Acrylic Paint at Hobby Lobby

[Bruce Poage]

While browsing the model section of Hobby Lobby I noticed a growing section/selection of small bottled acrylic paint labelled Model Paint. This looks just like what I purchase in the craft section for interiors due to the variety of colors. But the price of the acrylic "model" paint is about twice as much per volume as craft acrylic. If you have used this product, what are your thoughts/observations? Just curious! Thanks.

[Guest]

Can you give us more info? Brand name, size of bottle, labeling?

EDIT: I just remembered. Are you talking about the pearlex paints? That are meant for airbrushing? I've heard guys use them with good results.

Edited July 1, 2015 by mustangdude

[Snake45]

I believe these inexpensive acrylic "crafts" paints have established a toehold in the worlds of model railroading, model armor, and even model airplanes. Many/most of them are flats, but this can be taken care of with a clear gloss of some sort.

I bought a bottle of the stuff a few months back because it seemed a good match for a particular shade of Navy blue-gray I need. Haven't actually used it yet. I'm thinking of thinning it with alcohol and airbrushing it over a primer of flat white enamel.

[Agent G]

The acrylic craft paint in the larger bottles is a good alternative if you know the limitations. Based on my experience:

1. They have to be used over some form of primer.

2. They must be thinned for brush use. I use windshield washer fluid.

3. They can be airbrushed.I thin with MM acrylic thinner or windshield washer fluid.

4. Next time I will mix some Future into the paint to harden the finish a bit.

The pigments aren't as finely ground as what we are used to. They will make a mess in the AB, tip dry is horrendous but then again I live in a hot dry area. Your mileage may vary.

Relabeling these ase "hobby paints" and charging twice the price is BS.

G

[Chief Joseph]

Are you referring to the Vallejo paint that Hobby Lobby has been carrying for about a year? It's extremely good paint that is intended for hand-brushing but can be thinned for airbrushing as well. Definitely better than the cheaper craft paints. Or are you talking about the Createx Colors and Wicked Colors airbrush paints that come in a 2oz bottle that looks similar to the cheap craft paint? Again, those are good paints for their intended purpose and worth the extra expense.

[Modlguy]

Are you referring to the Vallejo paint that Hobby Lobby has been carrying for about a year? It's extremely good paint that is intended for hand-brushing but can be thinned for airbrushing as well. Definitely better than the cheaper craft paints. Or are you talking about the Createx Colors and Wicked Colors airbrush paints that come in a 2oz bottle that looks similar to the cheap craft paint? Again, those are good paints for their intended purpose and worth the extra expense.

I have heard that Createx cannot be sanded. It's an all or nothing deal so a bleb or a run means you have to start all over. has anyone had experience with this?

[b-body fan]

I like the createx paints. It's true you can't really sand them. The up side is they wash right off with water if they aren't dry. I don't use them on bodies though. I just don't get the finish I want from them. Others may have better luck with them. I really like them for interiors and chassis and under hood work. They dry pretty flat so if you want a shine I would get the gloss or some Future. The gloss dries sloooow. It does flow out nice though. Hope this helps.

[AzTom]

I used the Createx paint on this Hubley then clear coated it. I thought it was about the easiest paint I have ever used, love it. I also use the cheaper craft paints for interiors and such but it is in no way the quality of the Createx paints.

Got me a trophy at the DSC model show

[my80malibu]

The wicked colors may be able to be sanded after dry. I painted an engine, after it had dried I didn't like the color, that paint was very tough to get off with water. Only some slight discoloration after two days soaking in water. It took Castrol cleaner to get it to budge any. Your results may vary.

[horsepower]

The newer acrylic based paints are basically what your new automobile came with from the factory, they are water soluble while in a liquid state, but when dry are virtually bullet proof, and most like the full size counterparts dry to a flat finish and require a clear gloss to get a shiny finish. They are tough enough that they hold up well without the clear, most full size car finishes are only clear coated on the outer surface, check out the under side of your hood and deck lid, even street rodders who want a velvet finish just leave the clear off and instant flat finish.