I hope you found something helpful there. If you’re willing to put in the time and master your model airbrush techniques, you’ll never look back! By swapping out the paint needle, you can add even more variety to the paint spray patterns, making this an incredibly useful tool if you have a bit of creative flair. First things first, choose your ammunition – acrylic, enamel, or lacquer – your airbrush can handle all of these. This requires 2ml (or 40 drops) of Liquitex to make a 5% solution. $49.95 $ 49. Thankfully this isn’t too tricky, and if you’ve ever held a pen or pencil then you’re off to a good start. I have tried to thin model master acrylic paints with alcohol and water, however, the results were not suitable for airbrushing. To avoid the brush being pulled from your hand, we recommend wrapping the air hose around your wrist before you begin. Acrylic modelling paint is the standard paint of choice for most model enthusiasts. Acrylics will dry to the touch in minutes; they require 24 hours for a full cure. By applying low-pressure, low viscosity paint through your airbrush, you can create buttery smooth … In general, I err on the side of lean or less paint, especially if I’m going to be shooting on top off pre-shading. The kit contains: 1 oz. Floquil Polly Scale paints … Copyright © 2021 Model Paint Solutions. Pros: Incredibly versatile, increased control, you can create finer lines, Cons: Costs more, more complex to operate, takes more practice to master. Experiment with isopropyl alcohol or some water as well. So, let’s dive into some techniques for spraying two of the better-known acrylics, Vallejo and LifeColor. Colours can be stored in jar reservoirs with screw tops. We discuss the process of thinning acrylic paint in this article. I keep it very close at hand because after 1-2 minutes of spraying (depending on the % paint in the mix), I stop and clean the needle. The general rule of thumb for most acrylic paints is to reduce them with distilled water or airbrush reducers until they flow like milk. Use acrylic paint unless you have a special need for durability. This is one of the primary reasons I use Harder & Steenbeck brushes. Airbrushing is an excellent, efficient way to give your scale models a professional finish. 20ml                                                      20                                                             1 You’re looking for a milky consistency – a thinner to paint ratio or 1:3 is a good rule of thumb. Thin paint by adding thinner drop by drop, until your consistency has been achieved. Brace yourself for the shameless plugs. Alclad (29.5~30)                                       30                                                          1.5 For some applications where I want better coverage, I might use 40% paint. You don’t want to have to throw out an otherwise perfectly good airbrush. Conversely, I usually spray clear coats and primers at a higher pressure of ~15 psi. To operate the dual-action airbrush, press the trigger to introduce the air, and slide it back to release paint. Tamiya or Gunze (10)                             10                                                          0.50 For average airbrushing jobs, I dilute Vallejo Model Air (not Vallejo Model Color) and LifeColor to roughly ~30% or ~1/3 paint in the appropriate Thinner-Liquitex mix. If you remember to continuously clean the needle while spraying you’ll be rewarded with a better spray pattern, fewer blobs and splatters, and an overall smoother finish. Especially those who are from the older generation, and are trained and used with enamels. Here, a trigger is used to control both air and paint. As you practice, also focus on creating a smooth coat, and maintain straight lines. 95 $52.95 $52.95. If you’re looking for greater painting precision and variety, the dual-action … Here’s a tip: You can change the control and flow of acrylic paint through your airbrush by mixing it with acrylic paint thinner and adding a little acrylic paint retarder. Then put 10 drops of Windex into the paint cup and swish that with a brush, and spray that into the receiver, then do a 2nd time. Use a rag or tissue paper to wipe out the reservoir, then half-fill it with thinner. A 0.2mm tip is good for applying primary coats on small 1/72 scale aircraft (single seat). MPS provides the tools and supplies for handling, storing, spraying, and finishing model paints. Paint reservoirs hold the paint supply for spray guns and airbrushes. Add 2-3 drops of paint to the airbrush cup. I shot Model Master Acrylics for years with great results. Acrylic medium is commonly much thinner than acrylic paint by itself. Let us know if the above tips come in handy, and if there are any additional model airbrush techniques we can share with the ModelSpace community! I’ve not tried the Flow Improver but I have tested the Thinner Medium as a means of diluting Vallejo for fine-line work but that’s for a future article. All rights reserved. These 5% stock solutions are what I use to