Model Railroad Hobbyist | April 2016 | #74 ASSISTANT EDITOR Don Hanley editorial Painting models in a post-Floquil world, part 2 In last month’s editorial, publisher Joe Fugate wrote about his preference for acrylic or water-based paints. I, on the other hand, prefer solvent-based lacquer or enamel paints for painting my locomotives and rolling stock, as well as for painting other things. I have experimented with acrylic paints in my airbrush, but was never satisfied with the results. That is not to say they are not great products, and that excellent results can’t be achieved. Far from it. It is just that solvent-based paints remain my comfort zone, and I’ve never really wanted to spend the serious time it will take to become proficient with acrylic paints. When using solvent-based paints, extra care is needed to protect your health. The inhalation of the volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in the paint solvents can cause long- term health problems. While most of us will likely not inhale enough of the VOCs to cause any issues with our relative infre- quent painting, it is better to be safe than sorry. Personal Protective Equipment or PPE for painting with solvent-based paints requires a respirator, not just a dust mask. • INDEX • TABLE OF CONTENTS