Starter-airbrush

[guiwee]

Ok guys ive finally broken down and got an airbrush!!
Coupla ?s though
1.if paint says airbrush ready do i just pour it in cup and start spraying
2. how do i know how to thin or when its the right consisentency
3.ill only be using tamiya paints and testors model masters

oh btw the airbrush is just a single action...and its just a starter kit with the airbrush propellant. figured id start with the cheap stuff and get used to using it before i jump into a compressor and stuff.
i have absolutely no idea how to go about it!!!
http://s715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/

[ChillyB]

Hey, Guiwee, glad to see you've made the jump to an airbrush, though I'd have advised you to go right ahead and invest in a quality airbrush and compressor. Oh, well, you can always do that once you find out how much fun airbrushing is and how awesome the results can be.

If a paint says "airbrush ready" then it is exactly that. Thinning is something you'll have to decide for yourself. Some modelers say thin to the consistency of 2% milk; however, I don't drink milk and haven't for many years so I only have hazy and distant memories of what its consistency is. I usually tilt the paint jar to see how quickly the thinned paint runs down the side; if it takes time to descend, it is too thick. (Does that description make any sense?)

If you are using Tamiya acrylics, then use Tamiya's thinner. I use inexpensive lacquer thinner for all other paints. I don't usually thin Tamiya's spray can paints after decanting them unless they've been sitting for a while. I've heard it said that some of those TS paints benefit from a little bit of lacquer thinner, but I don't know which colors in particular those modelers are talking about.

Anyway, start out with some practice parts so you can get the feel of the airbrush before you try it out on a real model. I consider my airbrush the most important thing I've ever bought for modeling and it is just about the most fun part of building in my opinion. I love painting with it.

By the way, I have a single-action Badger 350 I'd let you have for cheap if you are interested. I bought a Paasche double-action, internal-mix VL and never use the Badger anymore.

[MidMazar]

Originally Posted by ChillyB

Some modelers say thin to the consistency of 2% milk. I usually tilt the paint jar to see how quickly the thinned paint runs down the side; if it takes time to descend, it is too thick. (Does that description make any sense?)

Also next thing you really need is a compressor, as air propellent cans work but give you only one pressure. First time i ever tried airbrushing was with the air cans and had such horrible luck that i didn't start airbrushing again for another year or so. A compressor is very helpful. If you live in the US, see if you can get one at harbor freight. They have great cheap prices.

Also paint that states is read for use sometimes is old and might require thinning. So its not that simple. So check it out the consistency first and good luck.

[Drift F.C]

Just watch if your using a blue Testors Propellant can not to put the air on too high. The air comes out liquidy and spray's really thick. I had that happen and it scared the living daylights out of me. It has been half a year since that and haven't been airbrushing since. But don't let me scare you off. Airbrushing is just cool when you see the finish you get. Another reason why I haven't been using it is because it is so cold, it even takes the tamiya acrillyc a day to dry!

[MidMazar]

Originally Posted by Drift F.C

Just watch if your using a blue Testors Propellant can not to put the air on too high. The air comes out liquidy and spray's really thick. I had that happen and it scared the living daylights out of me. It has been half a year since that and haven't been airbrushing since. But don't let me scare you off. Airbrushing is just cool when you see the finish you get. Another reason why I haven't been using it is because it is so cold, it even takes the tamiya acrillyc a day to dry!

You can always put the propellent can in warm water.

[Drift F.C]

Originally Posted by MidMazar

You can always put the propellent can in warm water.

You should actually always put it in warm water. Mine was!

[guiwee]

thanks guys(hey chilly) for tips and hints..heres a pic of it

[da_ashman]

I started that way too, I mustve spend close to $300 on Air propellant cans, wouldve been cheaper to buy a compresser. If your looking at just doing basic airbrushing, think about getting a Tamiya Basic Compressor & airbrush, its pretty handy & easy to use.

[cjsbosox]

I apent around $50 putting this together. If you dont mind the noise its worth a try. At least until you get the hang of things. I still use my badger 350. One day I might try a nicer airbrush.