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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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’.