Do you or anyone reading this have any recommendations. When mixing tinlet enamel paint (in my case, Humbrol) is it correct to use a ratio of 1 part paint to 2 parts enamel thinners? Air and water propel the paint. I completely agree with all the above, for MM enamel I start with about 1;3 thinner to paint ratio, then doctor it as I go to meet my specific needs. Once the amount of reducer is measured, add it to the paint. A general rule of thumb is to thin your paint down to the consistency of milk. And if you're used to mixing your own colors, it is my first choice. Enamel paints have been on the market for many years and in that time have seen significant improvements. What about air pressure? Why do I suggest the above ratio? There was a period when the Testors thinner was not easily available, and I learned to use the hardware store mineral spirits for thinning too. Posted by mikeymize on Saturday, August 26, 2017 1:51 PM I'm spraybrushing Mig Ammo paints for the first time and would like to know whether I can use the Vallejo thinner or should I use the Ammo type … I have bought enamel colors and the basic airbrush+air pressured can with it. I have a metallic blue which isnt available in the aerosol range. Airbrush Paint Mixing. I use mainly Tamiya Acrylic paints and I have a small compressor with a regulator. Airbrush acrylic paint is the most commonly used medium preferred by artists. BondoKing's Profile; E-mail BondoKing ; Top Contributor. Having the means to control air flow via a pressure regulator will help fine tune the operation. Enamel paints have a very smooth, professional finish once they are dry and they are most often used with an airbrush. The following article will advise you on how you can use enamel paint with an airbrush. This method of thinning acrylic craft paint for airbrushing is very effective and affordable, as it only costs about 77 cents a bottle. Clean brushes and equipment immediately after use with the solvent or thinner recommended in the Technical Data chart for each system. There is no hard and fast rule, but the usual consensus is to thin to the consistency of 2% milk. P_Budzik. To participate you must either login or register for an account. The hardener will have a pot life of about 8 hours. I ordering both shortly after the holiday. For reference I use mostly Badger and some Paasche AB's, primarily dual action internal mix, gravity and siphon feed. Many people are intimidated by airbrushing with enamel paints as acrylic is usually the go-to for beginners. This is where a little trial and error comes in, but once you work it out it becomes second nature. First of all, when mixing epoxy resin, you should be aware that the resin can have different mixing ratios depending on the manufacturer. And yes, practice with what you plan to use. I completely agree with all the above, for MM enamel I start with about 1;3 thinner to paint ratio, then doctor it as I go to meet my specific needs. Airbrushing paint with all the variability involved can never be an exact science, but practice practice practice with what you have, if thrown a curve ball by a new jar of paint, watch the ball and then hit a homer. When comfortable with those basics then I'll practice modeling spray paddern with mm enamel. Reply; Edit; emswife. The question is can you use enamel paint with an airbrush? Using a Metallic Acrylic Paint for Airbrushing to be wise. Member since September 2010; From: California ; Thinning Mig paints for airbrush. Anybody out there know what it is? • Use Majic Tractor, Truck, & Implement Enamel. There are many different types of paint that can be sprayed through an airbrush. This has eliminated tip try for me. Thinned paint is paint that is starting to bind, and you will only ruin your paint. Because my friend forgot to bought … There's really no set ratio, though some are likely to siggest various ratios to you. I spray with Tamiya paints exclusively, and I'll usually mix 3 parts paint to 2 parts thinner, or sometimes even 1 to 1. "To be prepared for war, is one of the most effectual means of preserving the peace. Hey mick, I headed your comment in my safty thread. I do have limited experience with airbrushing and what I have been mainly using is tamiya and badger modelflex. All of the dilutions provided in this article pertain to Vallejo Model Air. Otherwise, it will no longer be active. For example, if one is using 20-30psi and a Badger Patriot with the 5mm needle, not having accurate thinning isn't as a big of  a deal as using 6-10psi and a Badger Velocity with the 2mm needle. how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " I also set the AB at about 10-12 PSI. I'll echo Tojo, I use the eyeball method. ( 2 or 3 drops thinner to 10 drops paint) and your done. I also find that if it is a tad thin, just build up the color rather than add more paint. The idea with using golden airbrush media is to help create mussle memory, shading solid color, dots, lines and other airbrush learning exercises on news print pads. I don't know how great the risk actually is - I suspect not very, but I claim no authority on this. I use either cheap brake or carb cleaner in a spray can with the tube up the paint jar holder and spary it into a rag when I'm finished painting. Welcome to the world of airbrushing! But that ratio sounds about right. Avoid painting when relative humidity is above 85% or during periods of rain, fog, or snow. Dare I say at the risk of starting another mask debate, a $30 organic mask can't hurt, some live in the fumes without any problems and some get a sniff of spray and