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Topic starter
16/05/2026 5:39 pm
I have undertaken a project in miniature, involving wood and I need a bit of guidance as to which company's product would be best for acrylic paints, easy clean-up, for wood or plastic, that doesn't require a second mortgage to purchase. This brand was suggested to me, but I thought I would seek counsel from the pros, first.
Vallejo brand:
Christopher Moroni reacted
16/05/2026 8:27 pm
Well.... I'm always painting something. I literally just laid down some "German grey" on a 1/18 project (1943 German WW II 88 mm Flak gun w/bogies ). I've used many paints throughout the years, but IMO the very best acrylic is produced by Tamiya.
It goes on smooth, dries fast, cleans up with water- AND - can be thinned with water. Color selection is terrific (if you don't mix your own samples ) in Gloss, Semi-gloss, and Flat. For jars, I always drop a CLEAN penny or CLEAN washer inside to act as "helper rattle" when I shake up the paint before applications.
- just my two cents. 😉
17/05/2026 2:04 am
have to agree with Chris, but I have only used them on plastic kit models. Amongst Chris's paints I also see a can of Krylon Fusion which also works well, but again my only experience is with kit plastic.the very best acrylic is produced by Tamiya.
Topic starter
17/05/2026 7:32 am
@chris & @geoff-jowett Thanks guys. With this small project I am working on, I will be using a brush and I will be mixing my colors. I have to make a set of stone/granite/marble stairs leading into a disused chapel for a diorama. I already made the steps and when the Balsa sheets arrive I can box them in and then paint. The structure of the building is painted wood, to resemble marble, and it is rather nice so I hope to duplicate the coloring.
For stirring, I employ a used, but clean, beater from my electric mixer, in my Dremel. It does a great job, and no, I do not return it to the kitchen cupboard, when I am finished.
This post was modified 3 weeks ago by GDH
David Green and Christopher Moroni reacted
18/05/2026 11:50 am
@chris I have found that Tamiya spray can paint produces very good finishes.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
18/05/2026 3:18 pm
@ed-davis Agreed, I don't have a need to use them too often - as I deal more with metal, than plastic - but when I have used Tamiya spray, I'm very impressed! 😀 😀 As I noted, I'm working with it as we speak - no complaints! 😉 😉
18/05/2026 9:11 pm
@chris Have you air brushed Tamiya acrylic paints? If yes, did you have to thin them first, and what did you use for the thinner?
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
18/05/2026 10:17 pm
@ed-davis I've NEVER air-brushed Tamiya paints, but I have thinned them out using ONLY water although Tamiya does produce their own thinner.
Topic starter
19/05/2026 4:16 pm
@geoff-jowett I will, and the figures for this one are on the way, though I think I need one more, so I have to order it.
Christopher Moroni reacted
20/05/2026 5:18 pm
@chris Use the thinner with the airbrush. Water has surface tension which can cause a spotty finish, especially with matte paints.
This post was modified 3 weeks ago by Rich Sufficool
20/05/2026 7:16 pm
@rich-sufficool I'll take your word for it.... I abandoned airbrushes years ago; I'm too lazy to maintain them properly - all that cleaning! 🙄 🙄 🙄
Some modern rattle-cans offer spray patterns & partical disbursements that can be dialed in - it's a handy option, though no match for an airbrush, but perfect for my needs.
I must admit, the ultra-fine-spray patterns achieved on Tamiya spray paints are a God send for the "delicate & fine" detail found on my current 1/18 project. This WWII German 88 mm Flak gun is LOADED with working features and intricate fidelity that would get obliterated with any "thick" paint applications.
This post was modified 3 weeks ago 2 times by Christopher Moroni
Topic starter
21/05/2026 10:11 am
...and my education continues. I am taking notes, gentlemen, thank you.
Christopher Moroni reacted