acrylics paints versus lacquers for fish painting

[gorms]

I have been using lacquer paints for fish painting and am wondering if there are any special tricks or techniques using water based acrylic paints instead, because of the lesser health hazard?  Can some one give me some ideas or direction?

[Monty Artrip]

Well, you will probably get as many opinions as colors of paint. They say that neither is good to breathe and good ventilation is a must. The biggest thing with using water base to me is properly thinning it. I use roughly 50% alcohol and a drop or three of retarder with good results. It may take some adjustments in the way you paint, but you can get a good result with either. 

[John C]

Do a search there is probably 20 pages on this debate.

[meopilite]

i use water base with good results. I rarely have the need to thin, but i do use a couple drops of retarder. I set the air to about 30 psi. The only reason i use water base is less paint smell while painting. You still need to use lacquer thinner to clean out the air brush. Seems like i get less overspray in the air with waterbase.

[gorms]

Dear Taxidermy friends,

Thanks so much for the tips on my transition from lacquers to acrylics for painting fish.
     I,m a 75 year old goat, recently retired and now able to pursue the fascinating field of Taxidermy.  At my age I need all of the help that I can get and this Taxidermy Forum is fantastic.  Thanks so  much.
                                                                                      sincerely,
                                                                                                         gorms                                                                         

[JE]

You still need to use lacquer thinner to clean out the air brush.

Why do you need to use lacquer thinners ? you can buy a proprietary air brush cleanser or use rubbing alcohol.
Both work well with WB paints ( acrylics ) .

[M.T.]

I've used water base paints now for forty years and lacquer thinner is the best for cleaning up dried water based paints.  Soak you airbrush in it once a month and get a great cleaning.  i also use the cheap paints at walmart for 44 cents a bottle.  You cant beat that cheap paint for fish painting.  You just have to be a good  artist.  probably separates the men from the boys dontcha know!

[GBRUCH]

I use wa poly mostly and clean mine(Airbrush) with a combo of retarder and alcohol.   
Works like a charm.

[JE]

M.T, are you not concerned about the light fastness/hardness or " permanence " of some cheaper brand paints ?
I have no idea of what Walmart sells , they may be excellent paints, and I wish I could try them ! but I have found throughout life, you usually only get what you pay for.