Thank you for all the views so far! I never thought this video will get so popular, but I'm glad it did. I hope you all got some basic understanding about differences between different colors and that I could be of help. Of course I made some mistakes here and there and everything is not so black and white as I presented it. So, the best way to find it out for yourself is to simply try using both and see what works best for you. :)
Thanks for the video! It may be a regional issue, but in the USA, enamels are available in far more colors than acrylics. Here, they are the "standard" for models such as cars, planes, ships, etc. I paint tabletop gaming miniatures (for which hobbiests almost universally use specialty acrylics) and I've found enamels give better coverage, dry faster (if not over-thinned), do not smear when applying waterslide decals or "washes," last longer, have more color options without mixing, are available in more stores, and are less expensive (about 1/3 the price of miniature acrylics)... I agree, however, that clean-up is more difficult and time-consuming.
Great video. personally I use Enamel for my modeling. ive been getting into 1/32 remote controll cars and its the only thing that lasts the constants handling. even then it does wear off over time... but im getting close to 10x the wear resistance.
Thanks for your response!! I live on Nantucket Island off Cape Cod/Massachusetts. Only one small hobby store, no big mall stores. But I DID find a couple of online hobby companies that have what I need after all. I also like your advice to start with using fewer colors until I'm more experienced - Whew! I look for more of your videos! Thanks again!
Go on Ebay to find "second hand" (as in, started but not finished) Model kits. Turns out to be much cheaper, and thus less worry to test paint (and screw up) your first 4 or 5 kits. After that, you get the hang of it..
I learned model building from my father back in 1975 when I was 8. Since then a long time, for decades, I knew only enamel. And I knew it was toxic because it has a di-stink-tive smell ... then I used usual terpentine as thinner and brush washer. It was until watching THIS video, I always got confused why so many modellers (using acryl as standard obviously) need a "primer". I never need that with enamel. So I found it much "trickier" to use acryl than enamel, just because I was used to it, btw only with conventional brushes, airbrush equipment was too expensive. Which is the only advantage of enamel that was not mentioned here, as most pro modellers all seem to have an airbrush.
I just can't get the hang of enamel. I used to paint warhammer/lotr models and I can get a fantastic result using acrylics. But I'm painting a Stuka B2 just now with enamel, they look fantastic once they're dry. But I can't get the same level of detail that I do from acrylic. Any tips?
This video was awesome, thanks for the tips. I'm also new to modeling and I'm making my first model plane. I am slightly on a budget but I have some acrylic paint at home. I know they are acrylic, but would they be good for a model?
Hey, great video, Noobarama Scale Modeling. I'm starting to try to paint my gundam models (plastic scale models) Can you mix the enamel paints for different colors like you can with acrylics?
My question is this. I am using Testors acrylics.Can I use Testors clear lacquer paint over fully cured acrylics ? One more question what are the paints that Top Notch model Builders prefer I'm sure it's not testers so what is it or is it a combination of everyone's paints?
Hi. Better use acrylic laquer. Top notch modellers use, among others, Testors model master, tstors acrylics, Tamiya acrylics, Humbrol, and many more. What I like about Testors, is the wide variety of colors. You don´t guess, or mix. There is every shade of the exact FS standard, WWII Luftwaffe RLM, etc. What Arnold doesn´t say, is that acrylics are trickier to spray.
A very good video. Well explained. Thanks. You could have spoke about not being able to paint one type on another. Which happened to me once. What an ugly result. What a mess.
got a big question for you.....i hear Lacquer thinner and Lighter fluid can be used to thin BOTH enamels and acrylics, is this true? I do hope you answer this, or maybe another user could...thanks!!
Hey, sorry for the late reply! A lot of things can be used as a thinner, but beware! Some of them can melt your plastic model. So, my advice would be, to try it first on some testing model. I would recommend trying to use acetone and see the results for yourself.
