Ever since I got married and had kids, I’ve consciously used acrylic paints for my models. The most important reason is because they are much less toxic than enamel or lacquer paints, which is always a plus with toddlers running around. So for awhile now, I’ve been using Vallejo paints almost exclusively.
However, they are not the easiest paint to use. They handbrush very well (especially Vallejo) but airbrushing-wise, they’re more finicky. They require precise thinning: too thin they run all over the place, not thin enough they leave splotches all over the kit. They also tend to scrape off the kit easily so touchups are inevitable. I find enamel and lacquer much easier to handle and use. Their main disadvantage of course is that they are much more toxic.
I’ve recently finally have a workbench setup in a separate room which means I can keep the kids away when I’m painting so the health concerns are now less important for me (I’ll be the only one breathing the fumes after all). So I’m considering adding enamel or lacquer paints to my painting options.
Now the question is whether to go with enamels or lacquers. Both are surprisingly hard to find here in Jakarta with most shops only carrying Tamiya acrylics. But there’s always the online option, though it seems like shipping lacquer or enamel paints are now much more restrictive.
