Airbrushing

[Ian Aylmer]

Hi all,

 

Just tried my hand at the above on my beloved F18 E, and what a mess!!! I used thinned enamels, and a badger airbrush, Ithought that this would be ok, as it is a large surface area in one colour. The paint blasted out and soaked the entire aircraft. Now I can only wait to see what it looks like when dry.

 

I am now insisting that my wife buys me a decent airbrush for christmas!!!

 

I have in waiting a 1/32 trumpeter F16, and a Tamiya 1/32 Phantom, if this happens again I might just give up but I want to be so good at it. I detailed the **** pit with the right colours and even researched the ejection seat, then applied the decals and was feeling so proud!!! Now I feel, since the paint job, which I think is probably the bit I was looking forward to most, has probably knackered the whole thing.

 

Anyway, hopefully come morning, it will look ok.

 

Ian Aylmer

[Astro32]

Don't be too quick to blame the airbrush. I don't mean that as a slight to you, but there are a lot of variables. What you've described can happen with too much air pressure and too thin paint. Badger generally makes really good airbrushes, so what I'd suggest is checking air pressure first, then double check your paint viscosity; enamels should be thinned a little lighter than milk. For air pressure, run your brush with around 12 - 15 psi. My favorite thinner for enamels is lacquer thinner. That makes the paint a little more forgiving since the lacquer thinner evaporates faster. And don't sweat what got on the model too much. Let it cure, and sand it lightly with 1200 grit sandpaper, or finer, and try again.

With all the work you've put into your project, I'd take it back a notch and buy a cheap kit and practice on it until you're more confident.

Of course, this is all educated guessing on my part..... my first airbrush job came out perfectly....

[Ian Aylmer]

Don't be too quick to blame the airbrush. I don't mean that as a slight to you, but there are a lot of variables. What you've described can happen with too much air pressure and too thin paint. Badger generally makes really good airbrushes, so what I'd suggest is checking air pressure first, then double check your paint viscosity; enamels should be thinned a little lighter than milk. For air pressure, run your brush with around 12 - 15 psi. My favorite thinner for enamels is lacquer thinner. That makes the paint a little more forgiving since the lacquer thinner evaporates faster. And don't sweat what got on the model too much. Let it cure, and sand it lightly with 1200 grit sandpaper, or finer, and try again.

With all the work you've put into your project, I'd take it back a notch and buy a cheap kit and practice on it until you're more confident.

Of course, this is all educated guessing on my part..... my first airbrush job came out perfectly....

 

Thanks Astro, I will try to run it at alower pressure, thing is though there is only a brass fitting to the propellant can , so I am not sure if I can actually run the pressure how I want it? It only cost £20 or so , so it probobly won't want to give much choice in the matter. However, on a good note, have rectified the situation as you suggested, and it looks great!!!

 

Now I am wondering the best way to weather it. I have heard about using pastel dusts for the panel lines , and enamel washes etc. Now I just need to learn how to do it. If you have any helpful advice it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Radub]

Hi Ian,

when airbrushing, always "test" your paint on a scrap piece of cardboard before you spray the model. Adjust the pressure and the spray width until you are happy with the result. Only then spray the model.

I understand that you use air cans to propel your airbrush. That is not cost-effective in the long run. If you intend to build a few models, you are better off buying a compressor. Talk to the people in your local model shop about Revell's range of compressors, some of which are quite affordable.

 

HTH

Radu

[Guest LSP_Jay L]

Hi Ian;

 

Radu's right mate, you will definitely need a compressor. You mention you have the Tamiya Phantom, so that will take about 4 cans of propellant on it's own! I would definitely wait for the wife to get you a better Airbrush for Christmas mate. By the sounds of it you have an external mix badger, which is just about as bad as it gets as far as airbrushing goes. I think the next step down is a straw.

 

A combination of a good Airbrush and a compressor that has a tank and thus adjustable air pressure is vital to doing intricate and effective paint schemes. Unfortunately to get a good combination you will be looking at £250.00 at least, although you can find stuff cheaper, it will mean replacing it all as your modelling skills grow. I know it is easy for me to say, but I look at it in the sense that I personally would rather grow into my equipment rather than grow out of it. I think back now and just imagine all of the money I could have saved in the long run had I bought all the proper gear in advance rather than getting a new airbrush every year, new compressor ( I started with one of those diaphram ones that made a shedload of noise and jumped about all over the place. Even the neighbours hated it )

 

If you are going to the nats this year there are plenty of deals to be had around the show.

 

I hope your F-18 turns out alright Ian.

 

Cheers mate,

 

Jay

[Ian Aylmer]

Good advice from all, I espaecially like the bit about the straw!!! LMAO. Anyways, with Crimble around the corner, I guess I can probably get what I need to make a good start. And no worries, I ain't going anywhere near my Viper or Phantom until I am happy with my gear.

 

Ian Aylmer

[jetmex]

Ian, sounds like you have the same external mix Badger airbrush I do. It will work, you need to make a few modifications to the procedure.

 

To start, don't thin the paint so much. The brush is designed for use with medium viscosity paint. I used Model Master enamels right out of the jar thinned with only a few drops of thinner. I did a lot of test shots on cardboard before I actually tried painting the model. I adjusted the nozzle for as narrow a spray pattern as I could get.

 

You definitely need a compressor. I use the big one in my shop, regulated down to about 22psi for this brush. Less pressure caused the paint to spatter, more made it run. It's a fine line, so just experiment until you get it where you like it.

 

If you're interested, I did an article here on LSP on a Revell P-47, one part of which details my painting adventures. It might help to see pictures.

 

http://www.largescaleplanes.com/articles/J...ant_Jug_III.htm

 

I'm waiting for Santa to bring me a new airbrush, too!!

[McG]

I have a related question. What ratio should the paint/thinner be mixed at for airbrushing.

[CharlesMetz]

--snip--

Now I am wondering the best way to weather it. I have heard about using pastel dusts for the panel lines , and enamel washes etc. Now I just need to learn how to do it. If you have any helpful advice it would be much appreciated.

Ian,

 

My article on this subject at IPMS/Stockholm can be found here:

 

http://ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2004/05/...ech_pastels.htm

 

Charles Metz