discussion airbrush or paint brush

[downscale model art]

I'm really struggling to have results with the airbrush.it takes so long to set up.... so long to mix and


ges to clear up after. It takes away the enjoyment of what modelling means. Any views .


?


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.


ix.

 

[Guest]

Rob there is no setting up really . For me switch on compressor. Drop in the cup some thinners or


flow improver then the paint. Twiddle around with a paint brush . Ready for spraying. 3 sec


test run on an old plastic bottle. Ready to spray


I would guess about 90 secs perhaps 2 minutes if that.


Finished. Spray out or pour out remaining paint. In to the cup water wipe around the cup


with a cotton bud. Spray out. Cup of airbrush cleaner. Switch around with cotton bud.


Spray out. Another cup of airbrush cleaner spray out finish just before empty spray a bit


on paper to see that all is clear. Job done. I would guess 2 mins.


A help I find is to queue the work ie to give a good batch of things to spray.


Hand brushing will be quicker in setting up and cleaning. But it takes longer to hand brush


(for me) than to airbrush. You still have to clean the brush and also the palette so i would


not have thought there is much in it.


To give an example I airbrushed this batch in one go.


Try hand brushing and see if it suits you compared to airbrushing.


Laurie


View attachment 123776


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[Guest]

It depends on what problems you're having with airbrushing Rob.


As Laurie says, even with a hairy stick you've gotta mix the paint, thin it, clean the brush after use .... when I brush paint it's pretty much the same amount of time as using the AB.


To get a finish with a brush that's as fine as using an airbrush means at least 2-3 thin coats with each coat needing to fully dry before starting the next one.


You could just whack on one thick coat, but it'll always look lumpy & bumpy.

 

[Gern]

Laurie, I agree that airbrushing can be quick - but only if you have a dedicated spot to leave everything set up ready to run.


I'm not sure what Rob has, but for me set up takes nearly 10 minutes. I have to put newspaper down in case of spillage, put up an old cardboard box I use as a spray booth, then put out all the stuff I will need including suitable thinners, cotton buds and tissue paper. All my building work is done on my workbench in the lounge which is also where all my paints are kept. My spraying is done in the kitchen so everything has to be gathered together and transported. Then everything has to be done in reverse when I've finished.


For me, spraying is a relatively big issue.

 

[yak face]

I use both Rob but i can see where youre coming from , sometimes its a pain airbrushing , especially if your modelling time is scarce . I sometimes wonder if the good old days when i was ten years old and just brushed everything and didnt care were more enjoyable !!? The most important thing is just that-enjoyment . If youre not enjoying your modelling then why not go back to the brush for a while , just to get your mojo back , cheers tony

 

[BarryW]

Rob - would part of the problem be one of mixing the paint to get the right consistency in preparation?


If so then try the paints that are made for the airbrush, ready to spray - such as Vallejo Model Air, AK Interactive acrylics or MIG acrylics. All these can be sprayed through a 0.3 needle or larger without thinning though you may want to thin a little depending on preference.


One other thought - are you using a gravity fed airbrush? These are the easiest and quickest to use overall and clean up. I started off with a syphon fed a/b and found a lot of fluffing around with the bottle...

 

[Guest]

but only if you have a dedicated spot to leave everything set up ready to run.

Mmmm. I did think of that after publishing the piece Dave


When I moved into our flat we did not have much space. Keeping a room in case my son returned home. He got married so that solved it.


But until that time I survived by getting a big plastic box from B&Q.Set that up with the compressor in it. All the little bits you use in it.


For use plastic box on its side put the compressor on the floor connect up to power. Airbrush and compressor already connected. Spray inside the box.


Worked OK.


Laurie

 

[Guest]

I agree with Dave, I don't have a dedicated work space, all my spray equipment is stored in a spare upstairs bedroom, and I spray down stairs in the garage utility room. My set-up and clean up takes about an hour at least, so that's why my build sequence may seem unusual to some. I maximise the built in order to minimise airbrushing. I wish I had the skill to hand paint, If I had the airbrush etc would go in the bin. Derek

 

[spanner570]

Rob, I've always been, and will remain happy brush painting...no fuss or special booths, extractor thingies. just swill the brushes free of paint and wash in warm water - a couple of minutes, done. However........


