Revell Aqua Paints - Review (sort of)

[@ellbowski]

Hopefully someone will read this as it's an old post but here we go. After mainly using Tamiya and Mig acrylics these seemed far too thick at 1st but strirring( like in the vid) is essential, more so than other acrylics I've used. They dilute perfectly in water but found any acrylic thinner is fine, because of the high viscosity the pigment is retained really well- more paint for your bucks at the end of the day. They level really well when brushed and settle down well on detail. BIG HINT!!- like enamels, I would really recommend mixing these 1st before putting straight into an airbrush as getting the right consistency in the cup is really tough. Also you have to ensure the outer rims of the lids are clean as opening these with dried paint gluing them together is a pain, literally due to the sharp edges of the square lid. Don't worry too much if they seem to have dried out too much though, they revive well with tepid water and thinner so last a long time..hope this is of use!

[@Mysmallhobby]

Revell is the no. 1 seller of model kits and colours in Slovenia. But the problem with paints is the same. I had to thin them out with distilled water and mixed them well. It seemd to worked fine. I think it's the fault of the packaging.

[@beyond_hope]

Rebels, as has been mentioned in other comments, you only need to thin them down with some water or acrylic thinner to get them back to a useable state. The Revell Aqua paints do dry out very quickly, even when sealed. I've rescued a few Revell pots that would have been thrown if they were any other make.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I'm wondering of there is a sure way to prevent these from drying out. This wouldn't be such a big deal if I had an easy access to them. I'm just glad to hear that the brown can easily be saved.

[@beyond_hope]

I'm sure its the pot design that affects the dry-out rate. As you highlighted in your review, the tops don't sit properly once opened, either from air pressure within the pot or from paint accumulating around the lip of the pot. I haven't tried it but maybe transferring the paint to dropper bottles that can seal more effectively might be an option.

[@1337fraggzb00N]

I would recommend to decant these colors into a proper container from another brand.

[@miguelstevens3042]

Aha! Are you saying when freshly opening the bottle, thinning down is not necessary? Since I'm reading mixed opinions online.

[@MichaelStephenLordReserei1987]

In Facebook groups I'm in, people either take a dump on Revell and their products, or have never used them. For me, when I got into the hobby a year or so ago, with a Revell Saturn V, it's what I started with. I mean my grandpa bought me a couple of Titanic kits as a kid when he was alive, although I had no idea as to what I was really doing, and lost interest--so I was kind of familiar with Revell. Their glue, plasto, masking tape, enamel paints. But considering I'm on the Autism spectrum, have sensory issues, nothing in terms of ventilation and such prevented me from having migraines when it came to enamels. So I decided to go with acrylics. I thinned the Revell Aqua paints a tiny bit with just regular tap water to begin with--started using Vallejo's thinner and flow improver when I invested in an AB+Compressor kit, for both hand as well as airbrushing. I have to say that I'm not at all impressed with the Aqua Color Gold (tends to be too thin out of the pot, and more of a tarnished gold), so I use Tamiya X-12 Gold Leaf if I need to. I'm always running out of Revell Aqua Colour Anthracite and Gunship Grey--use them a lot for Sci-Fi builds. These days, what I work with is; 70% Vallejo, 20% Revell Aqua, and 10% Tamiya. Unrelated: They also have a set of weathering powders now--decided to invest in those as they're reasonably priced, when I wanted to learn how to do that kind of thing.

[@MisterHampshire]

There's no denying that these Revell paints need a good and long stirring as they are gloopy - I use an electric Badger mixer. I also use their proprietary thinner (water for cleanup though). I've had good results though from them. They do brush and airbrush well when thinned; on the other hand, they do seem to 'go off' sooner than other brands. The fluorescent colours have to go over a white base and will need two or three coats; but that's true of any fluorescent colour of any brand. I think you might also need to mix and stir fluorescents really, really well. And I mean really, really well. If thinned nicely, you will find brush marks virtually disappear in all colours. I use their 'anthracite' all the time for a good non-black black - ie, tyres and cockpit interiors etc.

[@GryphonArmorer]

You should put a little bit of thinner in there then drop in an agitator (stainless nut or bearing). The oranges look to be low and especially with that big clump in the fluorescent. And you shouldn't have removed the clump as I'm sure that was the pigment which makes sense why it's transparent.