Nice - and useful - short video. As I'm just starting into modeling, can someone tell me WHERE to acquire the large and wide variety of paints (either enamel OR acrylic) that my (WWII warplane) kit calls for? Hobby stores seem to have just small collections of colors; "distributors" don't sell/ship to individuals; none of the mfrs themselves sell direct, etc. where do I find the 17 colors I need (including "Imperial Japanese Navy Grey", for example? Thanks for ANY advice! JP
Hi, thanks for your feedback. Here in Slovenia, we can get enamels in bigger shopping mall stores with departments with toys or in toy stores (acrylics too). We don't have so many specialized hobby stores, if any. Where do you live? Maybe I can tell you more then... As far as the 17 colors are concerned, just use the ones that you are gonna use the most for the first time. Usually other paints are required only to paint less than square centimeter :D
Amazon and eBay have all paints. Most local hobby shops also do phone orders and delivery. But see if you don't have a better local hobby shop. My local shop carry the complete color range of at least 3 brands, plus some additional popular colors in other ranges.
Acetone melts certain plastic types, and not others. If it does react, it's usually instantaneous when applied directly and undiluted, and gets worse quickly. I would strongly advise against using acetone unless you diligently test against a sprue first on each model piece.
+TheVexinator Yes, that is a very good advice. As I said in the video, I would recommend using acetone, but of course test it first like I did on a piece of sprue or piece of plastic you don't need. I can't state for all the model brands, but on Revell it worked. Still this is only one model, maybe some other Revell models are different. I would believe, that plastic used from brand to brand differs also, so it is utmost neccessary to test it before applying color to the rest of the model. :)
By diecast I suppose you mean models made from metal (I googled it)? If so, then I really can't advice you on that, since I only tested these paints on plastic models. The guy from this site recommends using enamels. www.wikihow.com/Paint-Over-a-Diecast-Car
hi i want to ask you something ive just bought tamiya acrylic paint and apply it to my plastic model to wash it but i cant erase them with water it would be appreciated if you know how to erase acrylic paint from my model
For diluting acrylics I always used water. So, I have no idea how other thinners behave with acrylics. If you have any at your disposal, you should try them in different proportions on some test models. For removing acrylic paint try using acetone, but be careful, as acetone tends to melt some of the types of plastic. Other chemicals that come to mind would be isopropyl alcohol and ammonia solution. All of these can be obtained probably from local stores.
@DH Lee -Tamiya acrylics are different to others, they are alcohol based. Apart from their own X-20A, Tam acrylics can also be thinned with IPA, Cellulose, or at a push, Acetone. (Always use a primer before acetone-thinned acrylics, as acetone will melt some plastics) Water or Windex (car screen wash) thinning is not recommended. Water and/or Windex is fine with most other acrylics, but avoid it with Tamiya. *Just IMHO of course - but that is from 20+yrs of my own experience. Personally - I find Tamiya acrylics are fantastic for spraying (coverage) - and I prefer enamels for brush painting (details)
Acetone will melt ABS plastic but not PLA pastic. Some model manufacturers will put the type of plastic runner in the instructions, for instance Bandai does label their Gunpla kits.
How would you recommend protecting enamel paints on toys meant to be handled a lot? I like to make small toys with Super Sculpey and want to paint them with enamels and would prefer the coat to be very robust.
Pla? You mean plastic? If you intend to dilute them with dedicated enamel paint thinner, then yes. If you would dilute enamels with any other solvent, then I would suggest to try painting the test model first to see the end result. If acetone is used to dilute paints, this could melt the plastic so I would advise against it. Overall, I would advise you to try acrylics, especially if you are using airbrush. They are much more "user-friendly".
I just ran out of a Tamiya acrylic paint for plastic model. I do have that color in tube, which I use for acrylic painting on canvas. The Tamiya paint is supposedly "flamable". The Tube acrylic color is water based think paste, which paint with using water as medium. Can I mix the Tamiya and the Winsor & Newton acrylic paints to paint the plastic model?
can i use enamel paint over my diecast model car which is painted with automotive paint & lacquer. will it stick? what should I use on top to protect it?