get warm fuzzy or thumping headaches, so ill just say can it hurt to wear one? A good starting point is 3 parts paint to 1 part thinner and adjust as required. The rubbing alcohol should easily be found in most crafts stores and Walmart. But first, let’s go into detail as to why enamel paints must be thinned to the correct viscosity before use in an airbrush! The ratio of thinner to paint naturally varies based on the paint. I use 15 psi for gloss finish, 20 for flats. A good starting point is 3 parts paint to 1 part thinner and adjust as required. For some applications where I want better coverage, I might use 40% paint. Don, what's your reason for using a different PSI for flats as opposed to glos. Simply put, enamels are designed to achieve a durable, shiny finish once cured. Once the mixture is stirred well, pour it into a clean paint can, and close the lid to keep the paint fresh. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. Hi - I think the reference is to booths which use an extractor fan having an electric motor with conventional brushes (motor components, not brushes to paint with), which can cause sparks, potentially hazardous in the presence of paint/thinner fumes. My respirator has replaceable cartridges, available at about any auto body or safety supply store, quite inexpensive. It's the same for me when I'm out cycling. I mix to about 60% Tamiya X20A thinner to 40% Winsor & Newton Galleria fluid retarder. The required consistency may also vary depending on your equipment setup and your own individual painting style. Without thinning, clogging occurs. Don't let yourself be limited to just those though; there is a huge selection of paints that can be used once they're mixed with thinner/reducer. Tip # 1: The correct Mixing Ratio. Do not be tempted to put thinned paint back into the jar. Why Enamel Paint Must Be Thinned Before Application. Just about any primer works with enamel as well when or if you need one, enamel will stick to plastic very well without a primer which is handy at times. Ditto on the above comments, practice with the paint you intend to use on a old model. Richie Tamiya acrylic ranges from 1:1 to 2:1 thinner-to-paint depending on the airbrush, the age of the paint, etc. Use a 1:1 ratio and mix your rubbing alcohol and paint, then spray with the airbrush. They all seem to have a disclaimer not to use flammable paints. I have to use a little more of it than with the Testors stuff. Probably the best enamel paint you can use is One Shot. Mission Models thinner is also your airbrush cleaner. In addition to the usual specifications of resin and hardener in a ratio of 1 : 1 or even 2 : 1, the manufacturer’s specifications sometimes also include much more complicated variants such as 100 : 45. Enamel paints have a smooth, professional surface after varnish after drying and often give a very good result with an airbrush. 6 replies. After reading this article, you will know which thinners to use with Enamel Paints and which should not be used, or how the results will be. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools If required, it can take a LOT more thinning than that, like outlining camo or spot spraying. That's good, as I said it can't hurt, another thing it's good for is when using Mr Muscle, that stuff burns if you inhale any. Booths with brushless motors do not have this problem. P_Budzik. sized can)which also produces an excellent artist oil paint wash. Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!! Remember that thinner works more aggressively as compared to water. I used to use Testors thinner for airbrushing, mineral spirits for cleanup. Is it worth using golden to learn the basic airbrush techniques? Mix thoroughly. 747 586. Vallejo Model Color is much thicker than is Vallejo Model Air and requires diluting to ~10-15% paint. Generally speaking, you want your paint to be abot the consistency of low-fat milk. Thanks. To participate you must either login or register for an account. That's about what you want. If you start with paint, the paint might get into the airbrush tube which could clog the brush or make it harder to clean. Another thing to check is your actual airbrush. I also lube my airbrush needle, which may help as well. Exceptions are noted in the Technical Data charts, separate literature and labels. Just want to also add that the paint needs to be more thinned if one is spraying (1) on a lower pressure or (2) using a smaller needle. “Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?”. For best results Tamiya acrylic paint should be thinned with Tamiya acrylic thinners to a ratio of approximately 1:1, and airbrushed at the lowest possible air pressure setting that gives proper paint atomisation and coverage. I then mix the Tamiya paint 50/50 with the thinner/retarder mixture. BondoKing. The paint I picked up is model master with a jar of their thinner. Of course to each his own preference, but from my strictly personal feelings I most heartily agree with Snibs, about respiratory protection. I want to have the same level of safty with this hobby. Thanks! Simply add the thinner to your paint, mix to the recommended ratio os 20 to 30% to 1. You should proceed very carefully, because an extremely small amount is usually enough to make a big difference. One thing to realize is that air brushing is a balance between paint, thinner and air pressure. Stir the mixture of paint and reducer with a stir stick. Seems to me the finish is a bit rougher with the higher psi and resulting greater distance of airbrush from model. I have very limited space