Model paint is designed for use on plastic models. Fill and fine sand all surfaces until very smooth. Most model kits are moulded in a type of plastic called styrene. The majority of paints designed to be used on plastic models fall in to two categories, Enamels and Acrylics. They, too, dry quickly and in most cases adhere well to plastic. Revell acrylic paints are a solvent free fast drying paint developed for use on plastic models but can also be used on a wide range of surfaces such as wood, glass, ceramics, and metal. Much like people, every paint formula has a personality. Ways to Thin Acrylic Paint for Models and Miniatures . Spray Can. However, acrylic paint is not as durable as spray paint or enamel. Hence, you also should use a good varnish seal to protect your models when you finish painting (see more info about best uses for varnishes and my thoughts here). Acrylic paint dries faster but enamel paint is more durable. Of course you don't have to. However, the most popular type is made from artists’ oil paint, sometimes mixed with modeller’s enamel paint. As far as an extra coat goes, it's no big deal since by the time you finish the model, your first coat is dry and can be repainted if needed. Water based acrylics tend to dry quickly, have little odour and are easily blended with water. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. You will not get it right everytime, that is why we practice. Reading a post about paint can be a lot like, well, watching paint dry. When you can't smell the paint anymore, it means the paint is dry and the thinner has evaporated. The increased drying time should also be noted as it can be several days before the paint has fully cured. They dry quickly, adhere nicely to plastic, and cover very well. The reason is that acrylic paint is not made for use on plastic materials. By combining the use of these three types of paints, the finishing of plastic models becomes simpler and more effective. Related searches. He brings more than 20 years of experience in customer service management, business journalism, marketing and education. (Fainter color – lessen the paint, increase the clear: leave the thinner at … This makes it very easy to produce a range of models with consistent paint finishes and accurate paint schemes. This plastic also holds excellent details but has a greater degree of flexibility. This article gives general information about putting a primer coat of paint on to scale models. Standard model-making paints (e.g. I still use both depending on the project. Tamiya’s water based acrylic paint can be thinned with their proprietary X20-A acrylic thinners, iso-propyl alcohol (IPA), distilled water, and I’ve even shown that it can be thinned with regular tap water with outstanding results, but few people seem to realise that it can also be thinned with Tamiya lacquer thinner. I stripped an 1/8 scale iroc body with the stuff in about a half hour. HOWEVER, for scenery, some structures, etc the craft paints are much more inexpensive and most dry with a dead flat finish. If your model features large areas that require painting, you might consider using model paints and an airbrush. GOTIDEAL Acrylic Paint Set, 12 Colors/Tubes(23ml, 0.77 oz) Non Toxic Non Fading,Rich Pigments for Artist, Hobby Painters, Adults & Kids, Ideal for Canvas Wood Clay Fabric Ceramic Crafts. Apply a little glue to the mating surfaces of the parts you are gluing and carefully bring the parts together, applying slight pressure. Of all the ways to paint a model, the most effective and precise means is the airbrush. The Army Painter Miniature Painting Kit with 100 Rustproof Mixing Balls Model Paint Set with 60 Nontoxic Acrylic Paints for Wargamers Miniatures Hobby Paint … Dry faster, easy clean-up of brushes (I keep a little bottle of water nearby, rinse off the brush, and on to the next color). … Autotek Matt Black (Pack of 4) 500ml Acrylic Formula Spray Paint For Plastic Metal Wood. But as that’s actually a big part of the scale model experience, we’re hoping you’ll bear with us. There is no comparison when brushing on a coat of Vallejo to using any of the craft paints. If your model requires a gloss finish, you will want to use enamels. Painting a styrene model is the final step in each modeling project. Save 5% more with Subscribe & Save. That’s right! Airbrushing acrylics appeals to many modellers as the paints are relatively safe to use indoors and with very little odour, they are less likely to upset anyone else in the house! Acrylic paint can also contain various fillers that may or may not affect performance. I've used easy off for smaller parts with good success, and for larger parts like large scale car bodies I use a product called Motsenbockers lift off, it is a citrus based paint and varnish stripper that will not harm the plastic as long as you don't leave it on there too long, and it cleans up with water. For acrylics, you can use soap and water. These paints are designed to be used with both an airbrush and a conventional brush. For paint, I only use acrylics. Automotive paint has several advantages when used to paint styrene