Paint comparisons

[modeltech]

Would anyone like to try to compare Zero Paints, Tamiya, and Gunze paints for ease of use and correctness of color (yes I am American). I am going to start a Model Factory Hiro 917 soon, and while I would like to try Zero paints, they are very hard to get here in the States. I understand that Zero may be a bit more complex to use than the others, but I want to earn which would be a good thing to use from an overall standpoint. I am going to use an airbrush.

[colin]

Zero paints are no more complex that the others, in fact they are probably easier as they are pre thined and ready to spray from the jar.They are Lacquer based and dry matt so will need a top coat of varnish to give the gloss finish.

Have only used a couple and they spray and cover beautifully.

[Parabat]

I was given some Zero white by a friend. Dead easy to use, thin with cellulose thinners and spray away. Super coverage and dries matt.

[John @ WEM]

Modeltech, the above reference to cellulose thinners is Britspeak for lacquer thinner.

[modeltech]

Britspeak for lacquer thinner.

Thanks John-I was going to have to ask (enquire) about that one!

[Steve Noble]

Would anyone like to try to compare Zero Paints, Tamiya, and Gunze paints for ease of use and correctness of color

You've actually chosen three of my top five paints for auto model finishing, the other two being Finisher's and Alclad for my metal shades. To answer your original question in no particular order..

1:) Zero paints. pros Spray beautifully, excellent coverage, dry very quickly, easy to use. Matt finish so need to be clear coated. Very tough once cleared and very resilient to handling during final polishing/assembly work. Cons smelly to use, quite strong vapours.

2:) Tamiya TS sprays. pros Spray well, quick drying, good gloss, great finish, polish nicely. Cons smelly, can run easily if over applied, quite thin paint certain colours need plenty of coats to cover well.

3:) Mr Color/Gunze pros Spray fantastic, good range of colours, dry lightning fast, polish nicely, tough when dry, good to handle, don't rub off. Cons smelly, but not as much as the other two, can be hard to find.

My personal choice for the MFH 917 would be the Mr Color mix that they recommend on the instructions, they just spray so well and the colour is spot on in shade. Zero would be my second choice. Not sure what Tamiya TS you could use for the Gulf Blue..?? Don't think they have a suitable shade without mixing two or more paints together..