Hi

Someone told me once never use industrial grade paint on models because the pigments are too coarse. However paints marketed by model makers come in small jars and are very expansive; not really suitable for models of substantial size.

What are our members' opinions on industrial grade paint and paints specially formulated for models? Nautrally the industrial grade we are talking about are the top of the line stuff.

Wing Chau

Wing Chau:
I used "Rustoleum brand 'Painter's Touch' " multi-purpose latex paint on my ship's hull with no problems. It comes in 8 ounce cans and cleans up with soap and water. Less expensive than hobby paints, and no "coarse pigments" observed.

Some paint types are definitely bad for model uses. Latex and other thick house paints are no good. Many arts-and-crafts paints are also too thick, do not last very long, and adhere poorly. But there are many paints that should be ok for model use.

Most well made industrial enamels should be ok as long as they are a thin enough consistancy. But definitely test it on some scraps of the same material, to make sure it will not ruin the model. I use automotive primer a lot, just make sure it says "Primer" and does not say "Filler" or "High-Build" on it. Those types are very thick and fill in details, they are intended to fill scratches and smooth over rough areas.

Rustoleum brand, as mentioned, is usually a very thin consistancy that paints on very nicely. They make paints both in spray cans and brush-on types.