Revell Enamel Paints

UrkerVisser

UrkerVisser

Joined
Feb 20, 2025
Messages
84
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Location
Schleswig - Holstein, Germany
Hi!
I've been using Revell's enamel paints for 'forever & a day' because they are easily obtainable in here in Europe (although Humbrol's color selection is or was a lot better). I have always thinned my Revell with 'white spirits' (mild replacement turpentine). However maybe this is bad, or? Revell also sells a thinner which costs more money.

Can anybody tell me their opinion on the matter?

I've also been told Humbrol was taken off the market because it contains MEK; well if one doesn't dump it over their head I see no problem there! Is Humbrol back on the market now with a new formula? I heard the MEK was to prevent the paint from creating a skin on it's surface.

And another issue I've had with some new Revell is that I painted my wooden 1:77 scale schooner with 'SM 302" satin finish black and the results were wonderfull. However when I painted the hull of my 1:142 scale Revell Grimsby Trawler the next day the result was totally flat! What happened there? I like satin finish because I want my ships to look somewhat wet and not like they are waiting around somewhere to be broken up!
Haha!

Thanks in advance for your replies!
Best Regards,
UrkerVisser (The fisherman from Urk, NL )
 
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I always use Humbrol paint, but that is only because it is widely available in the UK. To thin it I use cellulose thinners because I keep a gallon in the garage to use on other projects.

The recipe for all paints, strippers etc. has changed over the last dozen years to make products less toxic and more climate friendly in their manufacture. I do some restoration work and have almost given up on a liquid stripper which actually does the job whilst not leaving a scummy surface - if it even moves the old varnish at all. Modern day problems, I suppose.

Like you I prefer a satin finish. You might try going over your trawler hull with Humbrol satin acrylic lacquer using a broad artist's brush, it works for me and is okay to use on top of an enamel paint.
Regards.
 
Thank You! It's good to be here!
I have three projects going on right now:
1.) Revell plastic North Sea Trawler in 1:142 scale.
2.) Scientific Kit No.164 'Bluenose (1921)' in 1:77 scale.
3.) Mantua 'Hoogaars Dutch Fishing Vessel' in 1:25 scale.
Added to that I also have an N Scale 1:160 and a H0 1:78 scale train layout. And in the past I also built doll house items for my wife in 1:12 and in 1:14 scales. Plus another in G Scale (1:22.5)
So, I'm always building something or the other.
Best Regards, UrkerVisser
 
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You can use laser thinner with enamels!! Works perfectly with no ill effects, easily obtained an reasonably cost effective. I use it for thinning paint for brush or airbrush use. You can clean your equipment with it also.
 
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