Airbrush Temp Question.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Well the temp is into the teens Celsius the daffodils are up a good 15cm and I have a backlog of airbrushing to do. I am just wondering what the minimum temps should be for using paints like Vallejo and Modelmaster? I have radiant heaters on the ceiling of the garage if need be, but I would really like to sit in the sun on the driveway.

I am reading lots of different advice on the internet that runs from 5C minimum up to 15C minimum. So what say you? Experts in all things model railway connected.

2

I have airbrushed at -3C using a 6 gal compressor. I mention that because the act of compressing air generates heat. However if I am shooting a railcar, the compressor doesn’t run once the tank is full and emptying the tank is a cooling phenomenon.

I dunno when acrylic paint freezes, it would be less than 0C, but if the paint cooled, the compressed air cooled and it was below freezing I might find out.

The last thing I take outside is the paint and I limit myself to spraying one car. 15 C is a whole lot warmer. You probably could paint for a while and not have freezing issues, but I am guessing.

My experience with other sorts of paints, latex, rattle can, and stains is that they do not dry for quite a while at 15C. I painted the foam we use with latex and left it in the garage overnight and it was still wet the next morning.

I would be very worried the usual model paints would not dry either and should be moved indoors ASAP.

3

While it will spray, I would be concerned more about drying.

I have airbrushed at down to about 7C (45F for me), but had to move it inside to dry at a warmer temperature, as after 1 hour it was still tacky.

So, while you can do it, you may need to assist the temperature for drying by moving inside when you are done painting.

EDIT: And I airbrush with Acrylic’s only, due to health issues. (Asthma). Laquer’s and Enamel paints may react differently…

4

Hi Brent:

I spray in my garage when it is colder outside, but not below freezing. I do one car at a time and immediately take it inside. It doesn’t seem to affect the drying time. I’m air brushing acrylics and occasionally using rattle can auto primer. The spray cans have to be warm.

Dave

5

I doubt that there’d be any issue painting in 15°C temperatures as far as the paint is concerned, but, for me at least, I’d like it about 70°F or higher - just more comfortable for this painter anyways. [;)]
I do my airbrushing in a small purpose-built room in my detached garage, and in the winter when it’s -15°F (as it was over the past weekend) I have to heat the room just to get the oil in the compressor to a point where it won’t stall the motor.
Once it’s running, though, it will usually keep the room warm enough to work in shirtsleeves, even with the vent for make-up air open.
After painting and clean-up is complete, it’s a fast 50 yard dash back to the house where the paint can cure for a day or two.

Wayne

6

I’ll spray and bring the stuff right in afterwards. Thanks guy’s, you’re the best.