Model paints come in three chemistries. Acrylics (water- or alcohol-based) are the default: low odor, easy cleanup, safe for indoor brush work. Lacquers spray the smoothest and cure the toughest, but their hot solvents demand real ventilation and a respirator. Enamels sit between — slow-drying, great for washes, mineral-spirit cleanup.
The chemistries also form a layering hierarchy: a hotter paint can attack a milder one beneath it, so the classic safe stack sprays lacquer first, acrylic over it, and enamel accents on top, with clear coats separating stages.
See it in context in our paints & primers guides, or explore the tools hands-on in The Bench.