Humbrol Metallic Paints

[prhayes68]

I've been a long term user of Humbrol paints (more years than I care to remember). Does anyone know if they've changed the "recipe" since they were taken over by Hornby? I recently stocked up on some of their metallic paints (in the original enamel and some of the newer acrylics) and the coverage is really poor - much more so than with older versions that I have. So has something changed and is there a trick to using them in their new state? Thanks.

Pete

 

[valiant]

I changed from Humbrol about 3 years ago, as I was deeply unimpressed by the fall in quality of their paints when production was moved to China. I now use acrylics and, although it was a bit of a struggle at first, I would never go back to Humbrol.

Steve

 

[prhayes68]

Steve,

Thanks. I may have to explore alternatives.

Pete

 

[DaddyO]

I'm with Steve - I found exactly the same as you both that the newer 'Humbrols' didn't work the same way as the originals so I decided to switch over.

Some folks manage okay with them, but talking to a couple of aircraft modellers at the local club they've said that they also noticed a difference with the new versions of the paint . . .

If you like the idea of wet blending then try acrylics as a base colour and use oils over the top - some fabulous painters work that way and their results speak for themselves
Cheers
Paul

 

[MCPWilk]

I agree about Humbrol yellow metallics, the silver isn't too bad. Some of the other enamels aren't bad. I now undercoat with either Halfords white or grey primer or Humbrol white or light grey, all from an aerosol. I block in with acrylics and use Humbrol enamels or oils for the top coat.

Mike

 

[OldTaff]

I stopped using Humbrol Metallics many years ago, when the late great Jim Woodley gave me some gold printers inks. It's a sort of putty-like substance, which mixes well with oil paints. Only a tiny amount gives great coverage. I'm also still using OOP Campaign Colours gold and silver powders, as well as Darkstar acrylic metallics.
Never really happy with the Humbrol 'goopy' stuff.

Alan

 

[Mirofsoft]

What ?
It's now made in China for your benefit ..................... cheap
What ? The quality is not there anymore ! No but .......... cheap
What ? Not cheap ! Well at least the share holders are happy .

A true story, years ago I visited a potential customers for small motors made in Belgium/Europe .
The buyer told me, actually we are buying in Korea . Before we go further, you must quarantee me the same quality, at least 50Hrs worktime ..
I had to decline directly, mine were between 5000 and 10000 Hrs worktime
Than all the curly machine, hair dryers from this WorlWide known company were made in China, at 1/4 of the european price but sold the same price ... Happy share holders again ....

 

[prhayes68]

Thanks gents for the various suggestions.

Pete