ceramacote vs oil paint

[h44]

which paint does better in weathering rust, ceramacote colors or an artist's oil paint like burnt umber?
ty
mark

 

[RW&C]

Probably depends on what you're painting on. I've never gotten tube acrylics to stick well on plastic. They're great for porous surfaces (wood, plaster), though. I don't have a whole lot of experience with either; give both a try, see what you like.

An important part of weathering is variation, so don't expect to just use one color.

 

[Dameon]

Without knowing what type of surface you are painting on, I'd say the artist's oils.

IIRC ceramacote is usually on the craft paint isle right? If you're applying directly to the typical plastic freight car, then yes definitely the oils or a better quality acrylic than ceramacote.

 

[delray1967]

Both. Using both will give different, not necessarily wrong, results. There is a lot of variation in rust in the real world. Do a couple of cars using each and see what you prefer, neither will be 'wrong' and will add variety.

I like oils for their long working time, so the colors can be blended (or worked with a brush) a bit more. Acrylics ( I use Ceramacote too) are great for their quick dry times and ease of cleanup.

I can achieve pretty much the same result with both mediums; and slightly different but the same, is what I like to see.

 

[CNR Glen]

I like using artists acrylic tube paint in burnt umber and burnt sienna for rust. They're like the oils but easier cleanup. For dirt, oil and just a grimey look I'll use Poly-s paints in my airbrush.
I also have black, brown and grey washes made from Ceramacote and other acrylics like them, thinned with water a a drop or two of dish washing detergent to break the surface tension and let them flow into crevices a bit better.