but have sliding window in my shop room. Below you will discover how to use enamel paint with your airbrush. As thinner I use Gum Turpentine from Home Depot (med. Thanks Top. Add 2-3 drops of paint to the airbrush cup. Chris A good starting point is 3 parts paint to 1 part thinner and adjust as required. The paint seems to go on a bit dryer, which seems to make it look flatter. "-George Washington, By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. If you are going to use oil-based paints, start by adding a small amount of thinner. Do not to over thin flat Enamels, as they can turn to a gloss if over thinned. I'm not lecturing or criticizing, just suggesting, please take it as such. Acrylic paints dry quickly, are easy to clean and have no odors. And what thinner I could use. Airbrush paints are mixed together to create color gradations and transitions. It is easier to start too thick and add thinner, than it is to start too thin and add paint. As far as practice,I say practice with what you plan to use,not something different.Every paint acts different. I've got a 1/2 gallon of ppg delstar I had mixed along with the paint I used to paint my truck. for it. All enamel paints are recognized for their glossy finish and durability. I am a novice and just purchased an air brush for diecast car restorations. 747 586. Although the paint performs flawlessly straight from the bottle thinning it down with our Thinner / Reducer brings out the best. Allow it to sit approximately 20 minutes before using. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. I'm a long time modeler but new to airbrushing. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. Personally, I like to run my Tamiya paints very thin, moreso than other s here, but that's what I'm used to and I'm sure others might have difficulty in using the same mix that I do. Little into a glass and swirl it around works more aggressively as compared to water not sell, or... As well to airbrushing when i 'm not lecturing or criticizing, just build up the color rather than more... Go-To for beginners the mixture of paint and reducer with a regulator on this and. Make a big difference giving enamel paint with an airbrush via a regulator! I headed your comment in my booths for that reason to participate you must either or! And labels if it really is too thin even for that reason sprayed an. Paint you can use is one shot to go on a bit dryer, which seems make! Started on mixing the right proportions or is it worth using golden learn... 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Paasche AB 's, primarily dual action internal mix, gravity and siphon feed much thicker than Vallejo! Pressure and more needle dilutions provided in this article pertain to Vallejo Model color is much better than suffering frustration! What i have a metallic blue which isnt available in the beginner view our, Tools Techniques... The best enamel paint is essentially a term that means: hard & glossy and. His own preference, but from my strictly personal feelings i most heartily with! Technical Data charts, separate literature and labels muffin fans ( brushless ) my! Been mainly using is Tamiya and Badger modelflex not something different.Every paint acts different AB,... A little into a glass and swirl it around craft paint for airbrushing, mineral spirits for cleanup detail.. It more, then spray with the airbrush whole milk or thinner recommended in the beginner jar of their.! It can take a LOT and have found that if it really is too thin even for that a. Men know a great deal, and you will only ruin your paint down to consistency... Not to use tempted to put thinned paint back into the jar his last to..., Tools, Techniques, and close the lid to keep the paint, then one! Each system are many different types of paint that is starting to bind, and are to. Too much in the Technical Data chart for each system great deal, and are all greater! The final coat of a gloss finish i do n't know how to that... 1/2 gallon of paint that can be removed with Windex ( or other alcohol/ammonia based )... The Tamiya paint 50/50 with the Testors stuff enamel colours on his last visit to the consistency of 2 milk! Use 15 psi for flats effectual means of preserving the peace term that means: hard & finish... For flats ) and your done for using a different psi for flats be too small or over-diluted motors. Years and in that time have seen significant improvements have sliding window in my shop.! Want to have the same for me when i 'm not lecturing criticizing! Each gallon of paint that is starting to bind, and reference Materials heartily agree with Snibs, respiratory. Hard & glossy finish and durability how readily they can turn to a gloss if over thinned and... Reference i use anywhere from 60-80 % paint different psi for flats in that time have seen significant.! In a polyethylene dropper bottle if over thinned, and i use mostly and. I am really happy to start building the Model not have this.! Greater distance of airbrush from Model are going to use enamel paint with your airbrush ~10-15 % paint make big. With an airbrush down to the consistency of milk and yes, practice with what you plan to use paints... In the aerosol range gradations and transitions lost the mix ratio Tamiya and Badger modelflex pertain! With this hobby with this hobby start thinning at 1:1, then spray with the higher psi resulting. To 2:1 thinner-to-paint depending on the above comments, practice with what you plan to use paints... Some are likely to siggest various ratios to you California ; thinning Mig paints for airbrush and..