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General Ship Modeling: Painting & Color Schemes
Topics on painting and paint schemes are grouped here
Acrylic paint
grayghost666
#021
Joined: August 02, 2007
KitMaker: 2,458 posts
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Posted: Friday, May 02, 2008 - 03:58 PM UTC
hello All,
I am starting this topic to see how many of us modelers would like to see more Acrylic Paints for Model Ships.
i have been spending hours looking for good Acrylic Paints to take my Models to the next level.
White Ensign makes,to me,the best paints for Ships. But they do not make the Colourcoats in Acrylic.
i think that the manufacturers take notice of what we think and want.
so,Shipmates,what do you want in Acrylics Colors,they be for ships,armour,aircraft,etc.
cheers,
Bruce
rokket2001
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South Australia, Australia
Joined: March 28, 2005
KitMaker: 353 posts
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Posted: Friday, May 02, 2008 - 04:30 PM UTC
My non-scientific observation is that the trend is towards acrylics, maybe slower than you're like, but happening. My wife has obtained some very smooth coats with acryl, but I hate the stuff==) . Give me the bite and durability of solvent-based enamel! (I may have more success with acrylic if I keep trying...)
Gunny
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Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: July 13, 2004
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Posted: Friday, May 02, 2008 - 11:06 PM UTC
I use acrylics as a primary in all of my modeling, with an enamel here and there when I need to match an un-available or un-mixable shade in acrylic...ModelMaster Maritime line has been by choice for many years, but now since the line has been discontinued, and supplies are being depleted, I have been looking for a like replacement for some time...

There are a few quality acrylics manufacturers in the present market, but only one is catering to the ship modeler at the moment that I know of, producing dedicated ships paints in acrylic, and that's LifeColor Acrylic Hobby Colors.

It would be a wonderful world if WEM would/could introduce the Colourcoat line in acrylic, but it may not be possible, as some paint pigments, especially exact matches such as the Colourcoat line, may not be able to be suspended in an acrylic base.


grayghost666
#021
Joined: August 02, 2007
KitMaker: 2,458 posts
Model Shipwrights: 1,423 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 - 06:42 AM UTC
hello all,
like Mark said there is Lifecolors,and if you are lucky and find them the MM Maritime times.
the problem i have with Lifecolors is they do not have alot for US and British ships yet.
i am dreading painting my San Fran with enamels.it is a large ship to hand brush.
By posting this topic i am hoping the paint companies will take notice and see that Ship Modelers are looking for good quality Acrylic paints.maybe this will get them to start thinking about it.
cheers,
Bruce
Gunny
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Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: July 13, 2004
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Posted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 - 10:22 AM UTC

Quoted Text

i am dreading painting my San Fran with enamels.it is a large ship to hand brush.
Bruce



Bruce, do you have problems with enamel fumes?... is this why you use acrylics mosty?

Some people can't handle the inhalation of such, and have to rely on acrylics, but if you don't, and want a good finish besides brush-painting, try out a spray can of Tamiya paints, my friend...they have a xylene base, so the odor and fumes are a bit different than standard spray enamels, and the results are stunning...and they have a decent color range, with some excellent color crossover possibilities...

grayghost666
#021
Joined: August 02, 2007
KitMaker: 2,458 posts
Model Shipwrights: 1,423 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 - 12:52 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

i am dreading painting my San Fran with enamels.it is a large ship to hand brush.
Bruce



Bruce, do you have problems with enamel fumes?... is this why you use acrylics mosty?

Some people can't handle the inhalation of such, and have to rely on acrylics, but if you don't, and want a good finish besides brush-painting, try out a spray can of Tamiya paints, my friend...they have a xylene base, so the odor and fumes are a bit different than standard spray enamels, and the results are stunning...and they have a decent color range, with some excellent color crossover possibilities...



hello Mark,
i do not have a problem with enamels,i have very bad arthritis in both hands to which i have been trying to conceal from my friends for the past few years,and the San Fran is such a big model.Miss Mary has used acrylic paints for years when she paints so she is trying to get me to start using them.
i bought an mini air compressor that came with a very basic brush,which will not handle enamels.i need to get a better air brush,but that will be in 3-4 months.
i have a couple of Tamiya acrylic paints which i used on a tank model,and i was very happy how easy and quick it was to hand brush it.so that is why i am interested in finding acrylic paints for my ship builds.
thanks for your concern and info on spray cans,i will look into it.i am trying to make the San Fran for the community build the best i can and getting all the info i can about acrylics
cheers,
Bruce
rokket2001
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South Australia, Australia
Joined: March 28, 2005
KitMaker: 353 posts
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Posted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 - 02:25 PM UTC
I have mixed Tamiya acrylics with good success (the color part, not the airbrushing part!), and they seem to have a good range. They have some pretty good equivalents to WEM uboat colors. I have heard vallejo paints are supremo. Curious that the airbrush won't take enamels, it can't handle the thinner/solvent in cleanup?
grayghost666
#021
Joined: August 02, 2007
KitMaker: 2,458 posts
Model Shipwrights: 1,423 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 - 05:13 PM UTC
hello Wink,
the airbrush is so basic it has a hard time spraying water.i know i need to get a real airbrush,i have been looking at Badgers.
but it is also spring int he Rockies with high fire danger,and i have 5 acres of land to brush cut by hand(i have a power brush cutter),so that is what i will be doing for the next few weeks.every year i have to do it or risk being burned out of my house.
thanks for the info.
cheers,
Bruce
Gunny
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Joined: July 13, 2004
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Posted: Sunday, May 04, 2008 - 04:13 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


Quoted Text

i am dreading painting my San Fran with enamels.it is a large ship to hand brush.
Bruce



Bruce, do you have problems with enamel fumes?... is this why you use acrylics mosty?