[@allanmartinez1190]

Hello Sir, I just finished watching the video and I just want to say Thank You for doing a detailed review about the Revell Aqua Color. Not many master modelers will take the time to do a proper review. Again Thank You keep up the good work. Sincerely Allan

[@spudmemphis5518]

Just watched the rest of the video. You can thin them down easily with water. Put a little in the pot to help them stay hydrated, and decant some paint from the container; DO not paint from the pot. Decant paint to a mixing spot, add water, mix them up, then paint. Don't paint from containers. That goes for any paint at all. The thicker the paint, the more you get for your money.

[@miguelstevens3042]

Is there any video that shows how you do those steps? Decanting paint and mixing with water? And why is it bad to paint from a container?

[@vasili1207]

Because it's so thick it's almost a gel medium.. to decant just dip your brush in and put it on a pallet

[@lunarhighway]

I generally like Revell paints, although I do find the bottle format of Vallejo more easy to use. That said for hand brushing Revell is great although some colours tend to go paste like as you already experienced. I do not recommend leaving them open for to long either. If they get to thick however I just thin them down and they're fine if they get to bad you could even add thinner you've tested directly to the paint bottle. I use Vallejo flow improver and thinner for airbrushing although regular water works well to. Also floor polish can be used for hand painting, it makes the paint flow better and eliminates brush strokes at the cost of coverage. For airbrushing I got some empty paint containers of eBay and transferred some pre thinned paint to them, there need to be shaken well before use. But I can transfer any unused but thinned paint from the airbrush back to the container. It also allows for custom mixes. Revell Paint also tends to dry rather solid. Some other paint will chip of easily especially when there's no primer. So yea a little quirky but definitely good paint.

[@Looney2ing]

Jan Legrand agreed revell paints need to be thinned a lot they are very pigment heavy so a little goes a long way. Just like any paint you need to learn how to use/thin them. Thin them with tamiya x-20a or with water and IPA.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

I've used regular Vallejo paints in an airbrush with great success. I haven't had a chance to use Vallejo Air yet. My local hobby hop just started to stock Vallejo Air, and I can't wait to try it. I don't know if I'd want to run that brown through an airbrush, though. Those lumps looked evil.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I've ordered a few of the new Vallejo "Mecha color" paints. They should be in next week, and I'll have a video on those. I really like the color range in that series :D

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I agree with you there, since I mainly use Tamiya Acrylics, I try my best to keep the lids and teeth clean. I'm going to try some of the new Vallejo "Mecha" colors, and I bought a bottle of the "Flow Improver" as well. I've used Vallejo Air a few times, and I'm not impressed that it dries at the tip quickly, still it's great paint.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Will do, I'm certainly going to test these out on some spares before I brush them on my model. I know there will be a bit of a learning curve adjusting to these paints, but I hope they will be easy to use :D

[@runesvensson1244]

Even if The Aqua Color is dried up, you can add water and mix it with an electric mixer, and leave it overnight to let the bubbles go away. It will be fine again.

[@royalrayven47]

I make my own acrylic thinners, which works well. I mix 3 parts distilled water; 2 parts 90% alcohol; and 4 ml glycerine. Works well for all acrylic based paints, and also helps the paint lay down even, also great for airbrushing.

[@argento1111]

me too, but i dont use glycerine, i use propylenglycol. (60% water, 35% Isopropylalkohol (99% pure), and 5-10 % Propylenglycol, which ist the "flow improver"... this last thing improves the drying time !

[@Myfactory62]

Just read on quick kits comments thread that Revell are known for having thick paint in their pots,at times paste like,no need to send them back,as has been said..Just thin them to your own satisfaction.

[@MrWillshake]

Try adding a slight amount of water. The paint will be the consistency of milk but works a treat. Tried it today on my Schwarz on the tires of the tires and it is really smooth

[@miguelstevens3042]

Do you have to thin them either way? I'm reading mixed opinions on thinning the revell aqua's or not.

[@themajesticmagnificent386]

They ain’t gone bad,there just Revell..I like these paints but you must work with them and thinning..The Aqua thinners help a lot..

