airbrushes

[Guest]

This makes fascinating reading for me as I am also an "airbrush newbie", well, actually an airbrush virgin! There's some great input here from you guys.There's so much to learn, I just hope it's not too much of a learning curve. I think I've got most of the gear I need I just need to get practising once I've set up a work area.

But unfortunately that'll have to wait as I've got to go in hospital for a week or two on Monday.

Have a look at a recent thread:

http://www.scale-models.co.uk/threads/camouflage-painting-help.19913/#post-174867

Among other things, there is a list of other threads which might be helpful.

[downscale model art]

Ive had a quick try of the new compressor and it does the job fine.I wasn't prepared to have a go of my good brush as I didn't want to get it soiled without knowing how to clean it thoroughly.

I tried the cheapo brush supplied.to clean it I washed the cup and then spayed air brush cleaner though until clear.

As for my thoughts on the cheapo brush.

I must admit I gave it to my little girl. I said my wife could have the other one because I had my Neo.

I said come on skye (my girl) have a go at your new brush.

Now im jealous it is very good indeed. gravity fed dual action big cup and a spry limiter on the back for ease of use perfect for shading and without a OOOPs slipped with the pull back too much paint and blob.

If my brush is half as good as the cheap ones in the box I would recommend them to any beginner.

for 66 quid you are away and painting.

Ive only had one go and my only complaint is.

It did splatter occasionally on first spray.might of been me or the gun.

but I am pretty sure I can master this and theres no going back to a furry stick now..

i bought the same kit mate and the cheapo airbrush is really good. had it about 6 months and had no probs

[ojays]

Although I still use handles with bristles on for modelling, AB are just a miniature version of spray painting so I'd like to put my halfpenny worth in.

I Fully agree with the comments about starting your flow before the surface you are painting and ending after.

Another minor tip, as with full size spraying, always keep your airbrush parallel with the surface your painting.

If you arc your AB you will get less paint on the surface towards each end of the stroke, compared with the middle.

The easiest way to achieve this is to flex at your wrist, keeping the AB constant to the surface.

Many have told me it makes no difference, just try ( the Arc) on a piece of white paper. Then try parallel underneath and you will soon see the difference.

I now suffer from repetitive strain injury in my wrists, after 50+yrs of spraying, but it was worth it to achieve the finish I required.

Gregg

[yak face]

Good advice gregg , i too was a paint sprayer many moons ago (first job from school so work it out !) The tips and knowledge i got from the older guys was invaluable and stays with me today ,as you say being very useful in spraying models , whether with aerosol or airbrush. cheers tony

[Guest]

Seeing the sprayer tradesmen working at some bodyshops I've been in is a treat for the eyes, I've had a blat and couldn't seem to be able to get a level finish that passed muster with the chaps who did it with their eyes closed. I used to get offered the ''touch up'' work and would colour match and fill in stone chips and scratches ready for final freckler and polish.

I also undertook artistic projects and would do the odd small mural/decal/emblem etc using an airbrush.... Strange in the fact that I can't use an airbrush to spray a model successfully to save my life and complete all the plastic kits with the hairy stick.

[ojays]

I can empathise with you there Colin.

Done many a mural and art work with my airbrushes on bikes , cars, vans etc. Some of the vehicles I did for clients won awards, but for some reason I am really reticent to use them on my models.!

A couple of times I have got as far as getting them out & filling the tank, only to get my hairies out again. I also use a lot of sponges, mainly women's make-up type

Gregg

[stona]

Hi Gregg, I agree with everything in your post except the starting and finishing bit. It's absolutely fine if you are spraying a coat for coverage or something like a masked camouflage colour, but it won't work for shading or mottling or any number of artistic effects.

This sort of thing I couldn't do that way.





Cheers

Steve

[ojays]

Thanks for pointing that out Steve.

You are of course correct, the method I related to was of course for larger or panel area's and especially for the car modellers.

For mottling & shading on my models, I often use sponges.

By the way, that's a great 163 especially like the spider web camo on the Natter!

Gregg

[stona]

Thanks Gregg, that Natter scheme was based on pictures of the actual aircraft, on the tower, before its one brief and fatal flight as well as this picture of an extant example c/w original paint.



You can see that whoever sprayed that certainly didn't have your skills as you described them on 1:1 models

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

Even I could do that Steve

[Guest]

I just brought the trumpeter messerscmitt 109 32 scale as I like and want to challenge mybrush skils with the camo.

im doing a 48 scale spitfire first to practice on.

but of course the Messerschmitt will provide more talent and challenges.as I will need to be able to spray in tight areas and not drag it across the model already spraying.

and I will not want splattering.

I still have yet to even blast air through my iwata brush.I look forward to that a lot.

[ojays]

Practice, practice, practice and then when you think your ready, practice again! lol

Gregg

[Guest]

Have a look at a recent thread:http://www.scale-models.co.uk/threads/camouflage-painting-help.19913/#post-174867

Among other things, there is a list of other threads which might be helpful.

Many thanks Stevekir, there's some great reading there.

[Guest]

wow.

I tried the iwata last night and I love it. no paint splatter nice to control and brilliant results.

I have only painted the cockpit so far but the airbrush makes life so much easier neater and a lot quicker than by hand.

my modelling will never be the same again.

I think the camo on my messerscmitt might be a bit more challenging. plenty of practice before that one..

[Guest]

The main advantage that I find with an AB is the very smooth and even paint finish it gives on large areas. However, that said, when doing recent black and near-black shades experiments on small bits of plastic, to save time and AB cleaning, using Vallejo Model Air, (their acrylic designed for airbrushing), I used a brush and was impressed with the smooth even finish I got.