painting plastic models

[charleshodson]

Please can you tell me what the advantages and disadvantages are of acrlic verus enamel paints for plastic models

Any need for primer ?

[sgtryan13]

Yes, definately use a primer! It will aid in paint adhesion, colors, and is an absolute must if you will be masking any areas with tape to prevent teh paint from pulling up witht he tape.

Acrylic vs enamel is like asking car guys if they prefer chevy or ford! I use acrylics, due to their ease of clean up, and that they can be thinned with windex, alcohol, or water, plus they do not have any harsh smell or vapor when you airbrush with them. They also dry faster than enamels, and are less prone to getting your fingerprint stuck in a still-tacky enamel coat of paint.

[codythecatt]

On the primer: within reason ... some folks put on so many layers of primer and paint that the original model just looks like a nasty clumpy glob hiding underneath it all. (especially in small scales like 1:700) I use primer mainly for larger flat areas with my large scale models to get an even final coat since I brush my paint. But I don't prime every dinky little part ...

I prefer enamels. I feel they cover better also. Sure, they take longer to cure but they dry much harder and resist wear and marking. Cleaning with thinner is no harder than cleaning with water.
Ah! The smell of fresh chemicals in the morning!

Of course if you get 80 replies to this question you will get 80 different opinions. My advice: play with both and decide for yourself.

[charleshodson]

thanks guys just the sort of advice I was looking for