are fantastic to work with. So easy to use too and you get good coverage with one coat. Over here in Aus they are cheaper than games workshop (Citadel) acrylics and you get more. Daryl

[cliffm]

I've been using acrylics from the craft section at wal-mart and can't complain about the quality for the price. I've used the stuff in the tubes and have to say they are no better than the "cheapies" I use. They work well in my airbrush and brush manually as well. The assortment of colors leaves something to be desired, but a little experimental mixing cures that. I know some would prefer not to shop there, but the money I save outweighs the prejudice I may bear. For special applications I do have butyrate.

[Tabitha64]

We use "Vallejo" with both brush and airbrush. And a little goes a long way. Picture of my first completed model coming soon.

[ElbertC]

I also work in plastic and would like to get started using Vallejo paints. What is used for a primer?
Thanks
Elbert

[kittyfritters]

On flying models I have been using opaque acrylic airbrush ink from my local art supply store. It seems to weigh less than thinned acrylic paints, does not need thinning, works fine over nitrate dope and Krylon fixatives, and gives good coverage. If you have a real artist supply store, not just the art supply section at your local craft store, the ink is available in an amazing variety of colors. It costs a bit more than the hobby shop acrylics for models, but comes in much larger bottles. I haven't tried airbrush ink over tissue fixed with Armstrong Shine Keeper yet.

If I do a model of a German WWII airplane I use Testor's Acryl paints. They are available in a full line of "official" RLM colors.

Howard

[Tabitha64]

we have been using Mr. Surfacer primer 1000. It comes in paintable and aerosol. The have several products for airbrush painting.

[ElbertC]

Well, I learn something new every day. Some of this stuff is new to me. I will look them up on the net and see what they will do. I so need to work on me tissue issues. My models don't fly so I might try fillers. Thanks All.
Elbert

[Charles_c]

I'm one that don't use acrylics. I use Model Master (a Testor's product) enamel and get good results. For airbrush I mix it 50/50 with Testor's enamel
thinner. One bottle is 1/2 ounce (14.7 ml) and costs about $3.50 in Va. Beach. Mixed 50/50 you have a whole ounce to spray an airplane.... if it's one color.
My Hellcat was a three color airplane, Flat Dark Blue, Intermediate Blue and Flat White. The paint for the model cost under $12.00 and I have probably
enough for another Hellcat.

Just my .02 cents worth.

Charles