Hi there, I just finished my first build of a 1/76 FV101 Scorpion and I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on what paint brands are best and also the best techniques and tools to use ? Ive included a photo of the finished model, and I apologise if this is not the right place to post these.




James

What paint brands are best, well that will open a whole new can of worms.

Everyone will recomend what they use.

You will also need to decide if you want to use acrylic or enamel based paints or both.

For me it's Vallejo, which are great for both brush and airbrush application. And they are acrylics.

Model master, humbrol, white ensign, xtracolor , xtracrylic, Andrea plus loads of others all make great model paints. You could start with something you local hobby shop sells and then branch out once you know what you are doing.

Paul

I use a combination of paints, ranging from Model Master to Tamiya to spray cans. I've found the spray can provide the smoothest surface. I will often decant these, as they are perfect for an airbrush and is quite cheap. Another route is house paint. It is quite thick, but you get a lot of it for a relatively low cost.

James,

The "best" paints are the ones that you get the best results from.

However, to know that, you will have to "put brush to bottle," so to speak.

As mentioned by Paul, the two main and most common classes are hobby enamels and acrylics. Each requires different thinners and techniques. Another consideration is whether you'll be airbrushing or hand brushing. Some paints are better suited for one application method and not for both - in fact, many hobby paint brands have specific lines formulated just for airbrushing or hand brushing.

Most model builders (with a fair degree of experience) are like Matt, and use several different types and brands for different purposes.

I use Tamiya acrylics mostly for airbrushing and Vallejos for hand brushing. However, I also use Polly Scale, Model Master, Citadel (Games Workshop), Reaper and Floquil brand hobby paints for many different applications. Sometimes my choice is based on nothing more than a particular color. If that's not enough, I use Grumbacher and Windsor&Newton oil paints and a couple of different "craft" acrylic paints.

There is, IMO, no one single "best" paint for all purposes.

Based only on your single post, I imagine that you're probably intending to hand brush your model. You can get good results with either a hobby enamel or acrylic. The only brand that I would not recommend is Tamiya since in my experience, they really have to be applied by airbrush.

Other than that, as long as you have the right kinds of brushes and thinners, you should be able to achieve satifactory reseults with any brand of hobby paint that you can find locally. So, I would recommend that you just shop around the local hobby shops and see what's available. Select either an enamel or acrylic brand, get the correct thinners, and some decent brushes and "have at it."

Learn and develop your painting technique first since that makes much more difference to the final results than the particular brand of paint. However, once you do have a brand and type of paint, you can get some specific tips here for using those paints.

Finally, don't be discouraged with your first efforts if they don't come out perfect. Keep at at it and learn.

for me it depends what im painting if its a nato scheme ill use tamiya paints but if its anything else ill use model master enamles

Cheers for the help its very appreciated, Ill take your suggestions on board and see what I like best.


James

I use mostly Vallejo or some other acrylic type paint either Reaper or Andrea. I use the Vallejo Air in the airbrush and they work great. The new Vallejo airbrush thinner is a new formula and will let you airbrush any of the line now.

As stated, each modeler has a fav in their paint arsenal. I like enamels for AB cuz I find I have more control specially with fine patterns and longer working time. The Floquil line has great selection. I just recently hand brushed Vallejo acrylics on figures and was very pleased with the results. You will have to try out different brands and as Mike Roof posted, do not brush on Tamiya acrylics. It just doesn't work.