I need tutorials on spray painting wood models. Also recommend basic sprayer and paints. Thanks. I have tried to search here, but not having much luck. I must be doing something wrong.
Hi Bob, in post #3 above Jim provided a link to a two page discussion on some aspects of airbrushing, people’s preferences etc. If you scroll back to the beginning of the first page of that thread there may be some useful information in the responses that follow.
I have found there is no one answer to airbrushing. The variety of paints, airbrushes, compressors, needle size, thinners and actual airbrush modelling needs varies considerably. In my case I have found Vallejo paints ideal. I only use their paints, thinners, flow improvers and airbrush cleaners. My feeling is the paint manufacturer knows what’s best for their paints so I tend to stay with their compatible products, i.e. same thinner, recommended amount and so on. A little more expensive yes, but I find I don’t run the risk of unexpected clogs, emulsification, separation of the paint and other hiccups if I keep everything compatible. I do use a drop or two of water to thin the Vallejo paints as necessary but only for hand brush painting.
To reduce dry tip I add a drop or two of flow improver to my paint cup, and stir well, avoiding bubbles. I have also found adding a drop of thinner to every 10 of Vallejo Air helps as well. I keep a saturated Q-tip handy soaked in thinner. I wipe the airbrush tip occasionally during painting or if I feel the flow is changing. The trick is to experiment, make notes and when you find a “mix” technique that works go with that. For Vallejo their range of paints are specific to different paint jobs. Model Air for airbrushing, Model Colour for hand brushing for me, but go to their site for additional information. Saying that I do use the Model Air for brush painting sometimes depending on the job in hand. I do not use thinned down Model Colour in the airbrush because it is too thick. I’m not experienced enough to mess with the consistency of the Model Colour so why not use the designed Model Air?
A good compressor is a must if you intend to get more into airbrushing. The correct pressure is important but follow the paint and/or airbrush manufacturers recommendations and adjust to your own needs as experience grows. When I started airbrushing a few years ago I had a heck of a frustrating time on my hands, paint included. As with everything it’s a learning process but once you get going it’s another aspect of our model making, which is a lot of fun.
No doubt there will be some great advice and help from SOS members. One site I found useful is copied below. Of course the good old internet and Youtube can provide a lot of helpful information too.
I hope this helps a little.
Don's Airbrush Tips A collection of airbrush tips and reviews.
sites.google.com