IPMS had the opportunity to review some new paints being developed by WX Model Craft, a US-based manufacturer of model making supplies. Their first projects are water-based acrylic primer and acrylic paints. Samples of red iron oxide primer, flat black paint, silver paint, and airbrush thinner were available for review. The samples received were in preliminary bottles and temporary labels. WX plans to use 10ml eye drop bottles for the paint, 100ml for the primer, and set the price lower than those offering larger bottles.

The primer is intended for a wide variety of surfaces common in the scale modeling hobby including plastic, metal, and resin. It is designed for high hiding power, application by both airbrush and brush, anti-clogging, and is non-toxic. The primer was developed to be used with no thinner. The primer and paint use the same binder.

For both airbrushing and brushing colors, shaking before use is strongly recommended to fully disperse the pigment. WX recommended using a 0.3mm nozzle airbrush at 1.5 bar (20+ psi) for better results. The paint would need to be thinned by water or thinner and they recommend a water to paint ratio of about 1:1 to 1.5:1, or 1:1 for the metallic color.

Airbrushing

I started airbrushing the red iron oxide primer at 1 part thinner to 2 parts paint. The airbrush I used had a 0.2mm nozzle at 20 psi. The spray pattern was uneven and had a few splatters of paint. I increased the ratio to 1 part thinner to 1 part paint and the primer sprayed more evenly. The thinner only contains water, retarder, and surfactant to break up surface tension to allow the paint to level out. Water was also used to thin the primer and worked as effectively as the thinner.

I applied two coats of primer to the samples to get full coverage. The paint leveled out well but had a slightly rough texture that would need a light sanding. The primer dried to the touch after 10 minutes and has a satin finish. WX recommends letting the primer cure for one day before applying finish coats.

I sprayed two coats of the silver and black paints over the red iron oxide primer. The paints also contain a retarder. The metallic color paint is thinner than regular colors so thinning ratio was about 2:1 to 1:1. The black paint had a slightly duller finish, but not completely flat. Surface of the black paint was much smoother so the pigment must be smaller.

The airbrush cleaned up with water. Dried paint in airbrush cup was not removed by water or airbrush thinner but required lacquer thinner to clean up.

Brushing

Brushing the primer straight out of the bottle goes on thick but levels out and conceals most brush strokes. It took a little longer to dry due to the thicker coating.

The color paints are also thicker when brushed. Texture of the brushed silver paint was much coarser which scattered the gloss finish. I could not get an even finish brushing the silver paint. It was too thin & showed many brush strokes. The silver metallic paint does not provide as much coverage as the black color and has a coarse texture.

Brushing the black paint came out much smoother and the pigment appears much finer.

Wear

Both primer & paints are very durable. Scratching with fingernail changed sheen slightly but did not remove paint. Masking tape applied did not pull off any paint.

Chipping

Silver & black sprayed over hairspray and chipped with water after 30 minutes. Silver chipped OK but black harder to chip.

Summary

These paints can be promising if they are less expensive than others and are made in the USA. The early samples of the Red Iron Oxide Primer and Flat Black Paints performed well. The Silver Paint is too coarse and difficult to get an even coat.

Thanks to WX Model Craft for providing samples of these paints as they are being developed. IPMS will provide further information as more samples are submitted.