Of the many choices in model paint types, acrylic is one of the most popular among all kinds of scale model building from cars and airplanes, all the way to tanks and ships. Acrylic paints dry faster, lack strong fumes, and can be easily cleaned without strong solvents. They can also be applied on top of all other types of model paints without reacting. Some of the drawbacks are that it does not harden or adhere as well as enamels or lacquers, and most other paint types cannot be applied on top of acrylics.
Cleaning and Priming
Release agents from the mold, oils from your hands, and various dirt and dust can all keep acrylics from adhering properly. Simple soap and water can be used to clean off the model before painting, or you can buy one of the many pre-cleaning solutions sold by the paint manufacturers. Since acrylic paints don't have the bite of solvent based paints, a primer coat is recommended. Avoid using an automotive primer, or anything marked as a primer and filler, as these are intentionally made very thick and can fill in fine detail on the model.
Cleaners and Thinners
Most brands offer their own cleaners and thinners, but less expensive options are also available. Water or isopropyl alcohol will usually work, and blue window cleaner is commonly used as well. Just remember to test for compatibility first, as you will occasionally come across a thinner and paint combination that will react poorly. Wet brushes can be cleaned with soap and water, but dried paint is best cleaned with 90 percent isopropyl alcohol or lacquer thinner.
Painting troublesome colors
Some colors can be difficult to brush paint with acrylics, particularly yellow, white and red. The result when brush painting these colors is almost always a streaky, splotchy finish that shows obvious brush marks, never a smooth and even coat. They are best done with a spray can or airbrush.
If using an airbrush, paint multiple layers of very thinned paint. Give two or three days between coats if possible to allow previous layers to fully cure. Applying a coat of a different color first can further improve appearances, such as a light tan painted before yellow. A more advanced version of this technique is called pre-shading, where various areas are painted in light and dark to create artificial shadows and highlights in the color coat.
Future Floor Wax
Future brand liquid floor wax, while technically not a paint, is very commonly used with acrylic paints. In parts of Europe, it is also known as Johnson's Kleer. It cures much harder than acrylic paints, and is often used as a sealing coat to make the final finish more durable. Just remember that Future does dry to a glossy finish, and for some models you may want to apply a matte clear on top of it if appropriate. Clean up is the same as with acrylic paints.