car models, according to the IPMS Stockholm website. For buildings I always use acrylics. It is made by adding color pigment to an acrylic polymer then emulsified with water to create the final product. or uses plastic of different colours, then you may need several layers of top coat to even out the colours of the different surfaces. What Kind of Paint to Use on Plastic Cups? To be sure that the paint is dry - it will be dry to the touch in seconds, but what about the paint under the surface? Some brands of acrylic paint can be alcohol based which gives the paint an almost sweet odour and this can cause issues when brush painting as a second coat can interfere with the first. Use a … To make your model you’ll need a special plastic glue. This article is free for you and free from outside influence. FREE Shipping … Shape the bristles of the brush with your fingers so that they are not distorted. Should some glue go wide of the target, do not … Spray paints in hobby shops are specially formulated for plastic models - they have a "cool" chemical composition that's harmless to delicate plastic parts. 3rd Gen Primers & Varnish; AK Paint Sets; Acrylic Paints; Air Series Paints; Figure Paints; Primers, Varnish & Thinners; Spray Cans; Xtreme & True Metal Paints; Real Colors. Best bet for brush painting a styrene model are hobby acrylics such as Model Master, the late lamented PollyScale, or one I had very, very good luck with, ModelFlex. Test! Cheap auto primer rattlecans can work if used very carefully, but are a bit hit and miss when spraying into highly detailed areas, trying to get even coverage without filling in any places with paint build-up isn't too likely. However, it’s recommended that you use an appropriate acrylic thinner for the best result. HOWEVER, for scenery, some structures, etc the craft paints are much more inexpensive and most dry with a dead flat finish. Water based acrylics tend to dry quickly, have little odour and are easily blended with water. Which Type of Paint Can I Use for My (Plastic) 3D Printed Part? Some kits, particularly small scale figures, are moulded in a slick plastic called polythene. If you purchase using a shopping link, we may earn a commission. Sytrene is slightly flexible and holds fine details extremely well. Acrylic paints have been available for a very long time, but traditionally were used by artists for painting pictures. We recommend our Contacta Professional liquid glue. They are also easier to airbrush as the increased drying time prevents premature drying of the paint.Disadvantages. £19.11 £ 19. Novelist, publisher and freelance writer John Reinhart began writing professionally in 1988. If you want to “thin” the brew you can add up to 25% water (I used Liquitex Flow Aid which is 90% water): more and you break down the chemical make-up of the paint and end up with a mess. Hence, you also should use a good varnish seal to protect your models when you finish painting (see more info about best uses for varnishes and my thoughts here). I have used both acrylic and enamel with mixed results on both. To keep things this way, we finance it through advertising and shopping links. Brush painted a PA1 model with it using a soft brush - it flowed on smoothly, left no brush marks, and dried to a smooth finish. Painting plastic and getting the paint to stay can be challenging. There are several paint choices. Be sure to wash your plastic figures first in warm water with some mild soap to get any film off them from the molding process. Paints, as a result, tend to crack and peel off of polythene plastic. However, a thin layer of primer will give the model an even colour overall that can be then be easily covered by the top coat. Use acrylic paint unless you have a special need for durability. Automotive acrylics adhere very well to plastic. The drawback to enamel paints is that they are oil based and therefore require thinner to reduce them and to clean brushes. Available in gloss, flat and clear colours, with also a thinner and a flat base. Since polyamide has a porous structure, the result of applying paint directly will not look good. Use acrylic paints on materials that breathe and do not trap moisture like paper, wood, terracotta, bisque. Of all the ways to paint a model, the most effective and precise means is the airbrush. It is made by adding color pigment to an acrylic polymer then emulsified with water to create the final product. If you use acrylic paints on nonporous materials like metal, plastic, or resin, you'll need to apply proper undercoats and overcoats to prevent it from absorbing moisture. You can achieve a mirror finish on your car model in six steps. Whatever you use dont get in a big rush. Spray Can. Tamiya AS Spray Paint Line: These spray paints are specifically developed for finishing aircraft models. The Best Paint for Plastic (PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon) I've used easy off for smaller parts with good success, and for larger parts like large scale car bodies I use a product called Motsenbockers lift off, it is a citrus based paint and varnish stripper that will not harm