When did you change from Enamel to Acrylic Paints?

[Mick_in_Switzerland]

Following on from my question about when sand and static grass basing started, Hammers asked an interesting question.

"Makes one wonder about other rather important trends in the Hobby. Who initiated the larger trend to move from oil based paints to matt acrylics? I know I did my first ones, Mithril Miniature, with Humbrol Enamels."

In my case, I used enamels from about 1975 to about 1982. I then left the Hobby for abour 20 years.
When I came back, circa 2002, acrylics were well established and I soon changed to Citadel Acrylic Paints to go on my new GW Lord of the Rings figures.

I stopped with Citadel after they changed from the classic range with easy to remember names like - Bestial Brown, Chaos Black etc. The newer range is vast and confusing.
I now use mostly Vallejo Model Colour and Vallejo Game Colour.
I still use a few Citadel paints, particularly their washes and metallics.

Mick

[Hobgoblin]

For me, it was the release of the first Citadel Paint Set in 1984. I think that may have marked a tipping point for many others.

[Dr. Zombie]

I have only ever painted 5 models with enamel paints. It was when I was a wee lad and Heroquest was released. I got it for christmas and Painted 5 orcs with enamel paints and I hated every minute of it. The long drying time the smell and the shinyness. Then I saw a citadel paint kit in the local hobbystore and I have never looked back since.

[Eric the Shed]

gosh i remember that advert - thank you

[Sunjester]

Some time around 1980'ish, in the early 70s I was still using enamels, but by about 82/83 I was using acrylics. Earlier this year I finally had to throw out an old pot of TSR paint I'd had since about 1986! It was a pastel pinkish colour, great for a faded, washed out red dye on Dark Age costume. I bet none of the paints I've bought this year will still be going strong after 30-odd years.

[westwaller]

When I switched from making model aeroplanes and such in about 1989. It was about the time I got Heroquest. I got the Citadel colour paint set and the Creature (or Monster?) paint set at about the same time.
My parents were probably relieved as I guess my Bedroom no longer stank of Enamels and I probably stopped pouring used white spirit down the outside drain...

[Phil Robinson]

1979/80ish. Pelican Plaka.

[Michi]

1989

[Malamute]

I was a late developer. I used my trusty Humbrol enamels right up until the mid 1990s.

[jon_1066]

The latest figures I painted with enamels were some Citadel C12 goblins and F4 Normans and men at arms released in about 1987.  These were actually painted with citadel acrylics, enamels and inks.  So late eighties for me was the transition period.

You can see one of them here.  The blue hood on the middle goblin was enamel.

[swiftnick]

Probably about the mid 80s but still used Humbrol for aircraft and tanks. I am actually allergic to them now and can't use them at all.

[Pijlie]

I switched end 90ies I think. Less stink, less hassle, less drying time, better pigments.

[Hammers]

I was a late developer. I used my trusty Humbrol enamels right up until the mid 1990s.

   Nothing wrong with Humbrol, ind. Nice, matt colors. Less practical and more unhealty, that's all.

[Deano]

I'm still using both :-)

[swiftnick]

Does anybody still straighten their bush by popping it in their mouth? I can't kick the habit. That and cleaning the brush in whatever liquid is handy. Could be water, tea or wine.