I have recently resumed building model airliners. I have noticed on more than one occasion the enamel paint seems to be off-white once on the model. At first I thought it was the brand (Testors, Humbrol). Then I tried flat white sanded smooth with 1000/2000 and coated in Future. Still same effect, namely a slight yellowish hue, as though the model was 70 years old.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Frank

Oilbased whites gets a yellow hue over time, you can observe the same effect on furniture or doors that have a white oilbased finish.

When i Paint woodwork in my hous white, i allways begin with a oilbased white for the strenght but finish with a waterbased paint for the long term effect on the paint.

The same would propably work for models.

Cheers/jan

If you let a jar of enamel paint stand long enough for the pigments to settle, you will usually see that the thinner on top of the paint is a brownish colour.

It's not something I do myself, because I paint with acrylics, but I believe that some people add the slightest trace of blue to white enamels to counter the yellowing effect of the thinner/carrier.

It should be just a slight trace, not enough to turn the wite blue (it should not be visibly blue).

Tread carefully - it calls for a little experimentation to get it right.

I spray with Halfords Gloss Appliance White, this does not yellow with age.

Halfords is a UK Based automotive accessory store, i'm sure there is something the same on your sidee of the pond.

HTH

Andy