What's the difference between enamel and acrylic paints for plastic model kits?

For models you mean?





Enamels are solvent based, acrylics are water based.





Enamel paint dries tough as nails and gives complete coverage in just one or two coats and it has a very ';solid'; finish which is why it continues to be popular with vehicle model kit builders.





Acrylics are much thinner; essentially they are slightly transparent (not fully opaque) so the coat underneath shows through a little. Acrylics are very delicate and you have to avoid touching the surface or it rubs off - a coat of varnish is needed to protect the finished model.





The big advantage of acrylics is that being so thin they do not obscure fine detail (diluted they can be taken down almost to the consistency of water) and with patience and several layers you can build up a smooth finish. Acrylic also dries fast - just a few seconds is enough.





Acrylics are the usual medium for miniatures:


http://www.boathouseloopers.com/images/m鈥?/a>


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/v鈥?/a>





Real experts often use a combination of mediums; in the case of 28mm miniatures painted in acrylics, oil paints may also be used for super-realistic looking skin.What's the difference between enamel and acrylic paints for plastic model kits?
Acrylic is water based and be cleaned up with soap and water. It often doesn't last as long, especially when painted on plastics. It doesn't seem to bond as well unless you are careful to sand the surface you're painting. It's lower in VOC emissions and is less likely to make you dizzy or sick while painting. It's less glossy too. This is a better paint for someone just beginning.





Enamel is a little more of a professional paint. It's a little harder to work with and shows your mistakes more. You need mineral spirits to clean up and it has high VOC emissions so you must work in a well ventilated area. It has a nicer look though.What's the difference between enamel and acrylic paints for plastic model kits?
Michelle H pretty well said it all...





My two-cents: enamels have been around the model-world FAR longer... I remember working with Pactra brand back in 1974 !!





The acrylics really only entered the modeling world about 10 years ago... mostly as a LESS-toxic product for parents concerned about their young-modeler. I FIRST bought some acrylics (Tamiya) while working on a kit (Tamiya's USS Missouri) while I was in Japan... the base hobby-shop wasn't carrying MY favorite brand (Testors Model Master), so I was forced to give them a try.





I'm NOT overwhelmed by their performance, but they work fine.