The end for Humbrol Enamel paints?
- Thread starter Ian M
- Start date
Personally I think Hornby are using this as a way to get out of the enamel paint game. It’s a pity to see them go, but they are no longer the only game in town. My LHS stocks at least eight major paint ranges, and Humbrol have to compete with them all. Reformulating the range to service a shrinking market is probably not economically viable, so it is completely understandable.
Testors did that to my nearest LHS in Salisbury before it closed. The guy bought a display cabinet and the full range of paints. He was really chuffed to be the only local stockist and it brought him in a lot of customers because they are well regarded. Then, after about six months, they discontinued the range. He was far from happy, I can tell you.
I'm sad to say this will not end until every bit of anything, not just hobby related with chemicals, which may or may not cause some sort of health threat are gone.....on the horizon.......Clean Green everything! 
Jim R
SMF Supporter
John was asking about a new range of enamel paints from Ukraine the other day. I rather like enamels and although they may be seen as 'old school' they airbrush nicely, are pretty robust and dilute well for washes. There are not that many hobby enamels around so if Humbrol cease to be maybe the ones from Ukraine may be worth a look.
Jim, do you happen to know the brand name and who manufactures them?
Jim R
SMF Supporter
Arcus Model Paints.
There are also Phoenix Precision enamels…..
I used them quite a bit for railway modelling in the old days, and they were as good or better than Humbrol. They certainly sprayed better, their quick drying air thinners, in particular, was excellent. Not used them for a long time though, so they might have changed the formulation like Humbrol have.
Too bad they don't have any Wehrmacht colors.......might have been a possibility to replace my diminishing supply of Testor's Model Masters that I have used for the past 30 years.There are also Phoenix Precision enamels…..
I used them quite a bit for railway modelling in the old days, and they were as good or better than Humbrol. They certainly sprayed better, their quick drying air thinners, in particular, was excellent. Not used them for a long time though, so they might have changed the formulation like Humbrol have.
Pity you aren’t in the UK Rick, you could have the ones that I’ve got. Can’t see me ever using them….
Well that answers the question doesn't it.
I have today seen a video on You Tube in which an Employee Of Humbrol stated that the Humbrol Enamel range WILL BE RETURNING as soon as they can get them through. Be that production or checks/tests?-In as far as you can trust the writings of a random person on the Internet, of course, but it seemed legit
I was amused to see me being quoted in the video lol. Do I want to take the matter up with Mat at Model Minutes? not really. But in some I'mway pleased that I somehow had a finger in getting a reply out of Humbrol as to what will be happening.
Just think how much Gossip/rumour/guessing and other forms of speculation could have been avoided if Humbrol had just posted something up on the Website as soon as they Pulled the paints from sale.
Happy days!
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Gary MacKenzie
SMF Supporter
According to PR people, no publicity is bad publicity, now many are talking about a paint that used an anti-skimming ingredient, which from the tins I painted with, never lived up to its claims.
Humbrol has a page telling customers the countries it cannot ship to
AA0360 No 33 Black - Matt - Tinlet No 1 (14ml)
AA0360, No 33 Black - Matt - Tinlet No 1 (14ml), Humbrol, Enamel Paints, No Scale
uk.humbrol.com
Jim R
SMF Supporter
I wonder how many people heard the rumours or whatever and went out and stocked up with a few that they used regularly!!
Well there's me for a start
I do like enamels though. Very versatile.
Well there's me for a start
I do like enamels though. Very versatile.