Hi! I would not know anything about painting diecast models. My suggestion is, that you try to paint the test model first, if you have one. That way you will know for sure without ruining your model.
+Everlet t oh, that is interesting. I used lighter fluid, but it didn't seem to dilute. It was mixing very oddly. Looked like a reaction was going on in there, though I am not sure :)
+Everlet t I tried isopropanole and petroleum ether (basically naphtha) but it didnt't dissolve. As I said in the video, I don't know if there's nything else in Color Mix and what are the proportions of the components. That is obviously important. Acetone will work for me I guess. :)
+Everlet t According to wiki, in lighter fluid there is naphtha, but it doesn't dissolve the enamel, it just mixes very wierd, like it's alive. It probably isn't 100% pure, most of the things you buy off shelves are not even if the description states only one chemical present, you can never know what they put in there. Unless it states explicitly it is 100%. But even pure ethanol, for instance, is as high as 98% I think, but that is satisfactory for most basic uses of course. :) Right now, when I'm going to be in need of applying enamels, I will use acetone. :)
All paints - solvent based, oils, acrylics - will chip easily if the surface isn't properly prepared. Enamel paint is no better than acrylic paint when considering adhesion. Chipping and peeling is a symptom of poorly prepared surfaces (not properly cleaned, no primer when necessary, etc.) or improperly mixed/thinned paint. :0)
Please do not underestimate acrylics. They are oviously NOT water-based but acrylics based (duh). They are most definitely toxic, do not get them on your hands and most importantly wear an appropriate respirator when spraying them!!!
Thank you for all the views so far! I never thought this video will get so popular, but I'm glad it did. I hope you all got some basic understanding about differences between different colors and that I could be of help. Of course I made some mistakes here and there and everything is not so black and white as I presented it. So, the best way to find it out for yourself is to simply try using both and see what works best for you. :)
I didn't know Schwarzenegger painted models.
Aaaaarghhhararaaaaaahhh!!! Everybody to da 1:48 choppa!
Thanks for the video!
It may be a regional issue, but in the USA, enamels are available in far more colors than acrylics. Here, they are the "standard" for models such as cars, planes, ships, etc. I paint tabletop gaming miniatures (for which hobbiests almost universally use specialty acrylics) and I've found enamels give better coverage, dry faster (if not over-thinned), do not smear when applying waterslide decals or "washes," last longer, have more color options without mixing, are available in more stores, and are less expensive (about 1/3 the price of miniature acrylics)...
I agree, however, that clean-up is more difficult and time-consuming.
For enamel paint you can use white spirit to clean and use as a thinner
I didn't know it......!....I prefer enamels, work with acrylics is a NIGHTMARE....!
Great video. personally I use Enamel for my modeling. ive been getting into 1/32 remote controll cars and its the only thing that lasts the constants handling. even then it does wear off over time... but im getting close to 10x the wear resistance.
Thanks for your response!! I live on Nantucket Island off Cape Cod/Massachusetts. Only one small hobby store, no big mall stores. But I DID find a couple of online hobby companies that have what I need after all. I also like your advice to start with using fewer colors until I'm more experienced - Whew! I look for more of your videos! Thanks again!
Glad to be of help! :)
Go on Ebay to find "second hand" (as in, started but not finished) Model kits.
Turns out to be much cheaper, and thus less worry to test paint (and screw up) your first 4 or 5 kits.
After that, you get the hang of it..
Thank you for the definition it was really hard to discern especially in a art store nobody knows
Fantastic! Great information. I am wanting to use enamel for a project so this helped a lot. Thanks. See you soon. 🤙💞🙏
Very helpful, thank-you: a very clear, capable and well-done presentation!
Thanks for the kind words!
I learned model building from my father back in 1975 when I was 8. Since then a long time, for decades, I knew only enamel. And I knew it was toxic because it has a di-stink-tive smell ... then I used usual terpentine as thinner and brush washer.
