Airbrush Question

[Wolster]

Thanks Nick! It is good to hear you are using enamels, it is pretty much all I can get here so that puts my mind at rest.

Funnily enough, I spent most of yesterday spraying water on to a piece of paper and this thing is not for detail work!!

I have a test piece to experiment on. It is a Mig 17, I can spray it all over green then use a different green for the 'blotches'. Quite looking forward to it but back to work soon so may have to wait a month or two!!

[Geek44]

For my money, a good 'general purpose' airbrush would take precedence over a finer brush if I couldn't have both. You can achieve the fine stuff by masking in many different ways. Hard edge, soft edge...you can do it all with masks if need be. I've used Humbrol enamels for most of my life as a modeller (35 years) and they remain my favourites. I've been experimenting with Tamiya acrylics but I'm pretty sure I don't like them much. The clear gloss is pretty good though. Maybe I need to try ModelMaster or some other brand but I think the pigment is pretty coarse in the Tamiya and I HATE their colours straight from the jar. As I said, never had a problem with my old Aztek until I started messing with acrylic paint.

[Whiterook]

I've heard such great things about Humbrol, but interestingly enough, I can't find them around here. Could probably order them online, I suppose, but I'm pretty stuck on acrylics at the moment. That could change over time, with more experience.

[Geek44]

Keep in mind that Tamiya acrylics aren't the only ones available either...just the easiest to get here. I've heard great stuff about Vallejo which I've never even seen. Some will say they're the best paint for modelling full-stop (period). For years, Humbrol was all we had. And to be honest, the problems I've had could just as easily be traced to my technique rather than the paint. It's just that my weathering regime requires an acrylic base...the P-39 was done with Humbrol and an acrylic clear over the top. It works okay because aircraft are not matt. Tanks on the other hand...

[Whiterook]

Vallejo seems to be a much loved paint. I've seen it referenced more than once, and have meant to look into it online. I'd like seeing if there's a sample pack...not enough of the "hobby" paints seem to want to market them that way. Pity.

[Freightshaker]

The link I always supply to any airbrush question:

airbrush lesson one,air-brush Lesson 1

Great website!

[lufttiger]

Nice link FS!

[Whiterook]

Hey Freight...thanks for that link! I too am looking forward to experimenting, and gaining skill in using an airbrush. Oddly enough for me, it's not the technique of using the actual airbrush that intimidates me, but the mixing of the paints to the correct consistancy.

[Wolster]

Originally Posted by Whiterook

Oddly enough for me, it's not the technique of using the actual airbrush that intimidates me, but the mixing of the paints to the correct consistancy.

Funnily enough, I feel the same, that was my original question in this thread. I have been playing with it using water and feel OK about using, just need to try with paint now!!

[Whiterook]

Glad I'm in good company, Wolster! Interesting idea of using water first to "get a feel" for the airbrush...pretty cool! I've read where, when you're ready to try painting, use old tin soda cans (or beer cans) to practice on.