[@alexbrazviana]

Hi Rebels. I've used Aqua Color once with an Academy 1/72 Hellcat. The color was gloss blue # 52 and it was airbrushed. The result was good and there's a considerable difference between using an airbrush and a brush when it comes to the gloss effect. The airbrush gives a much nicer shine. The second time I used Aqua color was when I built a Hobbyboss 1/72 Dornier Do 335. I airbrushed light blue # 49 (RLM 65) on the under-surface and when I applied the dark green matt #39 (RLM 71) it came out very rough, it looked almost something like velvet. I then sanded the paint down using a 1200 sandpaper and managed to repaint it using Hobby color # 64 and fix the issue. I mostly use Humbrol paints. In my opinion they are much better than the Aqua color line. I thin the paints down using sterilized water used in autoclave machines (very cheap), since tap water contains too much chlorine. By the way, I also have a Revell 1/72 Corsair in my stash. Thanks for the review. Alex

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks for the advice Alex :) I've got some distilled water here at home, the tap water where I live is actually quite clean compared to other places. But given the fragile nature of acrylics with chemicals I'm sticking with the distilled water. I'll also give Tamiya Acrylic thinner a go, however I've read stories where that thinner didn't work out 100% with other brand paints.

[@Dasboat728]

It is not bad paint, it can be used for brushing small surfaces!My tips: tamiya x-20 acrylic thinner can be used airbrush for revell acryl!

[@argento1111]

Trying to spray non thinned Revell aqua paints is like trying to spray peanut butter. You have to thin them A LOT. Use a paint retarder (or flow improver) For this i recommend "Propylene glycol" (best paint retarder for acrylic paints, and its what most brand sell in a bottle !)

[@johnovandupper3810]

Rebelscloud nine, hi! i got some of those paints for free . I got an aluminium colour and it is very good. I find the paint a bit thick but next time i use it i am gonna thin it down a bit.great review! Keep up the good work.😀👍

[@ArmourEmpire]

They airbrush really well suprisingly. You can literally just thin with water

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I'm going to test airbrushing them very soon, hopefully I'll get the nack for them so I can use the brown and green on a current Spitfire.

[@JDJLalor]

I was never all that gone on the old Revell oil based enamels but I do like the Aquas. No 90 is my favourite straight-from-the-pot silver. The blue and orange look as though they could be used on Airfix's Severn Class lifeboat. I like the Aqua matt varnish too.

[@Myfactory62]

Don't worry, any acrylic based paint will start the drying process if not sealed when you are not using them,those factory Revell paints you have with the odd clump,just thin it with a very small amount of multi surface wax ( once known as pledge) or similar acrylic thinner.Test this out on a sample first,as you do not want to ruin those imported Revells! I use artists acrylic paints and thin them/mix them this way in small pots as its a much smoother finish,fewer brush marks.You have to practice to get the right consistency.For airbrush though it will have to be totally lump free.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I've got P3 Acrylic paints as another got to paint, they are amazing for hand brushing, and I'm trying to find a proper way to thin them for airbrushing. I've used Enamels most of my life and only the past 10 years have I switched to Acrylics. Mostly Tamiya, but there are many modelers who don't consider Tamiya Acrylics, pure or true Acrylics, so when I got these truer Acrylics, it takes me back a bit. I'm with you there I'm going to have to do a lot more practicing to get get the learning curve of these acrylics.

[@Alantheleopard]

Interesting new kinds of paints. You learn something new every day. But even though problems are inevitable with all paints and brands at times, I bet none is more troublesome than the classic enamel Humbrol paints are. That´s just one of the reasons why this year I´m failing to meet my own target on building such a varied range of kits as possible. I´ve started with three kits this year after my last complete model and because of problems with both pieces and the paint (specially Humbrol 22 gloss white) I´m leaving them aside and not caring much about them. It´s a miracle that I haven´t thrown those kits to the dustbin yet, because they are almost completely ruined...

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I really love the Humbrol Enamel line, I just don't like those little paint cans they provide. I remember so many times as a kit opening up a pot and finding it was or had dried out because the paint got all over the rim. Great color range, and I like how they applied to the model, but man those paint cans.... Their range of Humbrol Acrylics I'm not as fond of, I tried the paints that come with the starter model kits, and the paint came out grainy like I painted it with sand.