It was until watching THIS video, I always got confused why so many modellers (using acryl as standard obviously) need a "primer". I never need that with enamel. So I found it much "trickier" to use acryl than enamel, just because I was used to it, btw only with conventional brushes, airbrush equipment was too expensive. Which is the only advantage of enamel that was not mentioned here, as most pro modellers all seem to have an airbrush.
So really it’s the enamel that’s going to make the model look kick arse, I’ll go for the getting high paint 👍
I just can't get the hang of enamel. I used to paint warhammer/lotr models and I can get a fantastic result using acrylics.
But I'm painting a Stuka B2 just now with enamel, they look fantastic once they're dry. But I can't get the same level of detail that I do from acrylic. Any tips?
Can i use this enamel paint to paint bumper of my car in black with sponge brush ?
Will it last ? Is primer needed please ?
Great video for any artist, not specific to scale modeling only. Great job?
This video was awesome, thanks for the tips. I'm also new to modeling and I'm making my first model plane. I am slightly on a budget but I have some acrylic paint at home. I know they are acrylic, but would they be good for a model?
Hey, great video, Noobarama Scale Modeling. I'm starting to try to paint my gundam models (plastic scale models) Can you mix the enamel paints for different colors like you can with acrylics?
Yes, enamels can also be mixed! :)
Can you mix enamels and acrylics? I was told to mix them, but this doesn’t sound like it.??
I wouldn’t advise doing so. Even mixing enamels with other enamels from different manufacturers can cause problems.
Water and oil....
Hi, I am going to use Bird Brand Genuine Turps 100% pur gum turpentine to thin my enamel paints. I believe this is ok. If disagree let me know?
My question is this.
I am using Testors acrylics.Can I use Testors clear lacquer paint over fully cured acrylics ? One more question what are the paints that Top Notch model Builders prefer I'm sure it's not testers so what is it or is it a combination of everyone's paints?
Hi. Better use acrylic laquer. Top notch modellers use, among others, Testors model master, tstors acrylics, Tamiya acrylics, Humbrol, and many more. What I like about Testors, is the wide variety of colors. You don´t guess, or mix. There is every shade of the exact FS standard, WWII Luftwaffe RLM, etc. What Arnold doesn´t say, is that acrylics are trickier to spray.
A very good video. Well explained. Thanks. You could have spoke about not being able to paint one type on another. Which happened to me once. What an ugly result. What a mess.
What happens when you paint acrylic on enamel or enamel onto acrylic?
got a big question for you.....i hear Lacquer thinner and Lighter fluid can be used to thin BOTH enamels and acrylics, is this true? I do hope you answer this, or maybe another user could...thanks!!
Acrylic paint is water based so all you need yo do is add water.. what happens when you mix thinner with water ;)
Hey, sorry for the late reply! A lot of things can be used as a thinner, but beware! Some of them can melt your plastic model. So, my advice would be, to try it first on some testing model. I would recommend trying to use acetone and see the results for yourself.
Nice - and useful - short video. As I'm just starting into modeling, can someone tell me WHERE to acquire the large and wide variety of paints (either enamel OR acrylic) that my (WWII warplane) kit calls for? Hobby stores seem to have just small collections of colors; "distributors" don't sell/ship to individuals; none of the mfrs themselves sell direct, etc. where do I find the 17 colors I need (including "Imperial Japanese Navy Grey", for example? Thanks for ANY advice! JP
Hi, thanks for your feedback. Here in Slovenia, we can get enamels in bigger shopping mall stores with departments with toys or in toy stores (acrylics too). We don't have so many specialized hobby stores, if any. Where do you live? Maybe I can tell you more then...
As far as the 17 colors are concerned, just use the ones that you are gonna use the most for the first time. Usually other paints are required only to paint less than square centimeter :D
If you are in England go to,hobbycraft
Amazon and eBay have all paints. Most local hobby shops also do phone orders and delivery.
But see if you don't have a better local hobby shop. My local shop carry the complete color range of at least 3 brands, plus some additional popular colors in other ranges.
