Zero Paint Metallics: Zero Realism?

[dr_gn]

I'm currently building a Tamiya Honda S2000. I wanted to paint it in Silverstone Metallic, so after hearing great things about Hiroboy "Zero" Paint metallics having re-engineered flakes for a more scale appearance, I decided to find out more. I looked at the Customer Gallery on thier website, and TBH the majority of the metallic painted cars on there didn't look too convincing to me.

I e-mailed Hiroboy asking for more info about their re-engineering process, but got no reply. I then called them, and they said that some paints had smaller flakes, but others had small flakes to start with, so were left alone. I was assured that Zero metallics were entirely suitable for 1:24 sclae cars, and that 1:43 scale would require a different process. I must say I wasn't totally convinced, but went ahead and ordered the Zero Primer, Honda Silversone Metallic Basecaot, Lacquer, airbrush cleaner, mesh pads and tack cloth.

I folowed the instructions to the letter and this was the result:

I think you'll agree it looks absolutely terrible, especially when viewed next to to a cheap mass produced Mercedes model in which the metallic flakes are much smaller. So I emailed Zero again (with the above picture, expressing my disappointment and asking the best way to remove the paint. Again I got no reply.

I ended up dunking the whole lot in brake fluid, and starting again with my own paint mix of Citadel Myrthil Silver and Revell Aqua Black. It went on beautifully (much easier to apply consistently than the Zero stuff). Since I appear to be stuck with the Zero lacquer, I used that over the top, and now it just needs polishing with T-Cut:

Here is a direct comparison of the two paints:

Looking at them through a Loupe, the flake size of the Zero metallic is roughly twice that of my own mix.

I would say it would be very easy to use Citadel Silver to mix with any other solid colour to get a decent metallic, and it is a fraction of the hassle and cost of using zero paints (abrading the base plastic, priming, rubbing down, priming ad nauseum, basecoat application, lacquer application etc, etc.)

In the absence of any contact with Zero paints on this matter, can anyone shed any light on this problem?

Has anyone had a similar experience?

I cannot understand why Zero paints get such good reviews if this level of product quality and customer service is normal.

Cheers!

[Pilgrim_UK]

.

Edited April 30, 2011 by Pilgrim_UK

[Mike]

Those flakes do seem a bit on the chunky side In anything but the larger scales though, I'd imagine that the flake would be invisible to the scale eye.

I sprayed a 2 foot long BMW Mini in Zero paints, and TBH, the flake size looked ok - perhaps it was one that had been "re-engineered"? Saying that, it was a bloody big model - ex-cheapo RC found on a skip that was rescued by a skip-surfing friend of mine. I gues it's horses for courses though.

[dr_gn]

Those flakes do seem a bit on the chunky side In anything but the larger scales though, I'd imagine that the flake would be invisible to the scale eye.

I sprayed a 2 foot long BMW Mini in Zero paints, and TBH, the flake size looked ok - perhaps it was one that had been "re-engineered"? Saying that, it was a bloody big model - ex-cheapo RC found on a skip that was rescued by a skip-surfing friend of mine. I gues it's horses for courses though.

Mike,

Yeah, I agree the flakes would be almost invisible at 1:24, and the Zero/Hiroboy guy never said they were *true* scale, just appropriate for 1:24. In my opinion, these are definitely NOT acceptable for a 1:24 car, especially since I did a better job with a cheapo DIY mix of commonly available paints form Hobbycraft. You must be aiming for minimal flake size, and zero paints are demonstrably not minimal...

Cheers,

[Kylew]

I have to agree that those flake sizes are quite large, and I'm quite surprised that they didn't get back to you from Hiroboy, I've heard the same, that their customer service is usually good.

I actually run my own store called Plamo UK with my own brand of paints, and I do a metallic one that is much much finer than both those Zero Paints and Citadel ones.

Here's an example of my own metallic by itself, then covered in a clear red top coat in case you're interested in them.

I think that flake scale is far more appropriate for 1:24 kits.

I have to say as well, I try to pride myself on my customer service.

Edited May 1, 2011 by Kylew

[dr_gn]

I have to agree that those flake sizes are quite large, and I'm quite surprised that they didn't get back to you from Hiroboy, I've heard the same, that their customer service is usually good.

I actually run my own store called Plamo UK with my own brand of paints, and I do a metallic one that is much much finer than both those Zero Paints and Citadel ones.

Here's an example of my own metallic by itself, then covered in a clear red top coat in case you're interested in them.

I think that flake scale is far more appropriate for 1:24 kits.

I have to say as well, I try to pride myself on my customer service.

Kylew,

That's more like it.

I don't have the heart (or the spare cash and time!) to strip the S2000 AGAIN, but I'm on the lookout for a Fujimi Honda Prelude, which will also be metallic red or blue. If you can get a near match for either of those colours (I have the paint codes), I'll definitely have some from you.

Cheers,

Dr_GN