[@maTzeprei]

You have to thin these paints once in a while with water or retartder. Thats the compromise you get when choosing to go overboard on pigments.

[@Harikejn]

This is very interesting video. I remember a few years ago, I have seen Revell aqua paints in set along with the airbrush, compressor, and all things needed for airbrushing. I don't know if it still available on site. I'm using Revell colors for my model kits (although I use enamel paint), with regular hand brushing. I don't know if you have used the Humbrol paints? Revell model kits, paints, brushes, etc. can be mostly seen in Serbia as well. I have from Revell decal softener. I remember that I assembled that similar airplane you have showed, in scale 1/72, but I used enamel paint. I don't know if you have also used the Lift Here decals (that's how they are called)?

[@spudmemphis5518]

And if you have problems putting the lid on, cut those two little tabs off flush and it will go on perfect again. And don't forget to thin them down.

[@miguelstevens3042]

First time builder here, is there a guide on how to thin them?and how much?

[@Ronalddegroote]

First time I used some of them was 8 years ago. I remember they worked great, thinned. Lost intrest in the project. And checked on the never opened bottles last month. LOL. They were all hard as marble, not paste, marble. So, dont store em in the shed!!! So they DO harden after some years. But I do remember I did like em, thinned, both by hand as by airbrush

[@mansnothot4160]

well it does say on the side keep away from frost so maybe thats what happened

[@missmisiowa]

I just bought a selection @ £1.70 in the UK. Some of the paints are marked 2014 some are 2018. All are thick. Some very thick. I am successful at thinning them with x20-A. Colours on the stickers are a bit different from reality. Very good paints. Sadly, selection is limited.

[@spudmemphis5518]

Order them from emodels UK. If I can get them for a decent price from there, I am sure you can being just over the pond.

[@MottysMilitaryModels]

Brill update my friend. That's how a proper review should be done . Great stuff

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Steve, I really appreciate the comment :)

[@miguelstevens3042]

How do you clean the paint of the brush, before adding a new color, or letting the brush rest for a night? Thanks!

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I use regular tap water (where I live it's quite pure of chemicals) and for tougher acrylic paints I have a bottle of Lacquer thinner and this will remove all the affected paint.

[@miguelstevens3042]

@@rebelsatcloudnine Thanks for your response, do you just swirl the brush around in the water? or press against the bottom/sides to clean it off?

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I usually brush against the sides of the water pot. It comes out quite easily.

[@judygarnhum2992]

Good Day! I have tried to import paints and glue from the UK and the USA but Canada customs won't let them in. Any suggestions? Judy in Nova Scotia

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Hi Judy, what kinds of paints are you trying to bring in?

[@judygarnhum2992]

Hi again! It was a while ago so I don't remember what paints I tried to get, but I would like to try the ones in your video yesterday (August 31st). I also tried to get Mr. Surfacer at that time and EModels said they couldn't ship either to Canada because of our customs. I can get Mr. Surfacer now at Sunward Hobbies in Ontario. I believe EModels said the same for any paint. Thanks for answering...Judy

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

According to Tim, who owns my local hobby shop, there is no reason that Mr Hobby can't be imported into Canada. I think most companies don't want to export them simply because they could be a potential hassle. They follow the same guidelines as Tamiya Lacquers. However as you've mentioned it's very difficult to find someone who will import them. I bought Mr Hobby Black Surfacer (really amazing stuff by the way) From ebay, from a seller in Taiwan. It takes quite a while to get here, but this is how I've been able to bring them into Canada. This is the ebay seller I use for Mr. Hobby products: www.ebay.ca/sch/animetropolis/m.html?ssPageName=&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2654 I was a bit worried about getting these Revell Aqua colors across the sea, and over the border, but as you can see I had no troubles. The ebay seller I got these from had a sale where I picked 5 colors and they were sent over. If you look over their store they have other listing for more Revell paints, I think their highest is 12 at a time. And I think most of these paint plans have free shipping which is a nice bonus :D www.ebay.ca/itm/MODEL-PAINT-5-X-REVELL-18ml-AQUA-ACRYLIC-PAINTS-CHOOSE-MIX-ANY-5-COLOURS/201630179698?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 I've yet to test airbrushing these but I pretty sure that I'm going to order more of these paints. I like the tone to the colors, and based on everyone's comments here I think these are a going to be great paints :D

