Hello, can you advise which is better as an undercoat if using artist oils on figures, humbrol enamel or vallejo acrylic. I have found that blending artist oils seems easier if done over enamel, but I worry that the oils might badly effect the humbrol enamel undercoat as they are both oil based. Please let me know what you think.

Many thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul,

I've seen both techniques used, but I think most of the painter use an enamel undercoat.
I paint with oil over enamel, for faces mostly, and I never had any problem.

Best,
Julien

I'm just the opposite-

I undercoat with Vallejo acrylics before I do the top coats in artist oils. I paint the entire figure this way- faces, uniforms and equipment.

I actually prime my figures with an airbrushed coat of Tamiya acrylic flat white before I hand brush the Vallejo undercoats.

I also have no trouble or issues with the oils lifting the acrylics or the acrylics affecting the oils.

I use ordinary mineral spirits as a thinner (for occasional initial washes) and as a brush cleaner for my oils which I generally paint straight from the tube.