Testors

Overview

Testors is an American manufacturer of hobby and craft finishing materials, specializing in paints, adhesives, tools, and airbrushes for scale model enthusiasts, model railroaders, and craft hobbyists. The company is the leading producer of premium products in the hobby modeling segment, offering a comprehensive range of enamel paints, acrylic paints, aerosol paints, and related accessories. Testors maintains a significant market presence globally through its portfolio of brands including Testors, Model Master, Spray Chalk, and Testors Craft.

History

Testors was founded in 1929 by Swedish immigrants Axel Karlson and Nils F. Testor, originating from Karlson's formula for nitrocellulose-based shoe cement that was adapted for hobby applications. The company established itself as a manufacturer of model kits, paints, and assembly materials for plastic and metallic model enthusiasts. Testors became a wholly owned subsidiary of RPM International Inc., which expanded its distribution and product portfolio while maintaining manufacturing operations in the United States and Canada.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Testors operates two large manufacturing facilities in Rockford, Illinois and one in Toronto, Canada. The company molds and packages its own plastic model kits, formulates and packages paints and adhesives in-house, and designs and manufactures airbrushes and accessories. Products are proudly made in the USA and marketed worldwide.

Notable Products

• Model Master Enamel Paint Line - Premium enamel paints formulated specifically for scale model finishing with extensive color selection
• Testors Model Cement - Nitrocellulose-based adhesive for plastic model assembly, derived from the company's original formula
• Testors Acrylic Paints - Water-based, non-toxic paint line that cleans up easily with water for hobbyists and crafters
• Airbrush Systems - Designed and manufactured spray application equipment for detailed model finishing
• Plastic Model Kits - Complete model kits molded and packaged in-house for various hobby categories

Reputation

Testors is recognized as a heritage brand with over 95 years of association with quality and integrity in the hobby modeling community. The oval Testor logo is established as a trusted mark among scale model enthusiasts, model railroaders, and craft hobbyists worldwide. The brand maintains strong market position through consistent product quality and comprehensive product range, though specific critical assessments from professional modelers are not detailed in available sources. The company's commitment to domestic manufacturing in the United States is noted as a distinguishing factor in the hobby market.