Do i really need an airbrush?

[Guest]

Just my opinion-for 'scale' modelling, an AB is essential. Brushmarks are an ever-present hazard without one & I doubt anyone can leave 1/35 scale brushmarks. I think Graham covered most of the issues about actual use of an AB, it's not as difficult as what some think, just like anything else-the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

With regard to real-life armour, does anyone really think they were painted by hand on the production line? Of course they weren't, it was done by spraying. I do accept that sometimes this wasn't the case but most of the time it was. Even camo patterns in the field were usually done this way & the reason for that brings me to another point raised previously.

How much paint is used with an AB? A tiny amount because you're laying down a coat measured in microns. You only have to look at modern production techniques to know that spraying is the most economical way to apply paint.

Personally, I think it's a 'get-out' clause to suggest that armour modelling means less care need be taken with the finish or that an AB is not as necessary because it's a tank or similar. I think that because AFV's go through a far more varied amount of conditions than an aircraft, the skill needed to accurately reproduce that effect is no less demanding than it is than to depict an aircraft sitting on a runway or hardstand. That's not knocking aircraft modellers however, as I intend to build a few myself.

No-one can do without a brush or two but to anyone who's not tried an AB-well, you're missing out! Having only used one for a few months, I can see the possibilities they offer than just brushing simply can't match. Can you pre/post shade, mottle, fade or colour modulate with just a brush?

All you AB virgins out there, give it a try! With the cheap prices of some on ebay or similar, what have you got to lose? A few quid coz you can start off with propellant cans instead of a compressor.

There, now I'm off my soapbox and taking a valium!

Patrick

[Guest]

Hi All

This IS a good thread, why didn't I think of it??!

Well, I can say that not only can you sit on the fence, there is actually a Way Of The Fence! Yes, there is a compromise between the two extremes of brushes and Airbrushes, and that is Spray direct from the Can!

I used to use an airbrush, and the results were usually great, if done with patience etc, but it really is a hassle doing all the setting up and cleaning. But it was worth it. What made me stop was that I used compressed air out of a (expensive) can, not from a compressor, so there was always an issue with dodgy airflow affecting the finish and generally turning the air blue. There were other problems, but they seemed to get resolved eventually, but I think a compressor was/is needed. So, I put the A/B away until the day I can invest in a good compressor.

What I then discovered is you can get most common colours in a spray can. Yes it's expensive, wasteful, you cannot control the flow much, it stinks (especially the Tamiya sprays)you are limited to the colours available in a can, but it's a lot less hassle than an Airbrush, so much quicker and you do get the lovely smooth even finish on your Plane

So i use brushes (like the Hellcat I posted pics of yesterday, entirely brushed), and Spray cans when appropriate, like I plan to on the An-22, which is simply too large for anything else, unless I use a decorators brush and some gloss white emulsion!)

THIS is the Way Of The Fence, folks! But i do plan at some point to get a compressor and use an Airbrush again in the not too distant future

btw If i was doing armour, I would definitely use a brush!!!!

So I'm on the fence, but if I was to fall off, I think it would be on the brush side!

Cheers all, Saul

[Guest]

Ron said "

Anyway, if there is very little harmful paint residue in the air how come A/Bers need booths and fans ect.?

"There are some paints that do give of noxious fumes. ALL paints give of harmful fumes and yes, that is made worse re health and safety by making the paint airborne. I am not making light of H&S, it is a sadly all too often overlooked issue and we should always 'Risk Assess' our working. I am happy that any excess fumes are removed by the extractor which is a normal kitchen job. When I get my shed set up, it will be a very small but workable space, it is in fact the end of a two part shed. Because it is such a small space, I will spray with the door ope or I will fit an extractor of some sort. Possibly a cooker hood fitted vertically to the wall at the back of my workbench with the exhaust going strait outside.

There is no way on earth with my current set up that I would spray enamels, it simply would be too dangerous. So, you have me there Ron. Just be careful not to poke yourself in the eye with that brush you sometimes rinse out in your tea cup :laughing:

[Guest]

I guess that my opinion is this for small items like tools for armour or engine parts chipping etc i will brush paint you can't beat it however as for larger areas i will use the airbrush simply because my brush painting technique is not good enough, now as for airbrushes clogging ... well it's a simple fact of life but i use my own tried and tested mixes so clogging doesn't happen and you do tend to use less paint as a little goes a long way,as for set up all i do is add 2ml of paint and thinner to syringe conect my airbrush to the hose and iam off no more than 3mins, i have to say having learned how to use one and iam by no means a master i find it easier and quicker for painting. I will however still use brushes when they are needed.

scott

[Guest]

PS you don't get hairs in the paint with a non hairy stick, also when i spray i leave the window next to me open so no fumes what ared people spraying in there homes there cars!

scott

[Guest]

I use Humbrol and Tamiya spray cans, and they seem to work fine, £4.50 a can, plenty of paint etc etc...

But its still a pain to mask everything, but I do personally prefer the airbrushed/sprayed finish, theres always someone who can get the same with an ordinary brush!

Just my little bit said, Mike.

[Guest]

I have found that a brush is as good as a cheap airbrush using propellant cans with me. I have to put too much paint in them, So until I can get an A/B with gravity feed cups the brush is king, and ambush camo is a no no for me.

So course my new AFV club sturmtiger is staying in the box until i can get the proper stuff. I wouldn't dare brush that!!

One-colour russian tanks, on the other hand....

so in my case it's the paint scheme that decides what i use atm

[Guest]

Airbrush

No, paintbrush

Er, toothbrush?! Don't know

Both! None? Lost.

Personal preference. I use both. Airbrush for overall coats, priming, varnishes etc. Paintbrush for details and figures. Toothbrush for spattering mud. Hairbrush on my head. I can't do fine weathering spray or exhaust stains without the airbrush. Each to their own. Budge up on that fence!