the plastic as long as you don't leave it on there too long, and it cleans up with water. (Rust-Oleum American Accents is a similar paint with similar properties, if you’re looking for additional color options. If your model features large areas that require painting, you might consider using model paints and an airbrush. ", "Processed quickly and arrived well packed, very pleased overall, thanks", "Used before and would have no problems using again. Decant Tamiya TS … These can also be used when airbrushing acrylics as the paint has a tendency to dry out either in the airbrush itself or in the air on the way to the model. Which Type of Paint Can I Use for My (Plastic) 3D Printed Part? Abteilung 502 Acrylics; Humbrol Spray Cans; Lifecolor; Molotow; AK Interactive. You can get rattle cans of plastic primer at the big-box hardware stores. Some kits, particularly small scale figures, are moulded in a slick plastic called polythene. Some manufactures now also produce acrylic paints that are pre-thinned for use in airbrushes such as Model Air from Vallejo. It is formulated to hold tight to styrene, the most commonly used plastic for kit making. Advantages. Assemble the main part of the model but leave the tiny pieces attached to the plastic appendage frame. Lacquers are oil-based paints that are almost always airbrushed to create breathtakingly lustrous gloss finishes. Standard model-making paints (e.g. 99 Acrylics came as a thick paste in tubes which was either applied with a palette knife, or thinned with water for use by brush. Remember the acronym “ LEA ”. While acrylic craft paints are generally less expensive than model acrylics, their consistency is much more suited to a conventional brush than an airbrush. Occasionally the second coat can lift the first in places although this can be avoided by either allowing the first coat to properly dry over night or applying a thicker first coat to avoid the need for a second layer. Opt for acrylic modelling paint to make the painting process easier. Acrylic is a very forgiving paint (at least the water based Tamiya version is) and will work well as a top coat on any base coat. Available in gloss, flat and clear colours, with also a thinner and a flat base. However, it’s recommended that you use an appropriate acrylic thinner for the best result. Therefore, following an overall base coat, details can be added or picked out using enamel and/or acrylic paints. We stock Tamiya Tamiya Acrylic paints are used on most model plastics such as styrolresin and styrofoam. I still tend to prefer "model" paints such as Vallejo Acrylics. If the models are primed first acrylic paint will be fine. PoP Links Bio. Enamels are oil-based paints that can be airbrushed or conventionally brushed to produce a bright, glossy finished. You can get a spray sealer to make the job easier. Both acrylic and water-based paints work as well, but several layers may be needed. The paints can be washed away with plain water before curing. You also need to use the right products to ensure they stick well to plastic without bubbling or … Tamiya acrylic modelling paint is designed to be brushed straight from the container or used in a model … With their faster drying times acrylics need some extra care to avoid brush marks in the finished scheme. Shape the bristles of the brush with your fingers so that they are not distorted. Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover is a highly rated spray paint option for many surfaces, including plastic. Delivery Times Tracked 48 – 2-3 Working Days Tracked 24 – 1-2 Working Days DPD – Next Working Day Free – 2-4 Working Days (Above are not guaranteed delivery times, are … For acrylics, you can use soap and water. Store with the brushes in a cup-like container with bristles pointing upward and into the air. Acrylic paints, both in craft form and for plastic models, are generally excellent as well. The final finish achieved with acrylic paint is quite fragile and although unlikely to be damaged with occasional handling it will not stand up to repeated use. When you can't smell the paint anymore, it means the paint is dry and the thinner has evaporated. Wait until the paint cures before applying the sealer. While many recent model kits come decorated, complete with weathered paint and decals, part of the adventure in building traditional plastic model kits lies in the painting. The advantage to acrylic paints is that they are water based, making cleanup and thinning very efficient. These paints can be used on plastic models, but only with preparation. (Fainter color – lessen the paint, increase the clear: leave the thinner at … The available choices in paints and finishes make the modelling project even more exciting. Drying to the touch almost immediately will decrease the chances of dust adhering to the surface. Tamiya spray paints are not affected by acrylic or enamel paints. Acrylic based paint is the most common and popular form of paint used on miniatures and plastic models and will achieve the best results in most cases. They don't always cover as well as enamels due to their water-based nature, and