Airbrush Question

[Wolster]

Just bought myself an airbrush today. Very simple (and cheap) single action thing. I have never used one before and wanted to give it a go but didn't want to spend a fortune. I have one question though, what should the consistancy of the paint be like? Should it be thinned right down so it is like water??

Any hints or tips appriciated.

[McCoy]

From what I've heard you should generaly dilute the paint down to a milky condition in order to airbrush it.

[lufttiger]

This depends on the paint your using, enamals can be your worst enemy
in an airbrush if not used right. I myself no longer use them in my airbrush.

I use acrylics, which i use an eyedroper to gage my amount.
I usually dilute it one part paint to on part rubbing alcolhal, you'll have to test
to see where its best for you.

If it looks too dry on the model: you've diluted it too much

If it flows slow, and clogs, then not enough diluted

Hope this helps

[Wolster]

Thanks Gents! I only have enamel paint and no access to Acrylics!!

[lufttiger]

The greatest problem you'll have then is cloging up, so i would try first to
dilute it in a seperate bottle at 50-50, then if that does not work, pour it
back into that bottle and add which ever you need.

[Wolster]

Thanks LT, I have actually owned 2 before at various stages and never used them, just because I don't know how!! I am determined to dive in this time and just 'trial and error' it

[Whiterook]

Lot of good info out there on the net, too, so be sure to do a little reading on the subject. Might I highly suggest investing in a quality repirator as well...especially if you're going to use enamels. Protect those lungs!

[razorboy]

50/50 is a good rule of thumb but you'll have to play with it until you're confident, air pressure regulation is a major factor as well. Just fool around with it until you feel good about it, that's what I did.

rb

[Whiterook]

What piant brand seems to be the biggest bugaboo I've seen referenced. I'm going to stick with acrylics and iso, at least in the learning stages.

[Geek44]

Wolster, I'm the opposite of LT here. I hate using acrylics in my airbrush and never had any problems with my airbrush until I started experimenting with Tamiya acrylics. Sorry to add to the confusion mate.
Like LT, I use an eyedropper to add the recommended thinner...I always use a thinner by the same manufacturer as the paint I'm using. Always. I always add the thinner a little at a time. The basic rule is that the paint should be the consistency of milk, whatever that means. What I do is mix my paint in a glass jar. To see if the mix is right, I hold the jar up to a light and tilt it so that the mix runs up the side of the clear glass. I then straighten the jar and mentally time how long it takes for the paint to go transluscent on the part of the jar I just 'painted'. If it stays opaque for too long, I add a couple of drops of thinner and stir it in, then do my test again. It's kind of 'esoteric' I know, but it works for me. I might suggest trying the brush with plain water or even some thinner just to get a feel for it. Spray onto a piece of paper maybe? Experiment a little. Have a go with some paint, again on paper just to see. There are some pretty good books available that will show you how to trouble shoot if you have problems. I have a FineScale supplement that has some basic hints...if I can find it, I'll send it to you.
Above all mate, don't be intimidated by the airbrush. It can be a scary instrument but it can also be a relatively easy way to get excellent results. I might also suggest trying a simple scheme as your first try on a model. Luftwaffe and Italian aircraft still freak me out after 20+ years.
Good luck. BTW, I'm only a PM away (as I'm sure the other guys are) if you need help or advice.
Peace.