introduction

This month I got the opportunity to review a few new items from AK Interactive. Known for their great weathering products, AK Interactive have released some new brushes in various sizes and an aluminum paint palette.

Brushes

AK Interactive has released a new series of paint brushes aimed at the modelling world. The brushes come in a plastic sleeve with card stock backing, and look great in their bright orange color. The brushes are what I presume are synthetic material, but not stated on package, and are available in a range of sizes to meet your painting needs. Out of the package, the brushes are a little stiff, even after moving across your fingers a couple of time. Both the round and flat brushes seem to have a great shape, and look good.

What makes a good brush is how well it paints, so I gave them a mini work out, while painting up some Value Gear items, (Reviewed here).

Using my standard Vallejo paint, thinned with a water and Flo-Aid mixture, I put the brushes to work. The brushes pick up paint well, and will lay down a smooth coat in a brush stroke. The brushes held their shape and point well, but they are still somewhat new. I was impressed with the result of these brushes during the course of painting the items. One thing I can't comment on is longevity, as I only used the brushes for a short period, I am not sure how they will last over time.

Aluminum Paint Palette

To complement the brush release, AK Interactive have also released an aluminum paint palette. It looks great in the shiny aluminum color, and does a decent job of showing off the color in the wells. The wells are a decent size, and approximately a couple of centimeters deep. One issue I found when working small amounts of paint and multiple colors is they tend to run to the bottom of the well, making it a little difficult to maintain a mixed color. I prefer a larger flat area to work on.

The paint cleans off fairly well, if done right away. I found if you leave the paint for some time, it is a little difficult to get off. In comparison, I normally use white plastic palettes I get from a local art supplier, and even after the paint dries, you can normally peel the dried paint right out, and with a little water it cleans up well.

conclusion

Overall the new painting accessories from AK Interactive seem very nice, over time I will be able to report on the longevity of the brushes. Based on my initial experiences with the brushes, I am impressed and would recommend them.