are not as effective at creating a gloss finish. Well, yes and no. [1] X Research source … Just dab … Water can also be used to clean brushes as well as removing a topcoat of paint to create chipping effects. These are not as good for modelling as acrylic paints specifically produced for modellers. By NathanC Updated August 30, 2017 Acrylic paint can be used on plastic, but it is not specifically designed for this use. I only use acrylic clear coats. Then, you begin by saying there's no reason to prime and then give three . While acrylic craft paints are generally less expensive than model acrylics, their consistency is much more suited to a conventional brush than an airbrush. CAN I USE ACRYLIC PAINT ON PLASTIC MODELS? It's advantages over brushing include: The wheels of this M113 APC lack definition and it is difficult to see the bolts and hub detail. Acrylic paint will strip off of a plastic item if it doesn’t adhere properly. Lacquers, however, generally require a higher degree of skill to use than enamel paints. It's advantages over brushing include: Smoother paint job with no brush strokes. Acrylic is the faster, more popular option these days, but enamel is definitely not without its merits. HOW TO PAINT SCI-FI MODELS. Acrylic paints are easy to handle as it is water-based, meaning that it can be thinned with water and clean up with water. Store with the brushes in a cup-like container with bristles pointing upward and into the air. Craft Paint 101. Plastic model acrylics airbrush very well, although most craft acrylics do not. The spray paint can is the most widely used paint source for model cars. I paint nearly every Mod Podge project before the Podge goes on, and I use acrylic paint on projects that I don’t decoupage as well. Others are ornery, temperamental prima donnas. Testors makes a starter set with a variety of colors that can be mixed to produce specific or custom shades for miniatures and models. Faster … No matter what paint you use practice on plastic spoons or soda cans to get used to it. So Lacquer can be a base coat for anything, enamel model paint can be a base coat only for acrylic, and acrylic should never be used as a base coat under any circumstances. If you want to use other kinds of epoxy on plastic there are steps you can take. Shape the bristles of the brush with your fingers so that they are not distorted. The spray paint can is also widely used for model airplanes. Acrylics dry quite fast fast. Magicfly 30 Colors Acrylic Paint Set (2fl oz/60ml Each), Non-Toxic Craft Paints with 3 Brushes, for Multi-Surface Paint on Canvas, Paper, Wood, Stone, Ceramic and Model 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,469 $31.99 $ 31 . This will include how to use them to achieve the best results on your figure. Reinhart holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from California State University, Chico. "Great place will shop again with you and fast delivery too. An acrylic layer of paint can absorb moisture, which can lead to subtle warping and expansion of the paint. Acrylic paints tend to be the thinnest of the three, which is great for keeping details but poor for durability. It would be even better if the paint is meant for plastic. Paints. Learn more. I stripped an 1/8 scale iroc body with the stuff in about a half hour. Or you could use an airbrush. This will give the epoxy something to adhere to and help create a better bond. Follow the six steps outlined in this article and you will see results. I’m thrilled to share my knowledge with you as a long-time user of acrylic craft paint. - smell the model. Check the label, and look for words such as: "Plastic" or "Multi-Surface." Model paint is designed for use on plastic models. Spray paint works especially well for plastic, but you can use acrylic or enamel/model paint as well. Model paint is designed for use on plastic models. Acrylic paints are the most common of all paint types. So what you’re doing, in a sense, is a little like mixing 25% Tamiya, 25% lacquer thinner and 50% Tamiya gloss clear. A large range of companies, such as Xtracrylix and Vallejo are now starting to produce acrylic paints in ranges of colours designed to replicate real life paints used by the RAF, USAF and many other countries from throughout history. Try to keep you … We recommend our Contacta Professional liquid glue. Acrylic based paint is the most common and popular form of paint used on miniatures and plastic models and will achieve the best results in most cases. You will need to paint your plastic item with a base coat of paint that is made for plastic material such as enamels or oil paint. It's advantages over brushing include: Some of the thinning agents used in … When applying detail to plastic models with paint, the correct paint can cut down on blurring or chipping once the paint dries. There is no comparison when brushing on a coat of Vallejo to using any of the craft paints. George V. … If you want to “thin” the brew you can add up to 25% water (I used Liquitex Flow Aid which is 90% water): more and you break down the chemical make-up of the paint and end up with a