newby here

[Jocache83]

sup guys, just registered today to this forum... i've been looking through the forums and i saw a lot of clean cars. nice jobs everyone..

i've built 3 cars this year (2 celicas and a supra), but i still consider myself a rookie.. just bought a tamiya nismo r34 gt-r z-tune, and ordered a Fujimi Amemiya Greddy Mazda RX-8 from best1hobby.com.. first i'm going to re-do one of my celicas and then do the skyline.. ill post pics up when im done

at walmart i saw a cheap airbrush kit that uses an aerosol can. are they any good?

[g00eY]

welcome to AF!

i'm assuming that you saw the Testors airbrush set? in my opinion you would be better off with just automotive spray cans(ie Duplicolor, Plastikote) that can be found at auto parts stores, and even Wal-mart. if you want an airbrush i suggest you get something that is nice. don't settle for cheap, cuz a lot of times cheap means suck.

[gpz900ra7]

HI, and welcome to the forum, them cheap airbrush's are just that, cheap, and unless you've got an endless supply of cash you will always be buying more cans of air, you would be better of just using rattle can paint and save up for a small compressor and a half decent airbrush, check out ebay there are always for sale and you might just pick up a bargain, but that is just my opinion. Have you got any pics of your models so you can show everybody on the forum? If so please do.

[blubaja]

Welcome to AF!!

[Digitor]

Hi and welcome!

Please give us a look at your past projects, that way us other rookies can see just how bad we are!

[gionc]

Welcome here

I also have my opinion: try automot., try also Tamiya cans, it's more expencive but safe with plastics & better:it's a viewpoint.
I agree also for the airbrush: obviously is better a good one with a good compressor, BUT when I begin, abt30 YA, I done aicraft/tanks with a plastic 18$ sigle-action AB and just a old refrigerator's compressor: I done some good experiences/practice. And more I start my airbrush skills, after, during university, (with great equipments) I paint some bikes/helmets and start my designer's job . What I mean to say is just not expect painting's masterworks from a cheap gear, but you could enjoy it and learn a lot. More: keep an old refrigerator's compressor (see the thread in car modelling to install meters and humidity filter) is better than a aerosol who spit out humidity and your parents thank you if they dont smell thinner trought AS

[Jocache83]

thanks for your replies guys, i appreciate it.. im planning on getting a paache VL..

i dont have pics of my cars because my brother took my camera.. but once i get it back ill post them..

[white97ex]

I use a paasche VL and it is a very good brush. Make sure that you invest in some extra needles and tips. I have needle and tip sets in 1, 3, and 5.

[gpz900ra7]

Paasche VL airbrush's are really good, very dependable and last for years, practically all the t-shirt painters in the world use them so they have got to be good, just make sure that you get spare tips and needles and keep it CLEAN .

[RallyRaider]

Welcome to AF.
I used a Paasche H single action for years. If the VL is just as reliable it will serve you well.

[Jocache83]

Paasche H single action today (is that the VL? thats all they had at my lhs) and my paints. i still have lots of questions still. so here i go;

1- after priming the body should i sand it before i put on the final coats?

2- should i primer the inside and all the small pieces?

3- what is the benefit of having different size needles and tips?

[RallyRaider]

I believe the VL is a double action, internal mix 'brush. Should be much better than the single action, external mix H.

As to your questions:

1. Yes, gently with very fine sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections. If you and through it the prime and repeat. It is recommenced you then wash the body under a tap to clean off all the dust.

2. Depends what paint you're using. I'd say yes to the inside of the body if you are painting it the same as the exterior. I usually don't bother on small parts unless the type of paint being used requires it, like Alclad or similar.

3. I think it is all to do with paint flow, for smaller more detailed areas you don't want as much paint mixed with the airstream. Some airbrushes, like Iwatas, do it all with a single nozzle and needle. Basically if you are going to use the ‘brush like a spray gun to do a large area like the body, then use the bigger tip. For smaller parts like brake discs you don't need so much paint so quick, so use the finer tip.