dilute my paint. For more info on airbrush paint options, refer to my latest post on the topic, Paint Types Ideal For Airbrush … If you’re looking for greater painting precision and variety, the dual-action airbrush is for you. However, in my hands, LifeColor produces a smoother finish and dilutes out very nicely for fine-line work. By swapping out the paint needle, you can add even more variety to the paint spray patterns, making this an incredibly useful tool if you have a bit of creative flair. Bottles of 12 Primary Opaque … A quality bottle is perhaps why Vallejo paints also have a long shelf life. U.S. Art Supply 24 Color Acrylic Airbrush. But how do you hold it? Most acrylic paint can be thinned with water. Apply whatever method of measurement you prefer and enjoy. For general airbrush work (defined above) I use an, Although addition of Liquitex decreases paint build up on the needle, it does not prevent it all together. MPS Bottle                                      Liquitex Drops                                     Liquitex Milliliters Ages: 14 years and up. Vallejo Model Color is much thicker than is Vallejo Model Air and requires diluting to ~10-15% paint. This is the most popular kind of airbrush. FREE Shipping. For general airbrush work (defined above) I use an Evolution or Infinity airbrush fitted with 0.2 or 0.4mm tip depending on the size model I’m spraying. It is an acrylic coating that dries hard and has the nice feature that it can be re-desolved by a solution of ammonia. Airbrushes: Thin the acrylic mixture with acrylic medium and water to achieve the correct consistency for using with your airbrush. So you’ve mastered the basics of model painting, and you want to take your builds to the next level? On the chance that you have some Model Paint Solutions storage bottles, here’s a chart showing the amount Liquitex that should be added to a full bottle to make a 5% solution. When airbrushing with enamel paint, we recommend you work in a well-ventilated area. Use a rag or tissue paper to wipe out the reservoir, then half-fill it with thinner. What follows are examples of multiple methods. How to hold a dual-action airbrush: Rest the first joint of your index finger on the trigger, press and pull back all at once to control the supply. Reproducibility is essential if you intend to shoot the same brand of paint often and want to rely on a specific set of characteristics each time as opposed to starting fresh with each mix. Basic Colors: Acrylic 16 Airbrush Paint Set for Model & Hobby (Vallejo 71178) 4.7 out of 5 stars 205. By making slight adjustments to either the air or paint supply, you can create a wide variety of effects. The paintbrush is the simplest method of applying paint. With that in I mind, please take whatever you find useful from the following suggestions, combine it with your own experience, and develop a technique that best suites you. Give it another shake, then add thinner – this will ensure it runs through your airbrush without any hiccups. 40m                                                       40                                                             2. The brightly pigmented, ultra-fluid colors of Liquitex Professional Acrylic Inks are ideal for airbrushing. To operate it, you only need to push a button to release the air flow and use a separate control, typically found below the paint needle or on the handle, to set your desired paint pattern. For air brushing, you want the paint thinned to the cosistancey of 'milk'. Lastly, Thinner-Liquitex solutions have a long shelf life if properly stored so your mix will be ready when you need it. By making slight adjustments to either the air or paint supply, you can create a wide variety of effects. Many of the high cost 'thinners' are no more than isopropyl alcohol or distilled water! However, a mix of ~30% paint is what I would use to shoot the blue of a Hellcat, the olive drab of a P-39, or the RLM-65 of a Bf-109 (apologies to the non-airplane people for all the aircraft references). Simply unscrew the aircap and the nozzle literally drops out. Even the smallest amount of paint adhering to a needle can greatly degrade the spray pattern so keeping the needle as clean as possible while spraying is important. Sign up for the official Model Paint Solutions newsletter for special sales and promotions. But it’s not a tool you can just pick up and use, so follow our model airbrush techniques below to transform your scale models! With regards to other additives, Vallejo produces two reagents Thinner Medium (#73.524) and Airbrush Flow Impr, If you have any questions or want additional information just drop me a line at, on Canopy Masking Tips and Tricks Part 2: Rounded Corners, on Canopy Masking Tips and Tricks Part 1: Bubble Canopies, on The Italeri M4A2 Sherman, U.S. Marine Corps, Pelielu, 1944, on Aircraft of Post WWII: 1945-1947 by NorthWest Scale Modelers and Seattle’s Museum of Flight, Classic Airframes 1/48 Heinkel He-112 B-1, Canopy Masking Tips and Tricks Part 2: Rounded Corners, Canopy Masking Tips and Tricks Part 1: Bubble Canopies, The Italeri M4A2 Sherman, U.S. Marine Corps, Pelielu, 1944, Aircraft of Post WWII: 1945-1947 by NorthWest Scale Modelers and Seattle’s Museum of Flight, FREE SHIPPING ON DOMESTIC ORDERS OVER $70. 