How similar are Testors Model Master and Polly Scale paints?

[robwill84]

To anyone who has used Testors model master railroad colors in place of Polly Scale, how did they compare in coverage, consistency, etc. I've finally run out of my stash of Polly Scale, have some Testors on the way. Just wanted to know what to expect.

[PGE_Modeller]

If they are the Testors "Model Master Acryl" paints, they should be the same formulation as Polly Scale.  Currently, Central Hobbies in Vancouver, BC, has the Model Master Acryl colours in the same rack as whatever Polly Scale they have left.  The Model Master Acryl paints, however, end up being more expensive as they are only available in 1/2 oz bottles.

Cheers,

[Pete Steinmetz]

I quit using Testors anything.  Vallejo makes excellent paint.  I use Tamiya flat and gloss clear cote in a rattle can.  It sprays so much finer than Dullcote. I always thought Testors products were thick and gloppy. Vallejo is  a lot cheaper than Model Masters.

[Sokramiketes]

Are you sure they are the same formulation as Polly Scale?  That was not my impression when both were available side by side.  I believe the Polly Scale formulation went the way of the dodo.

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

They are the same. I have mixed them together for years with no problems.

[PGE_Modeller]

Like Jeff, I have mixed PollyScale and Model Master Acryl (not regular Model Master which is, IIRC, enamel based) with no problems.  Hence the assumption - dangerous, I know - that the formulation is the same (or, at least, so similar as to not cause problems).  FWIW, I have also mixed PolyScale and TrueLine Trains paints - both made by Testors - with no problems.  Not sure what the current status of the TLT paints is.  Some colours that I wanted were relatively easily produced by modifying a TLT colour with some appropriately coloured PollyScale.

Cheers,

[peteski]

Are you sure they are the same formulation as Polly Scale?  That was not my impression when both were available side by side.  I believe the Polly Scale formulation went the way of the dodo.

Not including the old Polly-S, is it possible that there were several formulas of PollyScale paints produced over time (with the latest version being a subset of Testor's Acryl line)?

Personally I wouldn't mix different brands of paints unless I knew for a fact that they were the same formula paints.  This is especially true for water-based acrylic paints.

[Sokramiketes]

They are the same. I have mixed them together for years with no problems.

Scalecoat II can mix with Floquil but that doesn't mean they are the same formulation! 

I though Polluscale was great for brush painting but never had the same luck with the Acryl line. I don't doubt they mix OK, but I felt the formulation was different.