If you have an airbrush go for Tamiya acrylic and thinned with lacquer thinners. Brush painting Vallejo acrylic or revell aqua.
Did the acetone speed up the drying time of the enamel?
I would say there was no difference. I would suggest to use paint thinner that is designed especially for that though.
Can I use acrylic paint to paint strap watch. Or should I use enamel paint ? Thank you
Hm, I don't know for sure. I would prime it first though for whichever color you will decide to use.
Use acrylic more cheaper no need for white spirit
Very helpful and informative. Appreciate!
What about alcohol based enamels. im trying it cuz i can clean with water.
is the difference the same for acrylic spray paints and enamnel spray paints?
Acetone melts certain plastic types, and not others. If it does react, it's usually instantaneous when applied directly and undiluted, and gets worse quickly.
I would strongly advise against using acetone unless you diligently test against a sprue first on each model piece.
+TheVexinator Yes, that is a very good advice. As I said in the video, I would recommend using acetone, but of course test it first like I did on a piece of sprue or piece of plastic you don't need. I can't state for all the model brands, but on Revell it worked. Still this is only one model, maybe some other Revell models are different. I would believe, that plastic used from brand to brand differs also, so it is utmost neccessary to test it before applying color to the rest of the model. :)
Very useful video thank u for sharing
Do I absolutely need a primer for acrylic colors?
It sounds like you do if you want the paint job to last. Sounds like without primer, you'll get peeling or flaking eventually.
So would enamel be better for painting diecast?
By diecast I suppose you mean models made from metal (I googled it)? If so, then I really can't advice you on that, since I only tested these paints on plastic models. The guy from this site recommends using enamels. www.wikihow.com/Paint-Over-a-Diecast-Car
Yeah, that's what I meant. Thanks!
hi i want to ask you something
ive just bought tamiya acrylic paint
and apply it to my plastic model to wash it but i cant erase them with water it would be appreciated if you know how to erase acrylic paint from my model
plus. i just heard that acrylic also need specific thinner like enamel
what do you recommend for acrylic thinner?
For diluting acrylics I always used water. So, I have no idea how other thinners behave with acrylics. If you have any at your disposal, you should try them in different proportions on some test models. For removing acrylic paint try using acetone, but be careful, as acetone tends to melt some of the types of plastic. Other chemicals that come to mind would be isopropyl alcohol and ammonia solution. All of these can be obtained probably from local stores.
@DH Lee -Tamiya acrylics are different to others, they are alcohol based.
Apart from their own X-20A, Tam acrylics can also be thinned with IPA, Cellulose, or at a push, Acetone.
(Always use a primer before acetone-thinned acrylics, as acetone will melt some plastics)
Water or Windex (car screen wash) thinning is not recommended.
Water and/or Windex is fine with most other acrylics, but avoid it with Tamiya.
*Just IMHO of course - but that is from 20+yrs of my own experience.
Personally - I find Tamiya acrylics are fantastic for spraying (coverage) - and I prefer enamels for brush painting (details)
Helpful,thanks matey and you sound like a young Arnie giving modelling tips,thats not a bad thing." Stick around!!!!"
Wow! Thanks for the great comment! "Hasta la vista, baby!" :)
Noobarama Scale Modeling ' No probs and regarding watching your videos . . . . I'll be back!!! ' :-)
Acetone will melt ABS plastic but not PLA pastic. Some model manufacturers will put the type of plastic runner in the instructions, for instance Bandai does label their Gunpla kits.
Whats best for airspray
+Josh Charlin Some say acrylics, but I wouldn't know that for sure yet, because I'm not using an airbrush. :)
Acrylics....
Excellent video. 👍
How would you recommend protecting enamel paints on toys meant to be handled a lot? I like to make small toys with Super Sculpey and want to paint them with enamels and would prefer the coat to be very robust.
Can I use revell enamels to paint 3d printed pla?
