Zero Paints F.A.Q.

What type of Paints are they?

The paints supplied are called "Basecoat Paints" which are a solvent based paint (similar to Cellulose but different) which dry with a matt finish and require clearcoating. As they are solvent based they need to be applied over a suitable primer, they can be Solid, Metallic, Mica, Pearl or Candy colours

What colours can you match?
We can match almost any 1:1 production Car and Motorcycle since the late 1980 (some cases back to the late 1960's).
Historic race cars colours can be difficult to match, but with suitable photos and information we can do our best to help. Listed below are just a few of the mainstream automotive manufactures we can match.

How do I order paint which is not listed?
Firstly contact us to check we can mix your required colour, supplying as much information as possible. Then order 60ml Custom Mixing at the online store. Example

Car / Motorcycle Manufacture - Honda (Required)
Colour Name - New Imola Orange (Required)
Mannufactures Colour Code - YR536P(Required) (Not PPG's Code)
Model - S2000
Year of Manufacture - 2003

A Google Search can usually help with getting paint codes and names.

How do you get the exact match?
The colours are mixed using a PC Driven CD-ROM Formulation Database which guarantees a perfect reproduction of the original colour; this database is constantly being updated with new formulas.

Do they need thinning?
No, all paints are supplied pre-thinned for Airbrush use, they are thinned to a consistency which is suitable for Airbrushes with nozzle sizes of 0.3mm upwards. Additional thinners are available if further thinning is required.
It is not recommended to over thin the paint, too much thinners and increase the chance of the paint becoming to HOT and affecting/eating the plastic below the primer. If unsure test first.

Is Primer needed?
YES, As the paints are solvent based it is necessary to primer the plastic/resin before applying the basecoat colour; this seals the plastic/resin and creates a key for the paint to adhere to. Any brand of primer should be OK, but if in doubt do a test first.

Do I need to Clearcoat?
YES, All basecoat colours dry Matt and REQUIRE Clearcoating. The following Clearcoats have also been tested without any issues: Zero 2k Clearcoat, Zero Pre-thinned Lacquer, Tamiya TS13, Mr Hobby range (Mr Top Gloss etc), Halfords Lacquer Therefore most General Automotive Lacquers should be Ok, but if in doubt do a test first.

How many models can I paint with 1 x 60ml Bottle?
1 x 60ml jar of Paint will cover 2 or 3 1:24 Scale models depending on the colour, yellow needs more coats than blue or black, but you will always cover 1 off model with 60ml, if you are painting a 1:12 scale model car we recommend 2 x 60ml bought at the same time, ensuring they are from the same batch.

What should I use to clean my Airbrush?
You can use either Basecoat Thinners or Airbrush Cleaner, alternatively any thinners that contain Toluene should work, but it's best to test first.

Do you supply instructions?
Full colour instructions, can also be found online here or/and on the www.zero-paints.com website, basic instructions are however on each jar

How do I strip Basecoat Paints from my model?
Paints can be stripped using Brake Fluid and/or Isopropyl Alcohol. But always test on a small area before appling to an important project.

How long does the paint keep?
As the paint is supplied Pre-thinned, the thinners will evaporate over time, it should be fine for 12 months, if the thinners have evaporated you can add more basecoat thinners to bring the paint back to the original state.
Keeping the paint in a Cool, Dry Environment will greatly length it's life.
We also suggest only purchasing small quantities of paint at one time, rather that bulk buying and storing for long periods of time

What else does Zero Paints offer?
Zero paints also offer a range of Thinners, cleaners, primers, mixing beakers, transfer pipettes, mixing sticks, tack cloths and other paint related supplies