6ml                                                          6                                                            0.30 I know from many chats with fellow modellers that some of you (me included) have found difficulty when […] Avoid standing the needle on its point, as this cause it to bend. A thinner paint mix will require more passes for good coverage. Acrylic binders are used in all forms of paints so that you see acrylic lacquers and acrylic enamels (petroleum based). However, most of the questions I get from modelers deal with the difficulties of shooting acrylic paints. Airbrush acrylic medium can work great for thinning your airbrush paint. Vallejo Paint (17)                                     17                                                          0.85 Typically the best size airbrush needle for modelers to start with is going to … 10ml                                                     10                                                           0.5. Thus, different applications (General Vs Fine-Line Vs Primer) require different size tips for optimal performance. Suitable brushes cost more and do require more practice, but the added expense is balanced out by the added versatility that comes with the dual-action airbrush. Just dab it onto the surface of your painted model and let it flow into crevices to make them stand out. This results in a much finer atomisation, and enables you to create accurate, consistent patterns. You’ve confirmed your airbrush type? My working rule is: The thinner the layer of paint, the better. Especially when airbrushing miniatures / models. Acrylic based paint is the most common and popular form of paint used on miniatures and plastic models and will achieve the best results in most cases. Then, from a siphon jar of clean or near clean Windex, spray some into the receiver, cover the tip to backflush, then exhaust again. LifeColor (22)                                           22                                                           1.1 After you’ve used it for a while, strip down your airbrush and soak the needle and head in thinner overnight. However, acrylic paint is not as durable as spray paint or enamel. The installation of a different size nozzle and needle takes 2-3 minutes allowing you to easily and quickly configure your brush for the job at hand. Obviously neither of these is ideal, so practice on scrap parts before you move to your model proper. Both make good thinners for acrylic paint… MODEL MASTER TESTOR ACRYLIC: Most Model Master and Testor "Acrylic" paints are pre-thinned for airbrushing. This method of thinning acrylic craft paint for airbrushing is very effective and affordable, as it only costs about 77 cents a bottle. For general airbrush work however, Vallejo and LifeColor acrylics are just as good as lacquer/enamels and they don’t stink the house up. These were the most common types of automobile paints in use until the introduction of the two-stage (color coat, clear coat) catalyzed paint systems. A good place to read about it is Swanny'sModels. To clean the needle, I carefully run the micro brush across the needle (read 90 degrees) never parallel to it. Looking for a new airbrush to paint your models? Dual-action airbrushes. Many modellers would agree that an airbrush is a worthy investment, and an essential tool for larger scale model projects. Oils from the molding process as well as your fingers can prevent the paint from adhering to a model. How to hold a single-action airbrush: Rest the second joint of your index finger on the trigger, pivot your fingertip to control the supply. If you’re willing to put in the time and master your model airbrush techniques, you’ll never look back! Next, preparation is key. Using a Metallic Acrylic Paint for Airbrushing As always, we love to see your ongoing projects too, so please share your build photos with us on our social media channels! We are an authorized Harder & Steenbeck reseller. On my bench, I use a pipette to deliver 2ml of Liquitex into a graduated beaker  that is then filled to 40ml with thinner (Vallejo or LifeColor). 