57 replies to this topic

[Robert Blaschke]

Now that Pactra R/C paint is no longer available and Tamiya polycarbonate paint in jars is becoming difficult to find what options are available for those of us who airbrush bodies? 

 

I'm not really a fan of the Parma paint.

 

Happy Holidaze,

 

RB

[Michael Rigsby]

Have you looked at the Createx line at Dick Blick art supply or maybe a Hobby Lobby? Lots of colors to choose from and its water based. 

 

Maybe Noose or Jairus can chime in. Not sure what they use, but locally most of the guys here have been using Createx that do airbrush work.

[Robert Blaschke]

There is a DB the next town over. I'll check the paint out.

 

Thank man,

 

RB

[BillyBob]

I'm not really a fan of the Parma paint.

Thinking Createx makes Fascolor for Parma.
 
Might try House of Kolors Shimrin urethane.

[Dennis David]

You're not the only one this is driving nuts. Pactra®, Floquil®, Polyscale®, and ColorArtz® are being discontinued.

Floquil and Polyscale are staples in the model train hobby. People really depended on these two brands and their color schemes and it's left a big hole to fill.

[Mike K]

Try Coast Airbrush. Every color you can imagine.
 
www.[b]coastairbrush.com

[Ramcatlarry]

I now use the Model Master lacquer rattle cans and the Model Master acryl waterbase for touch-up and detailing. At least you can get the same colors and they are compatible. This works on both Lexan AND styrene kits.
 
I have not used my airbrush in a few years.

[Bill from NH]

Thinking Createx makes Fascolor for Parma.

 

Yes, Createx makes the Faskolor paint sold by Parma.

[Rick]

Just for chits and giggles, I went to Wally World where they sell most of the Rustoluem line in spray. They make a laquer spray and tried it on a body, it was great. Crinkled it all up and it did not chip. CHEAP too, under $5 for a 16 ounce can...

[Milkman]

Also at Wally World, in the arts and crafts section, is the Apple Barrel line of water-based paint. It works well and there is a good color selection, too. And at $0.57 for a 2 oz bottle it's hard to beat.

[Jairus]

As soon as I heard about Pactra pulling the plug I loaded up on some of my basic colors. But... that is only temporary as it will eventually run out.

So... lately I've been concentrating on learning to paint with the Parma Faskolor. It's not that hard to use, just takes more prep than lacquer.

[Noose]

I've been hoarding the Pactra paints. At some point they will run out and I will revert to something else and invest in a dozen hair driers so I can dry the stuff  fast. That's the biggest problem I have with using the acrylics.

[Robert Blaschke]

The Pama paint requires a higher air pressure. Any suggestions on air pressure? My old Badger air compressor maxes out at at 30 lbs of pressure and works fine for enamel, lacquer, and Model Master Acryl.

Are you using tap water or distilled water for thinning?

With lacquer you could thin the paint out with acetone and really dial back the air pressure and get really thin even coats. Never had to scuff the surface either.

The Faskolor gold and silver are not all that great. 

I actually like the Tamya paint for polycarbonate in jars a bit better.

The Parma paint is good for brush painting.

RB

[Jairus]

I thin the FasKolor paint with glass cleaner like "Windex".  Never use water, just buy a bottle of Windex. Plus... the squirt bottle can be used to clean out the brush over a trash can. I never have to take the brush to the sink ever again! Squirt - spray, squirt - spray, wipe it down, Done!

[bajaboy5b]

My LHS stopped stocking Parma two years ago so I had to move to Vallego.

I'm not sure if its common in the US but I've found it to be much easier to use. Lays smoother, most are already thin enough to use from the bottle and they're more opaque so less coats are needed.

[Hworth08]

A tip for water based paints. They can really absorb oil and grime to the point of distorting the color. I have three of Lee Gilbert's Speed Shop bodies and I'm guessing but believe they are sprayed with clear coat after all the painting is finished. The water paints are usually dull but the Speed Shop bodies shine inside but not lacquer shiny.

 

I've started using Rustoleum spray can clear on my water based paints and cleaning the inside is quite easy. Adds very little weight and really helps to keep the paint clean.

[Jim Lange]

Another good source for Pactra is ePay. No great deals but you can still find some dealers that give shipping discounts on multiple bottles of your favorite colors.

[PCH Parts Express]

As the Pactra jars run low the Tamiya jars will become somewhat easier to get online.

[Foamy]

Try Spaz Stix paint. Sticks to Lexan just fine. Available in spray cans and pre-thinned airbrush bottles.

Spaz Stix airbrush paint

The LHS has had it for about a year before I tried it.
 
Getting paint from a spray can into an airbrush jar painlessly. Take a piece of Saran Wrap and rubber band it on the jar. Find a soda straw that fits the can nozzle. Cut a small length, two inches or so, and poke it in the Saran Wrap cover. Spray away.

[Jeff Bechtel]

I still have all of the Pactra bottle lacquer left from when I closed my shop. 

What colors are you guys looking for?

[wbugenis]

I have been using automotive paints.  They seem really similar to the Pactra stuff.

 

They are sold on small quantities here:

 

http://www.blackgold...structions.html

[Robert Blaschke]

I like the idea of using Windex to thin and clean the air brush. The Createx thinner and airbrush cleaner do smell a bit like the all purpose cleaner.

Was able to score some black, silver, orange, green and yellow and white at a hobby shop a few towns over. They mostly have fluorescent and a few metallic colors left. 

[Jan Pieler]

I have used the mentioned Vallejo paints for some time and can recommend it.

It is a spanish product, and I thing some companies i US sell this paintproduct

Vallejo Premium colors is a waterbased, non toxic paint to air brush lexan bodies, and comes in opaque, metallic, fluorescent and candy. Can be thinned with their reducer, but not always neccesary. Can be used as it is from the bottle. Compressorsetting 30-60 psi ( 2-4 bar).

It is possible to use Fascolor layers of paint together with Vallejo paint ( have not tried to mix the 2 painttypes together)

[endbelldrive]

I use a mixture of Windex and Future/Klear floor polish (or any clear gloss acrylic medium I can get my hands on!) to thin down acrylics.  It sticks better and dries a lot faster than reducing with water or straight Windex.

[Ed Miller]

I have jars of this paint in many different colors.Let me know if you are interested!

 

Ed