[@judygarnhum2992]

Thanks so much Mr. Rebel for your very helpful reply. I will try these links and see what I can come up with. As I have said before, I LOVE your videos! Kindest regards...Judy on the East coast

[@MIGgaming629]

actually a hobbyshop in ottawa Ontario sells all the revell aqua oaints

[@maxmustermann2197]

I started out with these paints as a beginner, since they are very available and cheap here. Hated them, so much hassle to deal with, you need to thin them down very much, otherwise they are unusable . They have wildly varying consistency, for a beginner an absolute nightmare and so frustrating that I almost quit the hobby. Then I had to get new colors and bought a Vallejo Mecha color and a Tamiya color... immediatly sold off all my Revell paint and switched to mostly Vallejo and some Tamiya. SO much easier to handle, especially Vallejo, no or very little thinning required, and the paint handles so much more easily and looks much better too in my opinion. For a beginner I would say stay clear of Revell paints whatsoever

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I tried airbrushing the brown on a Spitfire, and it was just adding layers and layers. I think I sprayed it about 8 times and it just kept being transparent. I gave up on them after that, but now that they are more widely available in Canada, and in my local hobby store, I'd like to give these a second chance, and with the Revell brand thinner.

[@stevethefishdotnet]

I think that brown could be salvaged by thinning it down, with water or whatever. They seem to apply fairly well. I'm just thinking that you may do better to invest in GSI Creos paints instead, since you already seem to have some. Those Revell paints seem to be inconsistent, just like the quality of their models.

[@alexbienek1703]

I'd thin the brown with tamiya X-20a that should hopefully revive it. As for airbrushing I would suggest you thin them a lot. As for brush marks I would thin them with water to the consistency of un thinned tamiya paint. That will remove the brush marks completely on Matt paint. I would also recommend their aluminium for brush painting metallics although it doesn't give as realistic a finish as Vallejo metal color as the pigment particles are to big

[@SCM223]

I know this is an old video but they're selling in the US now so maybe Canada as well.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Yes, my hobby store has them in stock. I'm hoping to get over this virus and head over there this week :)

[@acescalemodeling]

what ever happened to themeng P-51 ? I always wondered why they never import, them maybe this is why they don't travel well.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

"The video will be released before the next Full Moon", wait when is that?................."The video will be released before the next New Moon"! As for importing, according to Tim who runs my local hobby store, most companies don't want to even try competing in other countries that are already dominated by a paint brand. Like in the U.S you've got Testors & Model Master Enamels, and in many cases Humbrol, so why would Tamiya bring in their Enamel line? The same is for Tamiya Acrylics, Revell and Humbrol are probably less likely to try and bring in a foreign paint since people are really used to and devoted to Tamiya acrylics. AndVallejo sneaked into the scene because of their reputation for hand brushing. And their wide range of colors. Oddly enough Tim has had Tamiya Acrylics in his store for over 15 years, I got into Tamiya's acrylics nearly 10 years ago, and just within the past 3-4 years have they become the best selling paints in his shop. I've found that with many modelers once they become happy/used to a certain paint they are very reluctant to try another brand (myself included)

[@acescalemodeling]

rebelsatcloudnine hmm haven't thought about that but that makes total since!

[@ghengiscrayon]

Hah. I'm watching paint dry.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Ha ha, watching paint dry takes up 60% of my modeling time, which is quite sad come to think of it....

[@Kabul81]

Other side of the pond gets the cool revell items,over here we get re-hashed 40 yr old molded kits!😡 Jman👀

[@Filiplego1]

What are these used for?

[@iamaduckquack]

Painting things.

[@Startrooper5555]

Idiot.

[@willlennox6973]

I literally can’t open mine lol

[@TazerFace1970]

I tried this paint and I’m not a big fan. Spreads poorly and very uneven. I would not recommend this paint. Minimum of three or more passes to cover and then it looks chunky.