Question About Zero Paints

[Chakakhan]

What exactly is the kind of paint that Zero Paints sells? I read "acrylic basecoat" in their FAQ, but I'm not exactly sure what that means.

[stevenoble]

It's automotive acrylic basecoat, just the same paint as they use on full size cars. A lot stronger solvents than in hobby paints. It dries matt finish too, so it needs clear coating to get a shine. Hope that helps..

[Hemi Killer]

I just bougt a few bottles for the first time. It says solvent based acrylic. Very nice to use and in my current weather dries instantly.

[John18d]

Originally Posted by Hemi Killer

I just bougt a few bottles for the first time. It says solvent based acrylic. Very nice to use and in my current weather dries instantly.

Hemi killer - I also use "Zero" paints exclusively now. - the shipping gets a little expensive but I think they're worth it when you consider the outcomes and the ease of use - storage - mixing - compatibility - etc and their 2K clear is the best. - John

[turbothirtytwo]

you can go to your nearest body shop and get the same

[John18d]

yes one can go to a body shop or even a paint retailer shop, but without the paint codes you wouldn't necessarily get the correct color - then there's the issue of what is the smallest quantity you can buy - then you need to reduce the paint with reducers for airbrush consistency then you have to store all that - "Zero" works because you get it all premixed in a glass bottle with a metal lid it's labeled - it's enough to do the model - very easy to use - and if you have to, stores well. The only down side is the shipping costs.. - John

[stevenoble]

I agree with John. The thing you get with Zero is convenience. If you went into a local paint supplier and asked for 60ml of Camel Yellow or 60ml of Rothmans Blue you would most probably get blank looks. Sure they can mix it, but they need the codes to do that. Zero just takes the hassle out of buying colour matched paint. I'm lucky because living in the UK the shipping costs are very reasonable. I know they can be very expensive to ship abroad because of the weight and the fact that some countries even won't allow them to pass through customs as they deem them as dangerous goods..

[turbothirtytwo]

other thing is that its hard to see for example camel yellow in real life so you dont exactly know if its true matched.

[chaos]

Originally Posted by stevenoble

I know they can be very expensive to ship abroad because of the weight and the fact that some countries even won't allow them to pass through customs as they deem them as dangerous goods..

Unfortunately that's the sad truth. I got a quote to ship to Australia and I just couldn't justify the cost. But I would certainly love to give them a go.

[guiwee]

What about Scale Finishes?? Are they a viable alternative? They may be not quite as popular as zero but ive heard nothing but good things about them!!!

[RonCla]

Originally Posted by guiwee

What about Scale Finishes?? Are they a viable alternative? They may be not quite as popular as zero but ive heard nothing but good things about them!!!

Scale Finishes wont ship to those of us outside the USA.Their website also says they are currently out of business

[ScaleCentral]

Originally Posted by RonCla

Scale Finishes wont ship to those of us outside the USA.Their website also says they are currently out of business

I'm hoping that Scale Finishes will reopen as I am wanting to do the Flying Lizard cars and they have always had great prices and ship free in the US. The only alternative that I know of is Model Car World which can get expensive very fast, but it is still way cheaper than the cost to ship Zero paints. I wish there was a US distributor as they have several colors I would like to try.
Nic

[John18d]

Hey Guys - I just read Mac's newsletter "Mac's Modeling" and it says in there he met with Hiroboy's Steve while over in the UK - and that Mac is working on carrying the paints here - PM me if you want me to forward Mac's newsletter to you - email what address you want it sent to. - John

[John18d]

Nic - I bought the 2011 Flying Lizard paints from Hiroboy along with a bunch of other paint up to the 2Kg shipping limit and they worked out to be $20 for the 3 60ml (2oz) bottles which is not bad when you consider the positives of the paint. - John

[John18d]

Originally Posted by guiwee

What about Scale Finishes?? Are they a viable alternative? They may be not quite as popular as zero but ive heard nothing but good things about them!!!

I believe Scale Finishes are also "lacquer" paints