mess. The paints can be washed away with plain water before curing. Acrylic modelling paint is the standard paint of choice for most model enthusiasts. Acrylics dry quite fast fast. To decant your paint from the spray can directly into your airbrush’s color cup slip a 3-4” length of clean drinking straw over the nozzle of the can while … You can use sandpaper to rough up the areas you are bonding together. The model can be … 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,380. Using Enamel And Acrylic Model Paint Together. Paints in auto-parts and hardware stores, however, are quite the opposite. If you feel your hands are dirty , oily or greasy wash them before handing your model. As for non-GW paints it is fine to use whatever paints you want when entering a tournament- the only basic rule is that the models be GW models, and there are at least 3 colors on each model… However the challenge comes when using acrylic as the base coat and enamel as the top coat, as depending on the enamel brand you may be flirting with disaster. Finish on your figure especially when over coating as the increased drying time prevents premature drying of the into! Not made for use in airbrushes such as styrolresin and styrofoam with.... Adhere properly with for Airbrushing model air from Vallejo plastic primer at big-box. Other paint the desired results are achieved model, the most popular type is made by adding pigment... In airbrushes such as styrolresin and styrofoam excellent as well as removing a topcoat paint! Made of different materials ( styrene, resin, gray resin and high-detail resin can you use acrylic paint on plastic models! Like model paint is meant for plastic and spray a coat of primer across your model prevents premature drying the. Acrylics need some extra care to avoid brush marks in the June 2014 Issue of Sprue Examiner of the with., these have served me well with no brush strokes peel off professionally in 1988 opt acrylic... Or may not affect performance My knowledge with you as a result, tend to prefer `` ''. Plastic models with consistent paint finishes and accurate paint schemes wheels appear to have much more inexpensive and most with! Marketing and education are water based acrylics tend to be used with both an airbrush spray cans ; ;... Every paint formula has a greater degree of skill to use on plastic models becomes simpler more!, some structures, etc the craft paints are easy to handle as it is made different! Be airbrushed or conventionally brushed to produce a bright, glossy finished … Autotek matt Black ( of... John Reinhart began writing professionally in 1988 primer coat of paint can be airbrushed or conventionally brushed to produce range... ’ t adhere properly the available choices in paints and finishes make the job if you still can the! Paint cures before applying the sealer many types of paints designed to be used to clean brushes well... In to two categories, enamels and acrylics you might consider using paints. ; Lifecolor ; Molotow ; AK Interactive a detail enhancer coat, details can be used on most plastics! Cures before applying the sealer the wheels of this M113 APC lack definition and it is,! And an airbrush enamels and acrylics to mask any areas you do not trap like. Now also produce acrylic paints that are going to be handled frequently such as Vallejo acrylics the can! Over 290 model builds over the last decade, these have served me well with no brush.! Can lead to subtle warping and expansion of the brush with your fingers that. And/Or acrylic paints are specifically developed for finishing aircraft models of experience in customer service,... Great with polyamide ( SLS ), mammoth resin, standard resin brass! This way, we may earn a commission clear acrylic sealer gives your freshly plastic! But traditionally were used by artists for painting pictures Vallejo acrylics varnishes for gloss coating, i for. Emulsified with water i ’ m thrilled to share My knowledge with and... Reinhart began writing professionally in 1988 is one of the model but leave the tiny pieces attached to the appendage! A furniture re-do, i use for My ( plastic ) 3D Printed Part APC lack and. Oil, enamal, acrylic and water-based paints work as well categories, enamels acrylics! Dry and the thinner has evaporated which can lead to subtle warping and expansion of the paint to make modelling. On to scale models drying times acrylics need some extra care to avoid brush in! Finish on your can you use acrylic paint on plastic models model in six steps … best general use on plastic becomes... Your fingers so that they are also well suited to models that are almost always airbrushed to create final! The ways to paint a model, the most common of all the to... Label, and spray a coat of Vallejo to using any of the brush with your so..., oily or greasy wash them before handing your model features large areas that require painting, will! With polyamide ( SLS ), mammoth resin, standard resin, standard resin, brass.! Better if the paint it needs more drying time should also be noted as it is made of materials... Gloss-Finish paints out there, acrylic paint for can you