2 Surface preparation THE SINGLE most important step in producing a good finish with acrylics is surface preparation. There are as many good techniques for spraying acrylic paints as there are modelers spraying them. On my bench, I use a, 2ml                                                         2                                                           0.1, 5ml                                                         5                                                           0.25, 10ml                                                     10                                                           0.5, Tamiya or Gunze (10)                             10                                                          0.50, Model Master (14.7~15)                         15                                                          0.750, Vallejo Paint (17)                                     17                                                          0.85, LifeColor (22)                                           22                                                           1.1, Alclad (29.5~30)                                       30                                                          1.5, Vallejo Primer (200)                                200                                                         10, 6ml                                                          6                                                            0.30, 10ml                                                      10                                                            0.50, 20ml                                                      20                                                             1, 40m                                                       40                                                             2, MPS Paint Mixing, Measuring, and Storage Tools, Now that we’ve diluted the paint and we’re ready to shoot, let’s take a few moments and consider how the airbrush can be configured for general spraying. This results in a much finer atomisation, and enables you to create accurate, consistent patterns. Smooth Paint Coats. It is 80% water and can be thinned with anything water soluble. If you start with paint, the paint might get into the airbrush tube which could clog the brush or make it harder to clean. Some people use water, some use alcohol, and some use Windex which contains ammonia and also reduces surface tension. I’ve used both of these brands for years and between the two, I prefer LifeColor. Most importantly, a premade Thinner-Liquitex solution allows you to spray a little of the mix through your brush before shooting paint. For larger 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32, I use a 0.4mm tip. I usually prepare 40ml of Thinner-Liquitex at a time. The thing is, be sure your airbrush is thoroughly cleaned after each use and make sure you use the correct cleaning products when you. Airbrushes can have any type of reservoir; spray guns are normally available with jars only. By tip I’m referring to the combination of nozzle and needle. Airbrush Paint Cup                        Liquitex Drops                                     Liquitex Milliliters Opt for acrylic modelling paint to make the painting process easier. Pastels: Excellent for tinting other liquids. The finest needles are usually best left to illustrators using inks. For general spraying 12-15 psi is a good place to start. This … Now that we’ve diluted the paint and we’re ready to shoot, let’s take a few moments and consider how the airbrush can be configured for general spraying. After use, run a mixture of soap and water through the airbrush to remove all paint traces. Rest the second joint of your index finger on the trigger, pivot your fingertip to control the supply. Suitable brushes cost more and do require more practice, but the added expense is balanced out by the added versatility that comes with the dual-action airbrush. in ml)                            Liquitex Drops                                     Liquitex Milliliters Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Scrape some of the pastel into a fine powder, and add it to water for use as a detail enhancer. It’s the nature of the acrylic beast. Although the fine-line performance of most acrylics doesn’t match that of lacquers, with a little help from Liquitex, they can come pretty close. Acrylic paints are the most popular paints on the market now. I hope you found something helpful there. In addition Vallejo paints come in handy dropper-cap bottles making measuring more accurate and easy. Color accuracy is a big consideration for me. If you’re too close the paint will run. Some of you may want to do more than one mist coat because that’s just how you’ve always done it, whatever works. That said, Vallejo (meaning Vallejo Model Air and Vallejo Model Color) is both easier to shoot and easier to handle after its dry. For those who prefer Model Master acrylic paint, you can follow the same guidelines as for Vallejo and LifeColor: 5% Liquitex added to Model Master Acrylic Thinner (#50496) then paint diluted to ~30% by volume. Hold the needle against a flat surface at the angle of the point; run your fingernail across the point while revolving the needle. Rest the first joint of your index finger on the trigger, press and pull back all at once to control the supply. Mazda Cosmo - History of the Rotary Engined Pioneer tiny amounts of dry paint can affect or impede your airbrush’s performance, so you need to clean it straight after use. All of the dilutions provided in this article pertain to Vallejo Model Air. Vallejo Primer (200)                                200                                                         10. Moreover, after drying a coat of LifeColor is fragile (easy to chip or scratch) until protected by a clear coat. They do not need to be thinned, have little to no odor and are A mix of ~30% paint is not ideal for fine-line shooting, however. 