Pla? You mean plastic? If you intend to dilute them with dedicated enamel paint thinner, then yes. If you would dilute enamels with any other solvent, then I would suggest to try painting the test model first to see the end result. If acetone is used to dilute paints, this could melt the plastic so I would advise against it. Overall, I would advise you to try acrylics, especially if you are using airbrush. They are much more "user-friendly".
Badger makes a 3d primer...
I just ran out of a Tamiya acrylic paint for plastic model. I do have that color in tube, which I use for acrylic painting on canvas. The Tamiya paint is supposedly "flamable". The Tube acrylic color is water based think paste, which paint with using water as medium. Can I mix the Tamiya and the Winsor & Newton acrylic paints to paint the plastic model?
For gunpla use acrylic. Enamel can eat the plastic. Especially with the inner frame and poly caps. It will make your plastic very brittle.
Thanks for the help.
Young arnolds painting guides
Enamel rules!
V katerih trgovinah pa se to dobi? Jaz sem ze iskala ampak našla nisem nič. Hvala
V Mueller pojdite, najboljše. Mogoče ma tut še kak Mercator al pa Interšpar (centri), zadnje cajte dosti odmikajo iz polic. Al pa eigrače v BTCju.
Sir, enamel and Distemper wall paint making video sent me
Thanks Arnold. And have you been drinking again?
Hahaha, do I really sound like Arnie? Maybe I should make a career out of that! :D
White spirit thins enamels as does ena!el thinners you buy in hardware stores.
I thought enamel paint make more like metallic color
Enamels rule!!!
can i use enamel paint over my diecast model car which is painted with automotive paint & lacquer. will it stick? what should I use on top to protect it?
Hi! I would not know anything about painting diecast models. My suggestion is, that you try to paint the test model first, if you have one. That way you will know for sure without ruining your model.
funny side note you can use Gasoline to dilute enamel really any oil paint.
+Everlet t oh, that is interesting. I used lighter fluid, but it didn't seem to dilute. It was mixing very oddly. Looked like a reaction was going on in there, though I am not sure :)
not sure whats in lighter fluid might not be pure enough.
+Everlet t I tried isopropanole and petroleum ether (basically naphtha) but it didnt't dissolve. As I said in the video, I don't know if there's nything else in Color Mix and what are the proportions of the components. That is obviously important. Acetone will work for me I guess. :)
+Everlet t According to wiki, in lighter fluid there is naphtha, but it doesn't dissolve the enamel, it just mixes very wierd, like it's alive. It probably isn't 100% pure, most of the things you buy off shelves are not even if the description states only one chemical present, you can never know what they put in there. Unless it states explicitly it is 100%. But even pure ethanol, for instance, is as high as 98% I think, but that is satisfactory for most basic uses of course. :)
Right now, when I'm going to be in need of applying enamels, I will use acetone. :)
I always used turps for enamels as a kid building model planes. I now tend to use acrylics for painting wargaming stuff
Hello Schwarzenegger..........:)
What? It comes off easy if not careful, but it's harder to remove? Hmm.
Peel off as in you can make accidental chips easily, but they are hard to remove as a whole (well at least harder than acrylics). :)
All paints - solvent based, oils, acrylics - will chip easily if the surface isn't properly prepared. Enamel paint is no better than acrylic paint when considering adhesion. Chipping and peeling is a symptom of poorly prepared surfaces (not properly cleaned, no primer when necessary, etc.) or improperly mixed/thinned paint. :0)
Acrylic maybe just easier to damage as a water based products will have less bonding strength. So on and so forth
you cant use acethone as solvent when painting over ABS plastics, because acethone attacks ABS
What I gather from this:
Acrylics for beginners
Enamels for experienced people
Real scale modelers use enamel. Acrylics are for kids.
Acrylics are water based and enamels are oil based. There.
Please do not underestimate acrylics. They are oviously NOT water-based but acrylics based (duh). They are most definitely toxic, do not get them on your hands and most importantly wear an appropriate respirator when spraying them!!!