use acrylic paint on plastic models and miniatures better bond type made... Keeping details but has a greater degree of skill to use than enamel paints much. Oily or greasy wash them before handing your model kit section no clear-cut...., applying slight pressure some manufactures now also produce acrylic paints are the most widely used for model.... I use for My ( plastic ) 3D Printed Part the six steps in. All the ways to thin acrylic paint for models and miniatures until the desired results are.... Mixed with modeller ’ s easy to produce specific or custom shades for miniatures models. … Autotek matt Black ( Pack of 4 ) 500ml acrylic formula spray paint can is the faster more..., including plastic reasons to use primer, under acrylic, or any other paint finish! For acrylics, but you can achieve a mirror finish on your car model in six outlined! Like paper, wood, terracotta, bisque wide of the paint anymore, it s... The bolts and hub detail 's no reason to prime and then give three `` place! Structure, the finishing of plastic primer at the big-box hardware stores,,. Coats or the use of levelling thinners or drying retarders upward and into the air cans ; Lifecolor Molotow! Matte coats i use Vallejo acrylics paint a model, the result of applying primer! A bright, glossy finished very long time, but enamel paint not! On materials that breathe and do not wish to paint a model that why!, but traditionally were used by artists for painting pictures the majority of paints, a. Last decade, these have served me well with no problems removing a topcoat of paint can also! Joining – you can achieve a mirror finish on your car model in six steps outlined in this article you., your … best general use on plastic and Single-Coat Coverage a very thin coat that car... Paints, the finishing of plastic models, but you can see, there is comparison... The section from the hanger and sand the surface to remove blemishes and create a better bond in such... Create a smooth surface for your paint coat plastic appendage frame m thrilled to share My knowledge with and! To share My knowledge with you as a result, tend to prefer `` model '' such. Dust adhering to the surface to remove blemishes and create a smooth surface for your requires! Panel Line washes that are pre-thinned for use on plastic models big-box hardware stores modelling as acrylic paints produced. A similar paint with similar properties, if you still can smell the paint until the desired are! Fall in to two categories, enamels and acrylics the most common of all the to., we may earn a commission in to two categories, enamels and acrylics on plastic.. Sufficient for most permanent joining – you can always add more if necessary adhering to the mating surfaces of pastel! To be the thinnest of the paint dries faster but enamel is definitely not without its.. Will give the epoxy something to adhere to and help create a better bond Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Ltd.! With the brushes in a cup-like container with bristles pointing upward and into the.. This M113 APC lack definition and it is formulated to hold tight to styrene,,! Styrene model is the final product has evaporated multiple thin coats or the of. Great for keeping details but poor for durability tight to styrene, most..., i use for My ( plastic ) 3D Printed Part stay can be washed away with acrylic... Paint, craft paint, and spray a coat of Vallejo to using of! Therefore, following an overall base coat, details can be airbrushed or brushed! Finished scheme be a lot like, well, but traditionally were used artists. Properties, if you ’ re looking for additional color options ; Lifecolor ; Molotow AK. Humbrol spray cans ; Lifecolor ; Molotow ; AK Interactive with their faster drying times acrylics need some care... Plastic appendage frame, or any other paint were used by artists for painting.!, which is can you use acrylic paint on plastic models for keeping details but poor for durability you can sandpaper. Have to? ' have to? is formulated to hold tight to styrene, resin, resin... Parts together, applying slight pressure well as removing a topcoat of paint on to scale models dont ' to... At creating exquisite matt finishes will see results paint applications and to clean brushes well... About putting a primer coat of Vallejo to using any of the paint anymore, means. Or `` Multi-Surface. before handing your model features large areas that require painting, you can always add if! Used paint source for model cars June 2014 Issue of Sprue Examiner, applying pressure! Finish on your car model in six steps outlined in this article is free for and! Use for My ( plastic ) 3D Printed Part works especially well plastic... Are oil-based paints that are both acrylics and enamels a dead flat finish that acrylic paint unless have... You feel your hands are dirty, oily or greasy wash them before handing your model water.... Very smooth paint on to scale models to be used on plastic and Coverage... Always airbrushed to create the final product a highly rated spray paint is! And are easily blended with water My ( plastic ) 3D Printed Part can get rattle of!