airbrush questions
+3
Rhaevyn
Aegwymourn
Roland
7 posters
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airbrush questions
So my folks took me to Hobby Express, thought I was getting a SaTurn V model. Complete airbrush setup. Anyone have some experience with em?
Do I need a regulator? Do I want one?
What size needle do I need?
I know GW does airbrush now and Valejo air works, but if I use stock GW, how do I thin it.
Cleaning- deets please.
Do I need a regulator? Do I want one?
What size needle do I need?
I know GW does airbrush now and Valejo air works, but if I use stock GW, how do I thin it.
Cleaning- deets please.
Roland- Lord of Titan
- Posts : 3544
Join date : 2011-01-26
Location : Saskatoon
Re: airbrush questions
The regulator depends on the pressure of your compressor compared to your airbrush (they should both have standard ratings). If they differ you need a regulator (most compressors with a storage tank have a regulator)
There are some of the better airbrushes that allow you to swap needle size. just to be aware. Otherwise it depends on your expectations.
I am a big fan of Iwata's airbrush medium. Add a bit to whatever paint you like and blamo in the airbrush it goes. Getting the consistency right is a lot of trial and error so don't get discouraged. I find having a couple of empty paint pots is really handy for this. attempting to do it in the airbrush cup is a recipe for disaster.
So for the most part when you are done if you are going to be using your airbrush regularly at the end of each type of paint I run water through. At the end of each session running your particular brands airbrush cleaner through is a must. Every once in a while I like to disassemble and clean the whole airbrush. This is easiest with a small sonic jewelry cleaner and some water/cleaning agent. You dump the airbrush parts that get paint on them in the little jewelry cleaner and it runs 3-5 mins at a time and just gently vibrates it. Take bits out after a couple of cycles and wipe down.
I will mention needle lube (har har) is also very helpful (little tubes cost a couple of bucks and last a long time). I was a bit overzealous cleaning my airbrush in the beginning which would cause the needle to become sticky (since when it dried there was no oil left) and caused more or less air to go through than intended.
Also unless you like a fine layer of paint dust everywhere I would think about ventilation along with a good mask. I got my mask at home depot. Has replacement filters designed for painting.
There are some of the better airbrushes that allow you to swap needle size. just to be aware. Otherwise it depends on your expectations.
I am a big fan of Iwata's airbrush medium. Add a bit to whatever paint you like and blamo in the airbrush it goes. Getting the consistency right is a lot of trial and error so don't get discouraged. I find having a couple of empty paint pots is really handy for this. attempting to do it in the airbrush cup is a recipe for disaster.
So for the most part when you are done if you are going to be using your airbrush regularly at the end of each type of paint I run water through. At the end of each session running your particular brands airbrush cleaner through is a must. Every once in a while I like to disassemble and clean the whole airbrush. This is easiest with a small sonic jewelry cleaner and some water/cleaning agent. You dump the airbrush parts that get paint on them in the little jewelry cleaner and it runs 3-5 mins at a time and just gently vibrates it. Take bits out after a couple of cycles and wipe down.
I will mention needle lube (har har) is also very helpful (little tubes cost a couple of bucks and last a long time). I was a bit overzealous cleaning my airbrush in the beginning which would cause the needle to become sticky (since when it dried there was no oil left) and caused more or less air to go through than intended.
Also unless you like a fine layer of paint dust everywhere I would think about ventilation along with a good mask. I got my mask at home depot. Has replacement filters designed for painting.
Aegwymourn- Lord of Titan
- Posts : 2536
Join date : 2012-07-01
Location : Rosetown
Re: airbrush questions
yeah, really really depends on your setup and trial and error.
I have a badger 105 and a little constant pressure pump without a tank thats only 4'' square and just buzzes a bit when its pumping. Flow is regulated at the box.
Generally your going for really really low pressure, so it works for me. a lot of setups will have a tank, and all the tanks will come with a pressure regulator. so whatever you get, i'm sure you'll be fine
I airbrush in the kitchen with the table covered in newpaper, with a window open and Guylaine Barely(TM) notices it. (that being said, i haven't basecoated entire armies yet, mostly small groups or single figures) if your airbrushing in the basement, ventilation will be an issue, you can scratch build some fairly advanced airbrush boxes that tie into or use your dryers exhaust vent.
I really recommend pre-mixed paints .. it saves time and will be consistent every time. The GW ones work pretty well( get yourself an eye dropper or you'll end up making a mess). Hobby Express carries the Vallejo Model Air series.. which are good paints, and if you want to order through amazon, you can get the Badger Minitaire paints, which are my favorite so far. (you thought washes were skill in a pot, the Ghost Tints are skill in an airbrush)
It is totally doable to mix your own, all you need really is a bit of rubbing alcohol and water in the right amounts(1/3 alch to water iirc) , or the flow improver from the various brands.. The right chems are not expensive, so why go through the pain?