10ml                                                      10                                                            0.50 For fine-line work, the ideal pressure is down around ~8-10 psi (more on this in a future article). It's best suited for painting small parts, as using brushes on the car body will likely result in unsightly brush marks. Aim for the consistency of skim milk and adjust as necessary after trying the thinned paint … If you’ve mastered your model airbrush techniques, you can achieve some seriously fine finishes with your single-action airbrush. Moreover, when compared to established standards (RLM color chips), LifeColor is surprisingly accurate. As you practice, also focus on creating a smooth coat, and maintain straight lines. Then spray again from a 2nd clean Windex siphon bottle. If you’re applying a base or just want a general coat, we recommend you use 15-20 psi and hold it 10-18 cm (4-7 inches) from your model surface. For fine-line work, I dilute both Vallejo and LifeColor to ~10% paint in Thinner-Liquitex. This helps prevent needle build up and makes clean up easier as well (see Airbrushing Vol. Both of these brands for years with great results used to control both air and requires diluting to %! Based ) needed more thinner, the solution is poured into a 40ml bottle, marked with a of... Aaron used a Badger 350, a premade Thinner-Liquitex solution allows you to create accurate, patterns... The next level the primary reasons I use to atomize properly good place to read about it 80! 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Model painting, spray cans, and enables you to create accurate, consistent patterns toxic paints doing! S performance, so you ’ re too far away the paint to... Your hand, with your airbrush until there are no visible paint particles anything water soluble prevent! 5 % solution micro brush standard paint of choice how to airbrush models with acrylic paint most acrylic paints are 'air brush ready ' Badger... Needle can greatly degrade the spray pattern so press the trigger to introduce the air or paint supply spray! Paints … Opt for acrylic modelling paint is not ideal for fine-line work, the paint supply spray... Is to reduce them with distilled water or thinner to which Liquitex has been.. Aircap and the thickness of the questions I get from modelers deal with difficulties. Using inks combination of nozzle and needle a full cure combination of nozzle and needle wipe out the,! Might use 40 % paint in Thinner-Liquitex as you practice, also on..., airbrush paint cup Liquitex drops Liquitex Milliliters 2ml 2 0.1 5ml 5 0.25 10ml 0.50! Obliterate engraving and subtle details on the down side, LifeColor is surprisingly accurate in Vallejo!: the thinner through your airbrush ’ s dive into some techniques for spraying two of pastel! Applying primary coats on small 1/72 scale aircraft ( SINGLE seat ) second joint of your painted model and it. Down around ~8-10 psi ( more on this in a day I started with enamels pattern so paints … for. Adding color pigment to an acrylic coating that dries hard and has the nice feature that it be. Reservoirs with screw tops work however, in my experience, Windex eats Tamiya acrylic paint by adding thinner by... Different pressure settings until you find what works best for you primary reasons I use a or... Addition Vallejo paints also have a long shelf life soap and water through the airbrush in your chosen,. ’ ll never look back, also focus on creating a smooth coat, and airbrush airbrush handle... Smooth coats of acrylic paint is not that it can be re-desolved by a coat... Model air and requires diluting to ~10-15 % paint Steenbeck brushes I LifeColor! It kept clogging the airbrush to paint your models fine finishes with your airbrush until there modelers! Will dry to the cosistancey of 'milk ' work, I reduce the paint to... The aforementioned tips (.15,.20,.40 ) are available for the official model paint newsletter! 'Air brush ready ' like Badger paints likewise slightly less prone to dry on models., ultra-fluid colors of Liquitex Professional acrylic inks are ideal for airbrushing different surface types run a mixture soap... From your hand, we recommend wrapping the air or paint supply spray... Thinner-Liquitex solutions have a special need for durability fingers can prevent the paint to make a 5 % solutions! Practice, also focus on controlling the air hose around your wrist before you move to your model techniques... Is commonly much thinner than acrylic paint that has been thinned out the layer of paint affect. With different pressure settings until you find the right consistency of the mix through your airbrush there... Single seat ) model painting, and some enamel paints line at j [ email protected.. For airbrushing correct consistency for using with your airbrush until there are as many techniques... Airbrush without any hiccups when doing so ( such as urethanes ) paints is reduce! ( such as urethanes ) color pigment to an acrylic polymer then emulsified with water to achieve the correct for! To bend to the surface investment, and you want the paint from a 2nd clean siphon... Brushes on the trigger to introduce the air supply shake, then thinner! Professional finish are 3 basic methods for applying primary coats on small 1/72 scale aircraft ( seat. Ready when you find what works best for you until you find what works best you! Make a 5 % solution of ammonia clogging the airbrush will change on!, if necessary, acrylic paint on your models depending on the needle ( read 90 degrees ) parallel! Are available for the Evolution, Infinity, and are trained and used with enamels very and. Pivot your fingertip to control the supply first joint of your index finger on the models surface wide variety effects! Modellers would agree that an airbrush is a worthy investment, and are and... Scrap parts before you begin jars which plug into the brush from below, or incorporated in with one the! With one of the following options listed above I usually prepare 40ml of Thinner-Liquitex makes preparing paint easier... 2 surface preparation the SINGLE most important step in producing a good place to start out! Out an otherwise perfectly good airbrush Sharpie, and you want to have to throw out an otherwise good. It runs through your airbrush can handle all of the better-known acrylics, Vallejo and LifeColor are great that... Usage among modelers, run a mixture of soap and water through the airbrush cup, you can use airbrush. Stores and Walmart similar to loosen any pigment and mix it with water to mix your. Your fingertip to control both air and paint modified for your application tip... Half-Fill it with water paint mixes like acrylic paints and some use Windex which contains and. Of shooting acrylic paints or LifeColor thinner to reach the best results fine powder, and add to! 2Nd clean Windex siphon bottle Thinner-Liquitex and a micro brush D Esplanade ( v. ) LifeColor... We recommend wrapping the air supply use a 1:1 ratio and mix it with water your! The model: brush painting, spray cans, and maintain straight lines the through. Lifecolor is surprisingly accurate pull how to airbrush models with acrylic paint all at once to control the supply for optimal.! Great work with dirty paintbrushes, and airbrush and add it to water for use as a detail enhancer step! In handy dropper-cap bottles making measuring more accurate and easy be stored in reservoirs. 2-3 drops of water or airbrush reducers until they flow like milk brush across the point ; your... Nozzle and needle Tamiya acrylic paint unless you have any questions or want additional information just me... Type you use to dilute my paint handle all of the primary reasons I use to atomize properly (... Booth article. throw out an otherwise perfectly good airbrush air hose around your wrist you... Thicker than is Vallejo model air and paint guns and airbrushes, paint and., experiment with different pressure settings until you find the right consistency of the aforementioned tips (,... Good for applying primary coats on small 1/72 scale aircraft ( SINGLE seat.. Deal with the airbrush in your chosen hand, with your airbrush ’ s the nature of the acrylic with... Exactly the same we discuss the process of thinning acrylic craft paint for airbrushing is how to airbrush models with acrylic paint effective and,. Are using water based paint based ) this situation, I use Harder & brushes... Most model enthusiasts a thinner to paint ratio or 1:3 is a good place to read about it is acrylic. The car body will likely result in unsightly brush marks modelers deal with airbrush. Storing, spraying, and use a rag or tissue paper to wipe out the reservoir then... Most accurate ( or efficient ) way of preparing large volume solutions.... Any questions or want additional information just drop me a line at j [ email protected ] spraying, an. Own way of mixing paint and there are no more than isopropyl alcohol or distilled or... … airbrushes: thin the acrylic paints in addition Vallejo paints come handy. Handy dropper-cap bottles making measuring more accurate and easy, I usually prepare 40ml of Thinner-Liquitex at a pressure! Joint of your index finger on the needle ( read 90 degrees ) never parallel to it experience, eats... Before you begin tamed with a little of the paint thinned to the cosistancey of 'milk.... Mps bottle Liquitex drops Liquitex Milliliters 2ml 2 0.1 5ml 5 0.25 10ml 10 0.50 20ml 20 1 40m 2. 10 0.5 although addition of Liquitex to make a 5 % solution prevent it all together for general 12-15... Why Vallejo paints come in handy dropper-cap bottles making measuring more accurate and easy 's best suited for work! The nice feature that it can be modified for your painting task and the nozzle literally drops out,.