Large Scale Central

Paint questions

Modeling
#1

What kind of paints do you folks use on your outdoor models, and how do you apply it?

Is it just me, or do hobby paints such as Floquil really suck for brushing onto models? I would have preferred spray paints but for small items that require a specific color it seemed like it would be cheaper to just buy a tiny bottle and brush it on. Unfortunately it’s not working out well at all. The coverage is extremely poor and uneven yet the paint is so thick it hides the details. I may have to strip it off and start over with a spray can.

On the other hand, if I go the spray paint route I’m going to have some problems masking details.

Suggestions?

#2

I’ve never had any problems brushing on Floquil on small details. But I generally use rattle cans…Krylon being my favorite. If I want to brush a tiny detail I will spray a little krylon in the lid or whatever is available and brush that on. I think $5.00 for a stupid tiny bottle of paint us robbery so I avoid them if at all possible.

#3

Krylon is what I use most of the time. FOr brushing I use acrylics, if I can, like the water cleanup.
Jerry

#4

What is it that your painting and is it going to be left outside?

For buildings and figures I use the craft type acrylics that are less than $2 for for 2 oz. and I’ll give them a couple of coat of a UV protecting clear coat (Krylon Crystal Clear or a clear matte spray, not Dullcote!).
If its something you want to show fine detail you can use the acrylics made for airbrushing (like Badger Modelflex). They have much finer pigments and go on much thinner.
I still use model enamels too (especially for weathering except washes) since that’s what we had in my younger days and old habits die hard.

-Brian