You will get loads of answers from the two camps, it's an eternal question often asked in some form or another on here.


If you are struggling with your A.B., leave it alone and try just brush painting. It doesn't matter who thinks which is the best. Nor does it matter which produces the best results (That's a draw anyway) It's your enjoyment that counts. You choose.

 

[Guest]

Tried an AB but it constantly got blocked and had to be cleaned. Used thinners etc and tried different paints. I was using an Iwata Neo brush and compressor bought as a kit and maybe I should try something better. Meanwhile just use spray cans and a brush for small parts.

 

[eddiesolo]

It could be the type of AB you're using, I have got a Badger and a Cheapo China one, the Cheapo one tends to clog easier around the nozzle for some reason. I tend to use it for large areas so I can lay down a base coat. I also use rattle cans and brush work.

 

[downscale model art]

I think I'll stick with brushes for all of my regular models....usually warships but keep the airbrush for cars etc. I've been using model air by valle jo but I made a right pigs ear of things when I tried to touch up with a brush....too thin. By the time I had sanded and sorted it all out, it would have been quicker to hand paint

 

[eddiesolo]

I think I'll stick with brushes for all of my regular models....usually warships but keep the airbrush for cars etc. I've been using model air by valle jo but I made a right pigs ear of things when I tried to touch up with a brush....too thin. By the time I had sanded and sorted it all out, it would have been quicker to hand paint

The thing is Rob, although trying new techniques and getting good, if they spoil your enjoyment-after all it is just a hobby, then go back to what you enjoy and makes you happy.

 

[Guest]

Tried an AB but it constantly got blocked and had to be cleaned. Used thinners etc and tried different paints. I was using an Iwata Neo brush and compressor bought as a kit and maybe I should try something better. Meanwhile just use spray cans and a brush for small parts.

Ben try Vallejo Model Air with Flow improver. providing the brush is working properly you will not have difficulties.


Just a moment though what needle/nozzle size are you using ? I would also use 20psi but this depends with


experience your best setting.


Laurie

 

[downscale model art]

It's a cheap Chinese one made by the dangerous toy and lawnmower company. That's not the issue though because it works fine. I just think it's not worth the hassle of setting up when I know I'll have to touch up or detail with a brush anyway

 

[Guest]

Another thought Rob. John markets this spray booth. 30 secs and it is set up same for folding down. Compressor and airbrush hose connected clip airbrush on easy disconnector.


Ready for action.


http://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/portable-spray-booth-fenghua-bd-512.html


I touch up mostly with an airbrush but it needs to be good airbrush to get in close. If touching up I have found with Valljo Model air it is best to dilute 50% and use a couple or more coats.


I use a hairdryer to speed the process.


Laurie

 

[Guest]

Ben try Vallejo Model Air with Flow improver. providing the brush is working properly you will not have difficulties.
Just a moment though what needle/nozzle size are you using ? I would also use 20psi but this depends with


experience your best setting.


Laurie

Thanks Laurie. I don't have the AB now as it is in the bin. I still have this small NEO compressor which appears to have three settings. Thinking of getting a H&S AB but I might need a better compressor.


Apologies as I am moving away from the original posters point.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Laurie. I don't have the AB now as it is in the bin. I still have this small NEO compressor which appears to have three settings. Thinking of getting a H&S AB but I might need a better compressor.
Apologies as I am moving away from the original posters point.

Apologies if we are digressing a bit here Rob.


H & S very nice airbrushes. I would try the compressor you have if it pumps air presumably at the correct pressure that is all you need. It is just air.


If you decided to change compressor come back and ask opinions rathere than buy one not knowing the advantages and advantages.


Laurie

 

[stona]

I use both and am fortunate enough to have my spray station as a permanent installation which definitely makes things easier. I was going to type my two bob's worth but Ron pretty much did it for me!


"If you are struggling with your A.B., leave it alone and try just brush painting. It doesn't matter who thinks which is the best. Nor does it matter which produces the best results (That's a draw anyway) It's your enjoyment that counts. You choose."





Good advice with which I couldn't agree more





Cheers


Steve

 

[downscale model art]

Cheers for the comments folks. I guess I'd use my shiny Chinese spluttering thingy a lot more if I had the space. Time to boot out the step lad me thinks.........