Automotive paint for models?

[Digger1]

I see a lot of cars on the road with nice paint jobs and colors that would work very nicely on some models, specifically a pearlescent white that I saw on a Cadillac STS today that would work very nicely on the refit Enterprise.

Is automotive paint more durable or harder than model paint like Tamiya or Testors?

[rallymodeller]

Answer: depends. Actually, going to the local auto parts store and grabbing a spray bomb of touch-up paint isn't such a bad idea -- just make sure that whatever you are painting is primed really well 'cause auto-paint is a lacquer and it'll destroy styrene in no time flat. The pint, quart and gallon cans of paint that require mixing and such are just pigment -- you also have to get the hardener and reducer and this can be really pricey.

EDIT: Whoops, forgot to answer your question. Auto paint is a bit more finicky than model paint, but sets to about the same hardness. The main benefit is that it is really easy to get a super-glossy finish and the choice of colours is a little broader. I used to use auto paint for car projects (example: I have done three Tamiya Subaru WRC cars in Sonic Blue Mica I got from the local Subie dealer) but I tend to avoid them for anything else.

[caveslug]

Model car hard core guys use auto paint, mainly to get the exact color of the RL car.

But you can with model enamels get the same look, maybe not the exact shade of what ever color. But you can buff out the enamel paints and get a super smooth gloss finish. Which most car builders will do anyway.

[Marcal]

I'm using CREATEX AUTO AIR and works very well. Water soluble and absolutely no problem. Very cool colors.

[Lt. Z0mBe]

If you keep your coats light, you can get away with it. What I like to do is decant it down into an airbrush bottle, and then apply it. Rally's right, though, it will melt your model if your not careful.

The irony is, though, is automotive filler primer is great for models. I'll actually apply it before I scribe my panel lines on a scratchbuild. This will help to "unify" various types of media in a build. What I mean here is if I have a model where I've used several types of plastic and putties, and I want to get a nice, uniform finish, filler primer's the way to go. I'll apply it, let it cure for a looong time, and then scribe and greebly my model. I guess there's more pigment, relative to the lacquer, and that's why it doesn't seem to melt the model.

I hope this helps.

Kenny

[Boxster]

I use car paint for everything! This is nothing new. Hear some guys are using house paints for models with great effect!

I guess its what you are use to.

B