There is a Sherwin-Williams Auto Paint store near my home and I stopped in the other day to see what they had in paint usable for my models. I am repainting one of my older models with base-coat/clear-coat and have the white base laid down. But I need to buy some trim colors. When I asked the guy behind the counter if they had water-based, he said that they only carried solvent-based paint.
Now I am confused. I am not an expert in this area, but I thought that water-based was about the only thing used on auto's these days and that solvent-based was no longer used on autos.
Any of you have the expertise to explain this? What am I missing?
Scott,
Why water base paint and why auto base coat / clear coat? Been reading?
You have the model in white ready for trim so what is the white paint you used?
Yes, you can use water base paints.
I've used the Tamiya air brush colors before on a few of my models. My Stuka and my Mig-3. Excellent covering. Water base but you don't thin them with water, there are correct thinners. I purchased mine from a Hobby Shop in FL that ships. You can buy Tamiya all over the place from many dealers that ship. Excellent, excellent paint.
Yes, you will need a clear top coat of auto 2 part urethane. The clear 2K urethane have been mentioned many times in this Forum. I currently only use a clear 2K urethane in an aerosol can and they are excellent. I have this clear on ALL my models. I personally would never use any other clear than this produce. Yes a professional respirator is necessary. You do not want to spray a 2K urethane product without using one.
You can use aerosol cans also if you like for trim colors. I use Krylon brand. There are things to know, even when opening a can to mix paint that you push through spray equipment. Prep, sanding, cleaning etc.
Here's one Tamiya color chart. Outstanding color choices?
CB
PS. I forgot one thing. Tamiya paints are also offered in small aerosol cans AND in lacquer. I used their aerosol can paints but I have never used their lacquer paints.