Quick Tip #5

I've used acrylic, enamel and lacquer paints by different manufacturers on models. Each type of paint has its own pros and cons. If I had to choose one, I would select lacquer because it is quick drying, seldom runs and easy to spray.The downside other than being very toxic (always use a respirator) is the color selection is limited, especially the lacquer color selection in model stores.They seem to concentrate on the primary colors leaving it up to you to mix that special color yourself.Pastel colors are almost impossible. By far acrylic offers the best color selection.Another downside to lacquer, if you are using automotive lacquer, is the cost. Most stores only carry it in spray can. A can of Duplicolor in Canada costs $15-20. If you are doing a 2 tone or 3 tone model, the cost can add up quickly. Specialty on line suppliers in the US will sell you 2 oz bottles, but it can also become expensive with international postage.Trying to find some of the pastel colors of the 1950s can be equally challenging. One alternative that I have found is nail polish lacquer. It is available in a zillion colors, costs as little as $2 a bottle at the dollar store and focuses on soft pastels such as those '50s colors.. And yes, it should be sprayed, as in airbrush. I mix it 50/50 with ordinary lacquer thinner. I would not recommend brushing a model with this stuff because of the fast drying time. Heres a sample of some of the colors I have on hand as well as a recent 50s model using one of the soft pastel colors.