I usually lubricate the needle (rather than the o rings) after every clean, and occasionally lubricate the trigger slide.
Which airbrush would you buy?
- Thread starter pjgtech
- Start date
Haven't bought an airbrush for years...40 I guess, don't have a spray booth, clean the two airbrushes I have now once every two years, don't lay any paper, didn't practice, haven't replaced anything except the nozzle tip for one of the airbrushes and one new hose, don't wear a mask or protective eye goggles...just my reading glasses and underwear during heatwaves and solved any airbrush issues on my own because the working parts are just plain generic and logical.
My first starting airbrush was the Humbrol single action suction piece that looked like a mini insect pump spray with no adjustments available. You either spray close up for smaller diameters or away for larger coverage. I learnt how to regulate air pressure with my finger tip depressing the lever ever so gently. air was from a can that lasted only minutes...longer if you knew how to save on cleaning.
The moment I bought it and headed home it was straight to the bench, short read on instructions and away I went. Luckily they gave two cans of air and the first was exhausted with all that investigating...pressure, distance, width gauge of spray pattern and finding out that anything that blocks the spray from the surface is a masking. My first victim was a Monogram P-47 ala Gabreski camo and D-Day stripes. It was a success. I was 19. I'm guessing when you're younger curiosity does gets results quicker. The rest of the time it just became another tool for easy painting.
If I were you I'd suggest to just get stuck in and have no fear. You'll only be expanding air and paint while on the learning curve.
Cheers,
Wabble
My first starting airbrush was the Humbrol single action suction piece that looked like a mini insect pump spray with no adjustments available. You either spray close up for smaller diameters or away for larger coverage. I learnt how to regulate air pressure with my finger tip depressing the lever ever so gently. air was from a can that lasted only minutes...longer if you knew how to save on cleaning.
The moment I bought it and headed home it was straight to the bench, short read on instructions and away I went. Luckily they gave two cans of air and the first was exhausted with all that investigating...pressure, distance, width gauge of spray pattern and finding out that anything that blocks the spray from the surface is a masking. My first victim was a Monogram P-47 ala Gabreski camo and D-Day stripes. It was a success. I was 19. I'm guessing when you're younger curiosity does gets results quicker. The rest of the time it just became another tool for easy painting.
If I were you I'd suggest to just get stuck in and have no fear. You'll only be expanding air and paint while on the learning curve.
Cheers,
Wabble
I will now forever have the vision of you spraying away happily in the tropical sunshine wearing nothing but glasses and underwear. Probably whistling a merry tune as well.
And you still produce the quality of work most of us can only dream of
And you still produce the quality of work most of us can only dream of
Hi Jim, my humble achievements with an airbrush are sometimes by accident. The key is to remember how that accident occurred and apply it in the next process that comes along.I will now forever have the vision of you spraying away happily in the tropical sunshine wearing nothing but glasses and underwear. Probably whistling a merry tune as well.
And you still produce the quality of work most of us can only dream of
Some tunes are like The Bear Climbed Over The Mountain when I do repetitive lines for pre-shading that can become pretty monotonous or a huge area that needs covering. It's been a great partner, this airbrush.
Cheers,
Wabble
Forgot to ask, what is MLT?
Mr (Color) Leveling Thinner
www.scalemodelshop.co.uk
A great, slow thinner that works well with many, but not all, paints.
If you're not sure, mix a batch outside of the airbrush first. It will soon become very apparent if it's not suitable, unless you can spray jelly
Mr Hobby Mr Color Levelling Thinner 400 (400ml) T-108
400ml Mr Color Levelling Thinner T108 Mr Hobby Scale Model Shop UK, 5* Customer Service, Fast Delivery, Reward points on every order
www.scalemodelshop.co.uk
A great, slow thinner that works well with many, but not all, paints.
If you're not sure, mix a batch outside of the airbrush first. It will soon become very apparent if it's not suitable, unless you can spray jelly
I should add, it's so popular that it often went into short supply across the country.
Ah ok thanx, yes I have some of that but not tried it yet, do you know which paints is does not work with?Mr (Color) Leveling Thinner
A great, slow thinner that works well with many, but not all, paints.
If you're not sure, mix a batch outside of the airbrush first. It will soon become very apparent if it's not suitable, unless you can spray jelly
I’ve only used MLT with Tamiya, Mr Color, and cellulose based paints. It’s not compatible with water based acrylics like Vallejo. If in doubt mix some off the airbrush first….youll soon see if it’s compatible. Big hint, if you make cottage cheese it’s not 
. I do use Mr Thinners (without the levelling) as well, but mostly because it was all I could get in the MLT drought. Tend to use it for cleaning these days.
. I do use Mr Thinners (without the levelling) as well, but mostly because it was all I could get in the MLT drought. Tend to use it for cleaning these days.
Ah ok, well I use Tamiya a lot, so should be ok, also have some Mr Color Aqueous paints. si that the same as Mr Color?I’ve only used MLT with Tamiya, Mr Color, and cellulose based paints. It’s not compatible with water based acrylics like Vallejo. If in doubt mix some off the airbrush first….youll soon see if it’s compatible. Big hint, if you make cottage cheese it’s not
No idea, I think I have some, so will have used it with MLT, but test it first . I do find Mr Color paint needs more thinners to spray well.
. I do find Mr Color paint needs more thinners to spray well.
The aqueous is more like tamiya, in that in can be thinned with water, alcohol, or lacquer.
I've used it successfully with MLT , as have others.
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