Humbrol Enamels

[jcf]

If you read this it appears as though someone decided it's bad and it was going to listed as such regardless of evidence to the contrary:
https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/2ff765e5-fb21-e81c-6e15-1aa191bb84bc

[Weaver]

I am really in the mire then. 

My entire stash of paints is built on enamels and humbrol especially.

Still as Kit has said of himself that he'd been using them for years, so have I without much trouble.

Me too, but nobody's saying you can't use them, just that you can't buy them.

[PR19_Kit]

Me too, but nobody's saying you can't use them, just that you can't buy them.

It's a good thing for 'them' that they didn't because otherwise I'd be claiming all the money back on the UMPTEEN tins of Humbrol I've bought in the past, and just MY bill would be pretty serious, everyone else's as well would bankrupt them!

But if I can use them, what's the point of a regulation that says they can't be made any more?

Like many EU generated stuff, it makes NO sense at all. 

[PR19_Kit]

If you read this it appears as though someone decided it's bad and it was going to listed as such regardless of evidence to the contrary:
https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/2ff765e5-fb21-e81c-6e15-1aa191bb84bc

I don't actually have enough life left to read and understand all of that, but I did find the bits that said the 'Meko' stuff wasn't too good for rats, rabbits, mice and other test creatures, but had no injurious effect on humans.

So that means Humbrol et al need only limit their supplies to rats, rabbits, mice and other creatures...........

It's about time these 'regulatory bodies' were held to account, they seem to be able to do what they damn well feel like! 

[Nick]

This actually explains the various changes made by the paint firms to their products in the last 10 years. It must be why Humbrol have had so many problems with their range. All the issues with drying times and thinning of paint and spreadability etc.
But it does not excuse them for not having a replacement product ready to go at least 5 years ago.

[Old Wombat]

"Harmonising" ... A good way of saying "bureaucratic pedantry taken to extremes for the sake of bureaucratic consistency regardless of the truth".

[zenrat]

Harmonising would have been great if for example it resulted in German Autobahn speed limits on UK motorways.

[Gondor]

But it does not excuse them for not having a replacement product ready to go at least 5 years ago.

Probably down to bean counters saying that the development costs are too much

Gondor

[NARSES2]

But it does not excuse them for not having a replacement product ready to go at least 5 years ago.

Probably down to bean counters saying that the development costs are too much

Gondor

Until recently more likely down to their financial issues and the fact they didn't know if they'd still be operating in one years time, let alone 5.

"Harmonising" ... A good way of saying "bureaucratic pedantry taken to extremes for the sake of bureaucratic consistency regardless of the truth".

You been watching "Yes Minister", "Yes Prime Minister" recently 

[Gondor]

But it does not excuse them for not having a replacement product ready to go at least 5 years ago.

Probably down to bean counters saying that the development costs are too much

Gondor

Until recently more likely down to their financial issues and the fact they didn't know if they'd still be operating in one years time, let alone 5.

Same difference in the end. No Money.

Gondor

[jcf]

After digging around it appears that MEKO (derived from methyl ethyl ketone) became the go to
for alkyd resin paints over the last few decades because, unlike previous anti-skinning additives,
it is non-yellowing.

What folks refer to as "oil-based enamels" are alkyd resin paints and the resin is derived from
plant sourced drying oils i.e. soy, rape, linseed etc., drying oil paints don't actually dry so much
as they cure, in the presence of oxygen the oils polymerize and form a film. This leads to problems
with storage as the oil's natural tendency to cure forms a skin on top of the paint, left long enough
the entire mass will eventually go solid. Thus the need for anti-skinning inhibitors that evaporate
once the paint is applied. The pre-MEKO types, phenolic derived and others, work but the residue
that remains leads to yellowing of the paint film over time. Not an issue with dark colours but most
definitely an issue with white and other light tones, it's also probably why those old airliner models
folks built decades ago have gone ivory coloured, pre-MEKO formula paints.


BHT is already used for similar anti-skinning purposes and is even cleared for use as a food ingredient
in certain applications, the only downside is that it will, over time, lead to some yellowing.

[Weaver]

Just seen this on Twitter for what it's worth:

Train Times Model Shop
@TrainTimesEB

Hello Twitter!! Humbrol enamels are back!! Following an email from Hornby this morning we are able to sell these paints once again!
We look forward to seeing you soon! #TMRGUK #avgeek #modelShop #Eastbourne

And in reply to a subsequent question:

Train Times Model Shop
@TrainTimesEB

A chemical in the had been banned, but the ban has been lifted, at least for now, nope, not 15p anymore, they will set you back £2.19 now!

Tweet thread here: https://twitter.com/TrainTimesEB/status/1522524050081333249?s=20&t=kaJS-Boa7Nupc3_05cYgsA