Brands of Enamel? and Putty Help

[Moodranger]

I am a bit new to modeling, but not too new to painting. I have a large collection of acrylic paints and some spray paints. I have never bought any enamel, but have a can from my father. I was very impressed with the difference it made from the acrylics. I really want to get more, but was wondering if Tamiya brands are the only good ones. My local hobby shop is a bit expensive for them, and the local Wal-mart has a large collection of Testors. Is Testors enamel paint an exceptable one to use, or should I just shell out a little more for the Tamiya paints?

I also have my first model started, its a Ford Ranger. Modeled after my own with some mods. I am using some Tamiya basic putty to change some stuff on it, like the body lines, wiper cowl, handles, and gas door. It seems to take a couple of coats of putty to cover up the body lines and get them sanded down pretty flat. I'm still not to happy how long and crummy its looking. Am I doing something wrong or is there another putty that is better to use?

[astroracer]

As far as paints go I use automotive enamels and laquers exclusively. I will use a two part catalyzed enamel if I am top coating with it just because it cures harder and faster then many of your "model car enamels" and is wet sandable and polisable in a few days rather then weeks.
For fillers, you are right when you say the model car stuff is junk. It is kid friendly and is very prone to shrinkage when put on in thicker coats.
Again, I have been using automotive fillers for years and, if you are looking for an excellant filler with zero shrinkage, pick up a tube of ICING at your local autobody store. This is a polyesther filler/glazing compound and works very well with styrene plastic. It also sands and feather-edges much easier then many of the bondos and glazing puttys out there. There I'm done...

[Moodranger]

Thanks, makes me wanna jump up and go get some right now.

[Moodranger]

Anyone on the brands of enamel to get? Just want to know if its worth getting Testors or not?

[Jay!]

Double check the Tamiya paints you were looking at. Round jar = acrylic; square jar = enamel. I've never seen Tamiya enamels here in the states, but I know they do make them...

[patate]

I dont have any problem with testor spray paint except the gloss black (total scrap for the black) it as take like 3 mont to cure no problems with other colors and the mettalic colors have a very realistic looking.


mario

[Vric]

Originally posted by patate
I dont have any problem with testor spray paint except the gloss black (total scrap for the black) it as take like 3 mont to cure no problems with other colors and the mettalic colors have a very realistic looking.


mario

agreed, Testor paint it really good.. and Clear make a awersome final tutch !

[Moodranger]

cool, much thanks

[patate]

ho I forget never use testor clear on white paint it turn out yellowish



mario

[Kosmonaut]

testors paints aint bad
they dry to a very hard finish... more than suitable for polishing
but i am not a huge fan of some of their colors