What paint do you use when modeling?

With so many different types of paint, the question is which one to use for your modeling. Let’s say up front that you will almost never use all of the same kind when you get started with modeling, but some do lend themselves better to the job than others.

What is paint made up of?

To find out which paint is suitable for which modeling project, you first need to know exactly what paint is made of. That makes choosing the right kind for your upcoming model a lot easier. If you know what to expect, you also know how to adjust your painting skills to it to get the best result.

Paint always consists of at least three components: pigment, binder and carrier. Together they make a beautiful whole. It is often only possible to mix the same type of paint because it has largely the same ratio and type of these components.

The pigment is what gives the paint the color, as well as the intensity of the color. The binder provides consistency to the pigment and is the means by which the paint sticks to your modeling object. The carrier is what makes it useful. Without the carrier, it is a dry good that is difficult to spread. When you say water-based or oil-based paint, you are referring to the medium or liquid mixed into the paint.

Using water-based paint for model making

Water-based paint is usually the most common in the modeling world. In particular, drying time plays a role in this. Most of the painting on your model kits will be done with this paint. There are few disadvantages to working with water-based paints for your projects. It can be further divided into acrylic paint, watercolor and tempera.

The drying time is short. As early as an hour you can apply a new coat, although it won’t be dry until three hours. Completely drying out takes one or two days. Moreover, you can use it for metal, plastic and wooden model making.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is the most common paint for model making. It is a water-based paint which means that water is the supporting factor of the paint composition. This also makes it easy to dilute if you need to when painting. Be aware that most providers offer their own thinners that work just a bit better than if you just use water.

It takes a little practice, but when you know how to thin it is easy to do with acrylic paint. The advantage of using this paint in modeling is that it dries very quickly. Usually you can apply a new coat after only one hour, which is tremendously fast compared to the rest. This means you can get on with your project faster and sometimes don’t have to put it off for a day simply because the paint needs to dry.

Once acrylic paint dries, however, it is difficult to remove. This makes it ideal because while painting, you thus have a lot of freedom to change it. When you are satisfied with the result you leave it in place and it becomes permanent.

Acrylic paint is suitable for use in an airbrush. Note that you will then have to dilute it, preferably with one of the maker’s own products. Also, keep the airbrush well clean so it doesn’t clump in your airbrush.

Watercolor

Watercolor is another paint that is water-based. It is very kind to use because it is even more delicate than acrylic paint. Unlike the latter, watercolor does not dry to a permanent layer. Just add water and it disappears like snow in the sun.

To experiment with colors, it is very suitable. It dries quickly and you can always undo it. If you are happy with how your modeling project looks and you want to make it permanent you use a lacquer coating that you paint over it. Just make sure the whole thing is thoroughly dry before you do this.

Tempera

Tempera is not as often seen as paint in modeling. This is because as a water-based paint, it has a specific function. You usually finish the final details with it because it’s a bit firmer and more permanent than watercolor.

Using oil-based paint for model making

Using oil-based paint for modeling is a little less common, but certainly still has a place in the modeling world. This is mainly because you can do certain things with it better than water-based paint. Especially at the end of a project, this species comes in handy. Because it’s a bit thicker, details don’t come out as much, so use it mostly on surfaces that don’t have details on them. However, the drying time is a lot longer than acrylic paint or watercolor.

Oil painting

Oil paint is the great counterpart of watercolor. You often see it in the hands of experienced painters. This is because it is a bit more difficult to work with. You often get it in tubes that you have to dilute yourself with a thinner. Again, you need experience to estimate how much you need. Moreover, it is somewhat thicker in texture so details are easily lost under the thick layer of paint. However, it does have a robust effect and cannot be removed with water, making it somewhat less fragile. The drying time is considerably longer with an average of four to six hours before you can put another coat on. Completely drying out takes days.

Enamel paint

Enamel is popular among modelers. This is because this oil-based paint is made for the modeling world. Particularly since it can be applied with precision to the objects to be painted without being vulnerable to water.

Lacquer paint

Lacquer paint is used to give objects a certain shine. Especially if you want a nice finish or, for example, model kits in the form of vehicles, this is a good asset. It is difficult to remove so it can also be used to protect the layer underneath. Then though: wait until the undercoat is thoroughly dry (can sometimes take several days) before painting on it. Otherwise, cracks will appear.

Lacquer paint does especially well to mimic a metallic appearance such as you want on vehicles.

Paint for your models from Vallejo

Vallejo is a well-known provider of paint for model making. They have been in the business for years and offer good quality paint for the true hobbyists. In the range you will find acrylic paint, but also oil-based paint should you need it. Try out the difference between water-based and oil-based paint on your new model from Eco Wood Art.

Thanks to years of performance, they have built a name for themselves in the modeling world. Many trust the products and enjoy using the different types of paint they have to offer.

Model paint from Revell

Model paint from Revell is known everywhere. It is an international company with a wide reach. They have iconic products like the metal jars of enamel paint. Again, a company that offers good quality paint of any type. Acrylic, watercolor, oil-based and specifically enamel have developed them for the model kits.