tamiya acrylics and airbrush question

[tturbozx66]

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.

[freakray]

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.

[mickbench]

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.

[SteveK2003]

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.

[Sigmaman]

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.