has anyone tried to use latex paint to airbrush with rambo1?
I’ve been very careful to use airbrush paints, and thin appropriately. It seems household paints, while they could be thinned, may still contain pigments that could give a less than desirable finish. Airbrush paints, while more expensive, are not all that expensive. And I’ve NEVER experienced problems with finishes when using paints designed for airbrushes.
Disclaimer: As a retired graphic arts teacher, I spent a lot of time teaching airbrush techniques, though not necessarily specific to model railroading, just more generic applications on signs, fabrics, displays, etc.
Using household paint in an airbrush, is like using a 4" paint brush to paint a HO loco!! [:O] The special airbrush paint has pigment that is ground about ten times finer than Dutch Boy!! A very good friend, whose a paint chemist, says that the closest to model airbrush paint is automotive paint, which comes in larger sizes and is almost always solvent based, which would ruin anything plastic or foam, like cars & scenery!! Stick with the airbrush paint - it’s cheaper in the long run and gives better results. My [2c]
No, household latex paint is really thick and gives a horrible finish… I learned that the hard way…
I wouldn’t try it in an airbrush; the pigments will most likely clog the airbrush, no matter how much you thin it.
Rambo,
Latex paint is not recommended for airbrushes. The pigment particulates are larger than those of acrylic paints used for hobby applications. For spray applications latex (house) paint is generally applied with airless or electric spray guns.
Another problem with Latex paint: Yes, it can be thinned enough to spray through an airbrush, however, hiding is generally poor when too thin, and the paint will dry inside of the airbrush within minutes. IMHO, not worth it. As mentioned, clogging is likely.
If things are tight for you money-wise, hang in there and save up for those colors that you want. Don’t feel alone as many of us (me included) are in that same boat.
Stick with the paint lines available for models. [;)]
I have never tried to use latex paint with rambo1.
On a serious note. Just to thick. Like other comments, use a paint for a airbursh. Thats your best bet.
I often use house paint on my building kits to add a variety of color and I buy test pots for a few dollars each. The paint can be easily diluted with water - they are always too thick out of the pot, but diluted make a good stain on wood buildings. There are however three instances where I would never use household paint - one is in an airbrush, the other is on my boat and on a related subject; to freshen up my car.
Not all paints are created equal.
Bruce
The only household paint I use around my trains are the 99 cent spray cans of flat black from WalMart. I use that for things like spraying the metal weights for Athearn cars and other similar things. Sure beats the crazy price of one of those tiny cans of Testor’s.
And I don;t bother painting the base until I find a suitable tannish/brown color on the oops rack at Home Depot or Lowes. Usually half the regular price of a gallon of paint.
–Randy
I’ve used household latex spray paints right out of the can to lightly spray a coat of appropriate base color for scenery (mainly rock-work) but that’s the ONLY way I’d use it. Even at that, I have to mask the surrounding area and spray from a distance. Latex is just too thick for ‘fine’ work IMO.
Tom [:)]