Some people can't handle the inhalation of such, and have to rely on acrylics, but if you don't, and want a good finish besides brush-painting, try out a spray can of Tamiya paints, my friend...they have a xylene base, so the odor and fumes are a bit different than standard spray enamels, and the results are stunning...and they have a decent color range, with some excellent color crossover possibilities...



hello Mark,
i do not have a problem with enamels,i have very bad arthritis in both hands to which i have been trying to conceal from my friends for the past few years,and the San Fran is such a big model.Miss Mary has used acrylic paints for years when she paints so she is trying to get me to start using them.
i bought an mini air compressor that came with a very basic brush,which will not handle enamels.i need to get a better air brush,but that will be in 3-4 months.
i have a couple of Tamiya acrylic paints which i used on a tank model,and i was very happy how easy and quick it was to hand brush it.so that is why i am interested in finding acrylic paints for my ship builds.
thanks for your concern and info on spray cans,i will look into it.i am trying to make the San Fran for the community build the best i can and getting all the info i can about acrylics
cheers,
Bruce



Tamiya rattle cans are a good alternative to the airbrush, mate, I still use them from time to time, with great results...availability is good too, most online hobby stores carry them.

Here's a couple sites that might prove helpful Bruce:

Click Here

...and Here

grayghost666
#021
Joined: August 02, 2007
KitMaker: 2,458 posts
Model Shipwrights: 1,423 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 04, 2008 - 08:31 AM UTC
hello Mark,
thanks for the info and links.i have a few of Tamiya's rattle cans,but i did not know that they carried so many colors.
i did find a source for Acrylics at Roll Models on line store and they carry the 2 blues i need for the San Fran.and Miss Mary and i are going to see if we can mix are own paints for the norfork red and matt black,to finish what paints i need.
i e-mailed White Ensign about seeing if they are going to put the Colorcoats out in Acrylic,but they have no plans to do it.that is to bad.
again thanks for the info and links.
cheers,
Bruce
#027
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Louisiana, United States
Joined: April 13, 2005
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Posted: Sunday, May 04, 2008 - 10:39 AM UTC
Bruce,

Model Master Marine colors are still available. I get mine through FreeTime Hobbies. Also, another very good option is acrylic craft paint. I use it for my figures and detail painting. I use distilled water to thin it slightly and it works great.

Gator
grayghost666
#021
Joined: August 02, 2007
KitMaker: 2,458 posts
Model Shipwrights: 1,423 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 04, 2008 - 10:53 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Bruce,

Model Master Marine colors are still available. I get mine through FreeTime Hobbies. Also, another very good option is acrylic craft paint. I use it for my figures and detail painting. I use distilled water to thin it slightly and it works great.

Gator


hello Kenny,
that is what Miss Mary is going to try to do with the 2 colors i have not found yet.
thanks for the info and link.
cheers,
Bruce
rokket2001
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South Australia, Australia
Joined: March 28, 2005
KitMaker: 353 posts
Model Shipwrights: 331 posts
Posted: Monday, May 05, 2008 - 02:05 AM UTC
Bruce,

Sorry to hear about reality taking you from models (bush fire). We have a similar situation here in drought-parched Oz (even when not in a drought), but i don['t have the same "spread" you do to maintain! I looked at putting brass sprinkler heads on the roof, but the hardware store discountinued them and I'd have to spend $$$ for gas-powered gennie and hoses and pumps...it's so easy to be lulled inot a "she'll be right, mate" attitude. Anyway, best of luck.

Airbrush - beg, borrow, steal (*not advocating illegal activity) a real one. I bought mine 2nd hand, it was in great shape at a model shop with accessories, Paasche single action. Once I bought a cheap compressor and a moisture trap, I've never looked back!

Rattle cans aren't bad, but airbrushes give you such thin and gorgeous coats!

keep us posted, mate.
#027
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Louisiana, United States
Joined: April 13, 2005
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Posted: Monday, May 05, 2008 - 04:40 AM UTC
Here's a rattle can tip from graffiti artist. Use the nozzle head off of a hair spray can. That's how they get they get their desired effects.

Gator
grayghost666
#021
Joined: August 02, 2007
KitMaker: 2,458 posts
Model Shipwrights: 1,423 posts
Posted: Monday, May 05, 2008 - 01:37 PM UTC
hello Wink,
on my roof i have lawn sprinklers hooked to PVC pipe.it the pipe attach's to my water outlet.
the pipes run all over the house with a sprinkler about every 2 meters.if i need to wet down the roof,i just turn on the valve and the water pressure gets the sprinkler running fine.this might work for you.
you are right about an airbrush,but i cannot afford one for a few months.i just got a Mobile home put next to my house,and spent all my mad money for now.
the Mobile home is going to be my workbench/craft area/library.it is 20 feet by 80 feet,so that should be enough room for a while.
think about rain every day,
cheers,
Bruce
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