Paint Review: Humbrol Acrylic (OLD)

Humbrol made a real effort to produce a usable acrylic paint. Unfortunately, they have a ways to go…

  • Self Leveling
  • Need for Additives
  • Coverage
  • Proper Drying Time
  • Compatibility
  • Stippling
  • Fingerprinting
  • Adhesion
  • Line Drawing
  • Color Selection
  • Smell
  • Price
3.5

Summary

Again, a paint that doesn’t give you that smooth, “airbrush like” finish unless you sacrifice a goat on All Hallows Eve or something. Not worth the trouble. NOTE: There is a new version of Humbrol Acrylic that is supposed to be better. I’ll have to try it– someday.

5 Replies to “Paint Review: Humbrol Acrylic (OLD)”

  1. I have tried this formula, and have not had great results with it. The new formula in the twist top pots I have had better luck with, by thinning lightly with some water and a touch of washing up liquid. The adherence has been very good too. Unfortunately the paints have a rough, gritty texture apart from a few colours. The grittiness goes from light textures, to unusable for anything but sand paper. A lottery really. So unacceptable due to this inconsistancy.

    1. I’m just now learning that there is a “new” Humbrol acrylic, and my review is for the “old” acrylic? The grit sounds like a real problem. Poor Humbrol and their never-ending acrylic woes.

  2. They used to have little pots of Acrylic back in the 80’s/90’s. They didn’t set the world on fire, but I got on with them quite well. Old Humbrol acrylics kicked the bucket along with Airfix/Humbrol about 12-15 years ago, and a new formula was brought out a few years after Hornby aquired the Humbrol brand (your pot in the picture is the first incarnation of the ‘New’ version).

  3. Hey Dan,

    Long time no hear. Anyway, just thought I would add to this reviews comments with the tidbit that Humbrol have moved manufacture of their acrylic paint line to the UK from China. Once I get hold of a few of the new ones, I will brush them out and give a comparison with our favourites. Fingers crossed.

    1. Looking forward to it. I recently acquired some Mission Models paint. VERY thin. Otherwise, it’s excellent paint. But just too thin for me to want to brush it. I can see how somebody could, though. You never know, I might gradually learn to do it myself. But I have a large inventory of the old paint, and the new paint is hard to use, and that old clock on the wall keeps on tickin’.

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