Cleaning will take more time than your airbrush saves you, generally buy the big bottle of airbrush cleaner.
other than that? play around with it..... pre-spray pre-spray pre-spray.. always spray onto a bit of primed sprue, or a test model or something before applying spray to your model. air flow, blockage, paint settling, clogging, tip drying, etc etc, are all things that can make your life hell if sprayed directly on the model without first testing.
and lastly. get used to having prettier nails than your wife, cuz you will be painting yourself quite a bit
I have a badger 105 and a little constant pressure pump without a tank thats only 4'' square and just buzzes a bit when its pumping. Flow is regulated at the box.
Generally your going for really really low pressure, so it works for me. a lot of setups will have a tank, and all the tanks will come with a pressure regulator. so whatever you get, i'm sure you'll be fine
I airbrush in the kitchen with the table covered in newpaper, with a window open and Guylaine Barely(TM) notices it. (that being said, i haven't basecoated entire armies yet, mostly small groups or single figures) if your airbrushing in the basement, ventilation will be an issue, you can scratch build some fairly advanced airbrush boxes that tie into or use your dryers exhaust vent.
I really recommend pre-mixed paints .. it saves time and will be consistent every time. The GW ones work pretty well( get yourself an eye dropper or you'll end up making a mess). Hobby Express carries the Vallejo Model Air series.. which are good paints, and if you want to order through amazon, you can get the Badger Minitaire paints, which are my favorite so far. (you thought washes were skill in a pot, the Ghost Tints are skill in an airbrush)
It is totally doable to mix your own, all you need really is a bit of rubbing alcohol and water in the right amounts(1/3 alch to water iirc) , or the flow improver from the various brands.. The right chems are not expensive, so why go through the pain?
Cleaning will take more time than your airbrush saves you, generally buy the big bottle of airbrush cleaner.
other than that? play around with it..... pre-spray pre-spray pre-spray.. always spray onto a bit of primed sprue, or a test model or something before applying spray to your model. air flow, blockage, paint settling, clogging, tip drying, etc etc, are all things that can make your life hell if sprayed directly on the model without first testing.
and lastly. get used to having prettier nails than your wife, cuz you will be painting yourself quite a bit
Rhaevyn- Lord of Titan
- Posts : 2465
Join date : 2011-08-19
Age : 45
Location : Mike Bidyk
Re: airbrush questions
That's part of it tho. I get to learn how to airbrush cakes...
Roland- Lord of Titan
- Posts : 3544
Join date : 2011-01-26
Location : Saskatoon
Re: airbrush questions
Rhaevyn wrote:and lastly. get used to having prettier nails than your wife, cuz you will be painting yourself quite a bit
Winsor & Newton Artguard. It is a barrier cream you can put on your hands before using the air brush. Just rub it on like sunscreen until you can't see it anymore, then go to town with the airbrush. After you are done, wash your hands with soap and water, and virtually everything comes off at once, super easy. The stuff comes in a 1 cup jar, and lasts freaking forever. Got some for Christmas last year, and you can bearly see a dent in the stuff. Some of that might be because I stopped airbrushing after the move, but even so, I still have the vast majority of it left.
Planes- Lord of Titan
- Posts : 3156
Join date : 2011-11-27
Location : Mai'laun
Re: airbrush questions
or use gloves, purple nitrile glove box of 100 will set you back 12 bucks tops, and you'll feel like a cool tattoo artist
Paz- Lord of Titan
- Posts : 2741
Join date : 2008-03-12
Re: airbrush questions
Planning on trying some of this guy's techniques
How to paint Dark Angels?: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4sEryds4XKUJc6EX_CFrI34yU0Qcyclx
How to paint Dark Angels?: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4sEryds4XKUJc6EX_CFrI34yU0Qcyclx
Roland- Lord of Titan
- Posts : 3544
Join date : 2011-01-26
Location : Saskatoon
Re: airbrush questions
Rhaevyn wrote:yeah, really really depends on your setup and trial and error.
I have a badger 105 and a little constant pressure pump without a tank thats only 4'' square and just buzzes a bit when its pumping. Flow is regulated at the box.
Generally your going for really really low pressure, so it works for me. a lot of setups will have a tank, and all the tanks will come with a pressure regulator. so whatever you get, i'm sure you'll be fine
The badger 105 is top notch as you can get the needle conversion kit at Michael's for around 20$ for detail work.
MickJag67- Sage
- Posts : 62
Join date : 2014-06-08
Re: airbrush questions
Holy shit. I think I am going to want to pick up some of those stencils... they are so wicked....
Took me forever to do the camo pattern on my scout snipers, and now I have 10 more scouts to paint up.. that pattern would be so useful.
Are you planning to place an order? I wonder what shipping is to Canada... If you do, let me know and I may piggy back with ya if you're willing.
Matthew G- Lord of Titan
- Posts : 1083
Join date : 2008-06-10
Re: airbrush questions
I may place one, but it'll be just a bit. Having to re-jig my budget for the new year.
Roland- Lord of Titan
- Posts : 3544
Join date : 2011-01-26
Location : Saskatoon
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