Best sources for acryllic paints for airbrushing

[bobburger]

I’m at the point in my layout where I need to do a lot of airbrushing. I’ve used an airbrush just a little in the past, but now have used up most of my supply of acrylic paints and need to acquire a fair supply of certain colors. I’ve used Polly Scale acrylics a fair amount and have also used MicroLux paints. I’m aware that Walthers sells Badger’s Modelflex paints, but have no experience with these. It seems that MicroMark no longer sells its MicroLux paints. Testor’s Model Master paints look good for variety, but again I have no experience with these. Walthers also sells Tru-Color paints, but these are marked “hazardous” which gives me pause.

 

 

So…  I’m looking for evaluations with respect to the Modelflex paints, Model Master paints, and Tru-Color paints and recommendations for brands and sources for acrylic paints suitable for airbrush use. Thanks in advance to those who can help me by providing some info.

 

[zstripe]

Bobburger,

Most of the paints You described I have tried since Floquil was taken off the market. I was normally a solvent based user of all paints for I also painted full size trucks/cars. When I got into using Acrylic paints around the late 80's, a lot of them I did not care for, I won't mention the brands for I don't want to bash any brands, but I will say....I stay away from air-brush ready paints, for I believe it is a waste of money. What I decided on for airbrushing since I started using it was Tamiya Acrylic's. I believe it has about the best coverage/finish than a lot of others. I also was able to mix a lot of Railroad specific colors and use some ready mixed colors that are almost dead-on to Floquil colors, just a different color name. I also am into Military miniatures figures/vehicles that I have been using Vallejo, Citadel paints and some times Humbrol, also acrylics, some colors that are really unheard of to some modelers. Take a look at the link for Tamiya and pick a bottle to give it a shot, You may like it:

https://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/feature.php?article-id=72#.WLSPyDvytPY

I usually use Denatured Alcohol(not Isopropyl) to mix all the Acrylics I use, but You can use their thinner if You prefer. If You have any questions, feel free to send Me a PM (private msg.) or here. Been in the HO scale side of the hobby since 8yrs. old 1950, will be 75 this yr. So I have been doing it a little while.

Take Care! 

Frank

 

[RR_Mel]

Having lost Floquil Paints I tried several paints and settled on Tru-Color Paint.  It is solvent based paint and comes ready for air brushing.  I still thin it a bit with Acetone and use Acetone for cleanup.  They have a great selection of railroad colors.

 

I’ve used Crafters Acrylic paint in my air brush and if thinned with an Acrylic thinner they really go on good.  I tried thinning crafters paint with distilled water and while it sprays fairly well Acrylic Crafters paint doesn’t adhere to plastics and metal as good using distilled water as it does with an Acrylic thinner.  The big advantage of using Crafters Acrylic is two fold, great price (75¢ per ounce) and even greater color selection.  Crafters Acrylics are really great using a brush and super easy water cleanup.

 

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

[hornblower]

I have produced lots of great results using craft paints (Craftsmart, Americana, Ceramcoat, Artist's Loft, Createx, etc.) in my airbrush. Yes, you need to thin craft paint and some of the lighter colors will require multiple coats to cover adequately, but they are perfect for structures, scenery and even rolling stock.  I find that craft paints lay down and adhere best when a little alcohol is added.  However, I have also found that it is best to do most of the paint thinning using water prior to adding just a few drops of alcohol.  Otherwise, some craft paints will actually thicken when alcohol is added directly to the full strength craft paint.  Also note that these paints dry quickly so clean your airbrush often!  You can't complain about the price either!

[JoeinPA]

bobburger

It seems that MicroMark no longer sells its MicroLux paints.

Bob

Where did you get that info? I received a MicroMark catalogue in the mail today and it lists the complete line of MicroLux paints. They are also listed on the website.

Joe

[Guy Papillon]

Like Frank (zstripe), I use Tamyia Acrylic Paints diluted in isopropyl alcohol for airbrushing. Unfortunately they are not color specific for rail roads. 

[bigpianoguy]

Rapido Trains has just come out with a whole line of 'airbrush ready' acrylic paints in railroad colors. Haven't used them myself yet but I've been hearing good things...

http://rapidotrains.com/proto-paint/

[bibbster]

As with some other, I use the cheap craft acrylic, and thin with 91% iso alcohol. Even if you don't have an artists bone in your body, you can mix colors to get what you are after. I usually mix a single drop or less (using a toothpick) and let that dry. Acrylics typically dry darker so you don't want to go by the wet color.

Be sure and pay attention to your 'formula' and write it down. One trick is to buy a package of plastic spoons and paint the bowl with your final color. This gives you a good idea of highlights and such on the curves (handy for automobile modeling). Then use a permanent pen to write the mixture that resulted in your color on the handle. Always cover over that writing with clear cellophane tape, because no matter what they say, a permanent marker isn't permanent. ;) Me, I just use a note card. lol

Here are some examples of mine, though none are RR related. Just getting into that so there will be some in time I'm sure.

1956 Porsche 356 in Buttercup Yellow

 

The color on this fantasy livery Ford P68 is meant to match the vintage Dr. Pepper vending machines back in the day. I love me some Dr. Pepper! You can see where I mixed paint until I found the right color.