tamiya acrylics and airbrush question

Hi,

I just tried out my airbrush(IWATA HP-C) for the very first time. I love the smooth and even finished. However, I noticed that the airbrushed paint scratches/scraps very easily compared to paint that I have applied using a regular brush. This is two hours after the application.

I am thinning the paint with 70% isopropyl alcohol and applying it with several thin layers. Could it be the way that I am thinning it? Btw, these are metalic colors, flat aluminum and gun metal.


Thanks for any help.

2 hours after applying the paint isn't dry yet, if you allow it to completely cure you'll probably find that it doesn't scratch so easily.

I normally smell the paint, as it gives off a smell you can't mistake. After about 4 hours it is touch dry, but I don't press down hard or it can leave a finger print.

Airbrushing Arcylic is a good way to apply this type of paint. The finish is much better. I now use an airbrush more, because I like the finish.

A) Airbrushed paint is very thin, much thinner than compared to a brush.

B) Try 91% isopropyl alcohol to thin Tamiya paint, not 70%.

C) A hair dryer set on low can speed up the curing process.

Another way to speed up the drying process of Tamiya acrylics is to use 2PAK thinners.I tried this at work this week and it worked very well.