Which Type Of Paint To Use

[Lady Phoenix]

With permission from the Mods I would like to create a thread that will hopefully become a sticky. Once we have enough data Ill edit this post to become a summary.


I read a thread the other day about paint and one of the points made was that if you ask 10 different people what their favourite paints were you would get 10 different answers. I also watched a couple of videos that discussed the pros and cons of 4 paints that are used for fantasy figure painting.


The Aim?


Well, there are a lot of different paints out there. Some designed for one use, others for something completely different. For example, I wouldnt ever consider using Citadel paints in an Airbrush for painting a WWII tank, nor would I (personally) use Model Air for brush painting large areas on a big Warhammer model.


So, if acceptable, Id like to invite discussion on the various paints, the pros and the cons, perhaps summaise the cost per ml (?), whats its best used for, and perhaps a few ratings?


With any luck this thread will form into a handy reference that beginners can read, and although I subscribe to the theory that you use your own personal favourite, this may push them in the right general direction.


So, the main points Id be looking for are


Cost - Is it expensive ot cheap


Best for Brush Painting, Airbrush or Both


What type of painting is it best for, for example, figures, tanks etc


Coverage - How well does it cover


Pros -


Cons -


Short Summary? -


At this point Im only looking at basic paints and not specialist paints such as primers, texture paints, varnishes etc etc


Do you think that would cover it?

 

[Dave Garrett]

i don't consider myself to be a beginner but i do think that i would use this idea as a comparison thread i am taking a lot of peoples word for it and i'm going to start a collection of vellejo model colour to use on the brush and airbrush my problem i use must have is the paint i use must have a very little smell to it or no smell at all and i have been told that model colour will cover all my needs even the airbrush cleaner only smells a little bit like washing up liquid so i am getting a few bottles to try thanks to dubster on this site they are in the post as we speak so i can put them to use at the weekend

 

[John Rixon]

I think this is a top idea, it will take some doing, of course, but well worth it to prevent confusion. I'd also suggest a database of the best YouTube tutorials, as there is huge variation it quality / clarity here! Am happy to chip in!

 

[Laurie]

Seems to me that in the last few weeks we have exhausted paints and their usage.


Not sure how you can divorce Varnish textures.and Primers as they are usually tied up in the same paint spec.


But then I am pessimist ,Penny.


If you are going to do this it would be best for one person with experience in most paints to correlate together. Where they are not experts in a paint to obtain from some one who is so there info can also be incorporated.


Laurie

 

[Lady Phoenix]

Not sure how you can divorce Varnish textures.and Primers as they are usually tied up in the same paint spec.

Thats a fair point. When I mentioned it I was thinking that some companies do special paints like mud effects, snow etc etc and I dont think you can compare as easily

If you are going to do this it would be best for one person with experience in most paints to correlate together. Where they are not experts in a paint to obtain from some one who is so there info can also be incorporated.


Laurie

The idea I had was that people post in this thread and I make a summary in the first post. That way people can read post 1 for a basic comparison but then read on for further details, if that makes sense. But yes, if someone else wishes to correkate then by all means, be my guest

 

[Ian M]

Hmm a subject that will evok a lot of contradictions...


Personally, I have no objections to you doing this Penny, in fact rather you than me.


My first question: would this not be better off in the general painting section, rather than in "Brush painting" after all you say that you could find what is best suited to brush, air brush or both.


All the special effect paints and weathering products could be hard to get around in a fair way. Primers and varnishes being more relevant, it would be an idea to include them as well.


My greatest concern is two fold. First and foremost, I can see this going pear shaped very quickly. As you point out one question to ten people will get ten different answers. Then the other thing that would, I feel, concern a lot of people; paint is a personal choice. Some chose acrylics not because they are the best thing since sliced bread, but because they are less obnoxious to work with. Others will chose enamel and put up with the 'side effects'


Lastly, I think it will be impossible to reach any conclusions that all will agree with. Even if you purchased each ab


No every type of paint and tested them in laboratory conditions, the only person that will be able to gain any conclusion would be the tester.


Sorry if this all reads a bit negative. I just can't see the positive affect for all the technical speed bumps.


Ian M

 

[Lady Phoenix]

My first question: would this not be better off in the general painting section, rather than in "Brush painting" after all you say that you could find what is best suited to brush, air brush or both.

Yup, my bad, wrong section. Could a Mod move this or should I create a new thread?

My greatest concern is two fold. First and foremost, I can see this going pear shaped very quickly. As you point out one question to ten people will get ten different answers. Then the other thing that would, I feel, concern a lot of people; paint is a personal choice. Some chose acrylics not because they are the best thing since sliced bread, but because they are less obnoxious to work with. Others will chose enamel and put up with the 'side effects'

Well, the aim is that it is fact based and not opinion based. For example, brand A comes in a pot and has a large selection of colours. Brand B comes in bottles and tends to be cheaper but is only available in USA, Brand C comes in bottles and is recommended for air brush etc etc

Lastly, I think it will be impossible to reach any conclusions that all will agree with. Even if you purchased each ab


No every type of paint and tested them in laboratory conditions, the only person that will be able to gain any conclusion would be the tester.


Sorry if this all reads a bit negative. I just can't see the positive affect for all the technical speed bumps.

Again, not trying to reach a conclusion based on opinions. Imagine this


You are a beginner. You dont own an airbrush. Perhaps you plan to in the future. You specialise in WWII tanks so want a colour range that will suit your style. You dont worry about a budget but dont want to get ripped off either.


Then say someone else is on a tight budget, they paint R/C cars and own a top of the range aribrush. They hate brush painting.


You can see there that two different people will possibly use different paints. Hopefully this thread will list all the pros and cons of each paint and the reader can then make an informed choice.

 

[Ian M]

I'll move it for you.


If you are only going to get into the type of detail you mentioned in your last post, practicality, and all that then I say go for it.


One bit of info that could be good to have is the dimensions of the containers. Really makes me cross buying a paint to find it is to high for the drawer or to fat for the rack!


Ian M

 

[Laurie]

After a little more thought I would add that this is the depth of the task.


Hand brush


enamels probably 5 manufacturers


acrylics -water based probably 10 manufacturers


acrylics- other than water based probably 5 manufacturers


airbrushed


enamels probably 5 manufacturers


acrylics -water based probably 10 manufacturers


acrylics- other than water based probably 5 manufacturers


That is 40 different reports. On top of that subdivisons. aircraft, military, figures etc Plus which are good for those inexperienced to start with. Those experienced will not need this info.


Also have the problem of new paints. Who is going to update. For instance the new Mig acrylics


This is a mamoth task needing up dating regularly.


Laurie