Painting Plastic Models with Enamel?

[SlipStream77]

I'm just converting to airbrushes now and this website was really helpful.

http://www.everythingairbrush.com/

I visited their premises and they spent a long while answering my questions and showing me the different airbrushes in which I was interested.

I thought about a Chinese airbrush, but having looked at one first hand and then compared it to a Harder and Steenbeck, there was an obvious quality difference IMO.

Also, don't forget safety equipment, get a respirator.

HTH

[dr_gn]

SlipStream77 said:

Also, don't forget safety equipment, get a respirator.

HTH

+1

[perdu]

dr_gn said:

SlipStream77 said:

Also, don't forget safety equipment, get a respirator.

HTH

+1

++1

[Eric Mc]

I have almost completely switched to acrylics now - just using enamels for small detail work or when I don't have the right shade in acrylics.

My acrylics of choice (for aircraft) are the Xtracrylic range (from Hannants) and for more general use, Tamiya. Tamiya acrylics are available in most model shops but Xtracrylics are usually only available directly from Hannants. I usually stock up on these when I visit model shows or make the occasional trip to the Hannants shop at Colindale.
I use Xtracrylic thinners which seem to work OK with Tamiya paints as well.

Regarding my AB722 airbrush, I have to say it is the most consistent and reliable airbrush I have ever used - far more reliable and consistent than my Badger or Aztek.

One day I will buy a really good airbrush - like one of the Iwatas - but I will have to justify it to myself financially.

Edited by Eric Mc on Wednesday 10th March 09:07

[mozza42]

Thanks for all of the advice guys - took it and invested in a Revell starter pack w/can of compressed air. Couldn't even get a good mist using the primer that was supplied in the box with the brush!!

So, looking at one of the kits from 'Everything Airbrush' as they have a compressor/2 airbrush kit for around £70 - I thought this should be good as a starter at least?

Moz

[Eric Mc]

What type of airbrush is it?

Just to let you know, Aldis have their large capacity compressors on sale again for under £80.00.

[Zad]

I really wouldn't want to run one of those 2.5hp compressors inside. My dad has one and even in the shed/garage they are pretty loud when they are running. I know it has a decent sized tank and wouldn't need to run very often, but if you are painting in the hours of darkness you wouldn't be popular with the neighbours. Something like this http://www.images.wiltec.info/30/airbrush-kompress... is a wee bit more expensive (or cheaper if you look around) but a lot more sociable.

If you are having spraying, the first thing I would look at is paint consistency. It should be a thin milky consistency. Far thinner than you would use for brushing.

[dr_gn]

mozza42 said:

Thanks for all of the advice guys - took it and invested in a Revell starter pack w/can of compressed air. Couldn't even get a good mist using the primer that was supplied in the box with the brush!!

So, looking at one of the kits from 'Everything Airbrush' as they have a compressor/2 airbrush kit for around £70 - I thought this should be good as a starter at least?

Moz

Not sure which bit of advice you took, but you appear to be about to spaz even more money on more cheap kit. You could have picked up an Aerograph Super '63 (one of the best airbrushes ever made) *and* a compressor for less than you will have ended up spending on tat. I guarantee the results would have been night and day better too:

http://tinyurl.com/yg2ubsr

http://tinyurl.com/yjt8c2c

Even if you didn't fancy the compressor, it would have run off a can.

Each to his own...

[mozza42]

Erm, that would be the advice to get an airbrush over using paintbrushes...!

Ok, so, Devilbiss airbrush and a compressor off eBay? Almost gone through a 750ml can of air and nowhere near completion of the first model

Thanks

[dr_gn]

mozza42 said:

Erm, that would be the advice to get an airbrush over using paintbrushes...!

Ok, so, Devilbiss airbrush and a compressor off eBay? Almost gone through a 750ml can of air and nowhere near completion of the first model

Thanks

Don't get me wrong: It's just a shame to hear of people spending hard earned cash on something that's no good, especially when better solutions are out there. BTW - The DeVilbiss was an example. I've got a Super '63 and it works superbly, even more so after having it upgraded to the same spec. as the one in the EBay auction. With EBay you take a calculated risk I guess. If I were buying new I'd try Iwata.

Re. air: you could always use a car tyre and a foot pump...That's what I used at first. I quickly returned to paintbrushes (before investing in a compressor about 20 years later).

Have fun - that's the main thing!

Edited by dr_gn on Sunday 14th March 22:50

[Evangelion]

Regarding a compressor, you'll find that if you fill the tank during the day when you're not a nuisance to the neighbours, if everything is properly sealed it will retain this pressure for several hours. If you're using a small airbrush you'll be able to get quite a lot of painting done before it needs refilling.

[dr_gn]

Evangelion said:

Regarding a compressor, you'll find that if you fill the tank during the day when you're not a nuisance to the neighbours, if everything is properly sealed it will retain this pressure for several hours. If you're using a small airbrush you'll be able to get quite a lot of painting done before it needs refilling.

Course it depends on the size of the receiver: mines 25 litres, and it needs re-pressurising approximately every 10 minutes of painting, working at about 30 psi.