Having now used my new AB for a few days, had a bit of practice and actually painted a model with it, what do I think?
A few things that always put me off getting an AB have turned out not to be an issue.
I thought they would be very difficult to use and take months (or even years) to get to grips with, but no, it was much easier than I thought!
I thought the constant cleaning, after every use, every change of colour, etc would be a pain, but no, again it was much easier and faster than I thought it would be, (after the first time when I got paint everywhere!)
The cost was not too bad, obviously you can spend £1000's on gear, but being a noob I wanted to keep the initial spend down as much as I could, just in case it was not for me. And the choice of gear available is impressive, from very cheap/budget friendly, to very expensive and evrything in between. I went for sort of mid range stuff. I have not totted it all up, but I reckon after the compressor, the AB and the spray booth, and various other bits and bobs, I have spent about £350 ish.
For me thats not too bad, to get a fully equipped set-up for that, that will hopefully last me a good few years is good value IMHO. Yes, yes, I know that I will spend more, but to get me started that was not too much of a shock to the wallet.
Pros:
Generally faster to paint, especially for larger surface areas.
More efficient use of paint, a small amount goes a long way.
Gives a better, eg: finer, smoother finish, no brush strokes/marks!
Thinner / lighter coats of paint, so can vary the colour/tint by adding more / less coats.
Once technique improves, (not there yet personally) can blend and apply subtle details / touches, so in theory should be able to obtain more realistic effects.
Arguably a more robust / durable finish due to more consistent coats of varnish, etc.
Cons:
More of a need to mask the model when applying different colours to different areas, with a brush you can, usually, just paint up to an edge, etc.
Cost of gear, its a higher start up cost when compared to just paint and brushes, and theres always summit new to buy! Lol....
Takes up a bit more space in the model making area to house the gear, compressor, spray booth, etc, but luckily I have the space so not an issue for me.
Less portable than brush painting, but again I'm not gonna be moving around, so not an issue for me.
More maintenance of gear, cleaning the AB, re-ling the booth, changing filters, etc.
Gear needs to be set-up correctly, eg: compressor pressure, AB needle settings, etc.
Needs good ventilation or use of mask. Not an issue for me as I have both.
Can be a steep learning curve to use well.
Final thoughts:
I'm pleased with my decision to go down the AB route and I although it did cost a bit to get going, I now have another string to my scale modelling bow.
Going forward I know that I will still use a brush in certain situations, but now having the option to use an AB as well is a great benefit/option to have.
What advice would I give to someone else who is considering getting an AB, just do it!
NB: Once again huge thanx to everyone who has given me great advice to help get me going, it is very much appreciated, cheers.
A few things that always put me off getting an AB have turned out not to be an issue.
I thought they would be very difficult to use and take months (or even years) to get to grips with, but no, it was much easier than I thought!
I thought the constant cleaning, after every use, every change of colour, etc would be a pain, but no, again it was much easier and faster than I thought it would be, (after the first time when I got paint everywhere!)
The cost was not too bad, obviously you can spend £1000's on gear, but being a noob I wanted to keep the initial spend down as much as I could, just in case it was not for me. And the choice of gear available is impressive, from very cheap/budget friendly, to very expensive and evrything in between. I went for sort of mid range stuff. I have not totted it all up, but I reckon after the compressor, the AB and the spray booth, and various other bits and bobs, I have spent about £350 ish.
For me thats not too bad, to get a fully equipped set-up for that, that will hopefully last me a good few years is good value IMHO. Yes, yes, I know that I will spend more, but to get me started that was not too much of a shock to the wallet.
Pros:
Generally faster to paint, especially for larger surface areas.
More efficient use of paint, a small amount goes a long way.
Gives a better, eg: finer, smoother finish, no brush strokes/marks!
Thinner / lighter coats of paint, so can vary the colour/tint by adding more / less coats.
Once technique improves, (not there yet personally) can blend and apply subtle details / touches, so in theory should be able to obtain more realistic effects.
Arguably a more robust / durable finish due to more consistent coats of varnish, etc.
Cons:
More of a need to mask the model when applying different colours to different areas, with a brush you can, usually, just paint up to an edge, etc.
Cost of gear, its a higher start up cost when compared to just paint and brushes, and theres always summit new to buy! Lol....
Takes up a bit more space in the model making area to house the gear, compressor, spray booth, etc, but luckily I have the space so not an issue for me.
Less portable than brush painting, but again I'm not gonna be moving around, so not an issue for me.
More maintenance of gear, cleaning the AB, re-ling the booth, changing filters, etc.
Gear needs to be set-up correctly, eg: compressor pressure, AB needle settings, etc.
Needs good ventilation or use of mask. Not an issue for me as I have both.
Can be a steep learning curve to use well.
Final thoughts:
I'm pleased with my decision to go down the AB route and I although it did cost a bit to get going, I now have another string to my scale modelling bow.
Going forward I know that I will still use a brush in certain situations, but now having the option to use an AB as well is a great benefit/option to have.
What advice would I give to someone else who is considering getting an AB, just do it!
NB: Once again huge thanx to everyone who has given me great advice to help get me going, it is very much appreciated, cheers.