Attn. Testors paint users

[Taylor]

I recently got my testors enamel paints to paint my Hawkeyes. Although some of my colors are very watery, aren't drying well, and are running out of their spots. Also the paint isn't covering like what I've heard enamel should. Some are very transparent.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael

[Reginald Rutledge]

Taylor,

I've been doing FF.COM/FF.Net figures since they came out and I am telling you again, enamels don't work. Use the inexpensive Apple Barrels and you will not go wrong!

Just my opinion.

Reginald

[joel_p1]

I use the cheap apple barrel or delta creamcoat paint too. Testors is way too watery. To be on the safe side I may spray the figures with a primer of white flat paint first.
This will help the paint go on smoother and only use one coat.
Joel

[Taylor]

I figured it out!
The bottle didn't have any directions so I just shook the bottle up and it covered well. I also use the Americana, Delta Ceramcoat, Folk Art, and Apple barrel. All of these colors are 2oz, acrylics, look the same, and have a wide variety of choices, good quality, and less than a $1.50. And I figure to get the biggest variety as possible, by the 32 .44 oz packs of their paints. They are only $15! You can really get a lot of paint by this.

[ChrisStacey]

Michael,
Are you "stirring" your paint up ? You need to do
this with enamels.Arylics can be shaken but it doesn't
hurt to stir them too.Stir until "lump" is gone and
contents are smooth.Then shake or stir occassionally.
Clean brush every so often too to get rid of build-up
on bristles.Hope this helps.Check with RaiderMan,he's
the Testor/Enamel guy.

SEMPER FI,
Chris Stacey
Hampton,Va.

[GUTTMANN]

Raiderman taught me this one.

Tip the bottle upside down the night before using.

Mike

[RooMorgans]

Just remember when you do that, to actually paint with it the next day! I found out the idea doesn't work over longer time periods.

Roo

[RavennaAl]

I've been using Testors enamels for over 30 years. If the bottle sits for awhile, the paint will seperate. You can see this as the color will settle to the bottom and the 'thinner' will float to the top. I always shake the bottle up to mix it before I paint, and after painting a few figures, I'll put the lid back on and shake it again. One thing you have to be aware of is that some figures will have an oily residue remaining. If the figure isn't washed very well, the oil will cause the paint to spot and not cover. Always be sure to wash the figures in a bowl filled with warm water and dish soap like Dawn or Palmolive.I generally will let them soak for about an hour so that the soap will take the oil off, then rinse them in warm water and let dry overnight. I like enamels for their toughness. By the way, if you can't find the color you want in Testors, try Humbrol. They are available at most hobby stores and come in different shades than Testors. Again, be sure to shake them up before you paint.

[warriorman]

If you guys go to Micheals craft stores , you will see a craft paint right next to the apple barrel paints. They only cost $.50 each. They look good too. I too use testors paints , I have for years.

[ChrisStacey]

RavennaAl brought up something important I failed to mention,
Wash your new/unpainted figures in warm,soapy water.
You can let them soak or hit them with a little brush ( an old
tooth brush is fine).The figures have what is called a
"release agent" on them.It's simply a substance that allows
the figures to come-out ( release) from the mold easily.This
needs to be cleaned off "good",then most paints will go
on much better.It's an extra step but worth it in the scheme
of things.After awhile you won't even notice you're washing
them.It becomes second nature.
Great tip Al.Boy I missed that one.Tuff getting old.........LOL

SEMPER FI,
Chris Stacey
Hampton,Va.