Acrylic vs. Enamel?

[Integra14]

I am going to get some Flat Black paint, for my window frames, and i was wondering if i should get acrylic or enamel paint?? wahts the difference anyways?

[Ghost_9418]

I seem to like enamels better and the difference is somewhere in the FAQ.

[Integra14]

oops im sorry... i just read the faq and it answered one of my questions.... Now, im wondering what i should use for window frames.... Tamiya Flat Black Acrylic?
or
Testors Flat Black Enamel??

could someone tell me the specific numbers and brands.. plz, cause im gonna pic it up tmw

[daggerlee]

For handpainting window frames, get some Humbrol #85 satin coal black. You don't want them to be flat black, you want them to be semigloss to represent the rubber.

Get the enamel because they brushpaint better than acrylics.

[Vric]

I was using enamel since 1 year for my window, but last 2 kit I used Acrylic.. and I can say i will not use enamel anymore for window... Acrylic is so easy to rip off if you make a mistake.. ok maybe you need to make 2 coat but it's easyer and safer..

[Integra14]

ok vric... i like acrylics way better to.. now What is the name of the acrylic u use?

[JDM Evo7]

For acrylics I like Gunze Sangyo. They are more self leveling than Tamiya acryclics for hand brushing. I add a drop of Gunze Mr. Retarder as well to slow drying time and make them easir to apply. I am going to try Humbrol enamels though, heard nothing but positive things about these.

[Vric]

Originally posted by Integra14
ok vric... i like acrylics way better to.. now What is the name of the acrylic u use?

it's Model Master.. 14.7mm bottle is for my Airbrush (same size)

This paint is already thined 1/2...

[Vric]

Originally posted by JDM Evo7
For acrylics I like Gunze Sangyo. They are more self leveling than Tamiya acryclics for hand brushing. I add a drop of Gunze Mr. Retarder as well to slow drying time and make them easir to apply. I am going to try Humbrol enamels though, heard nothing but positive things about these.

get some Humbrol thinner !!! i scrap a lot of brush becose of this paint

[JDM Evo7]

Originally posted by Vric


get some Humbrol thinner !!! i scrap a lot of brush becose of this paint

Roger that, I almost always as a rule get each companies thinner for cleaning. I had Tamiya enamels for a while and really enjoyed them, but I bought them when I was in Japan and I have used them up. I have not found a source for these in the US.

[Jay!]

Originally posted by JDM Evo7
I had Tamiya enamels for a while and really enjoyed them, but I bought them when I was in Japan and I have used them up. I have not found a source for these in the US.

Nor have I. I picked up three Tamiya Paint Markers, which use the enamel paint, and they're great. If you do track them down, let me know!

[hermanchauw]

Don't bother buying those expensive branded thinners from humbrol or Tamiya etc. Just buy solvent in big bottles, abt 75cl from hardware stores.
Enamels can be thinned with turpentine. I had been using this from the first time i used enamels. Other people say mineral spirits can also be used.
Acrylics can be thinned with water or alcohol. I have been using ethanol (methylated spirit) for a long time. Rubbing alcohol can also be used.
I have not tried lacquer before.

[daggerlee]

Originally posted by hermanchauw
Don't bother buying those expensive branded thinners from humbrol or Tamiya etc. Just buy solvent in big bottles, abt 75cl from hardware stores.
Enamels can be thinned with turpentine. I had been using this from the first time i used enamels. Other people say mineral spirits can also be used.
Acrylics can be thinned with water or alcohol. I have been using ethanol (methylated spirit) for a long time. Rubbing alcohol can also be used.
I have not tried lacquer before.

True, but if you want to avoid potential headaches, you're best off using the brand name thinner (try to buy the biggest bottle possible, you won't be running out anytime soon). Use plain ordinary solvents to clean your airbrush, etc., not the expensive name-brand solvents, they're for thinning paint only. That's always been my philosophy.