New to airbrushing

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have been a model railroader for over 20 years and have painted many model with spray and brush paints. However, I have never used an air-brush on HO models. What would be the best air pressure to use on my single action air-brush gun? I was planning on using water based paints.

Thanks,

Larry

2

Try putting some paint in it and practice. Then you’ll know what works best for you.

3

Start around 20lbs and adjust up and down to see what works best. For light weathering I find that I lower the pressure so I get a fine dusting.

4

I’ve had an airbrush in my hand professionally for over 35 years and I can tell you that the suggested a/p on the bottle of paint is just that a suggestion. You have to adjust it according to the mix you’ve made but generally speaking follow the direction on the side of the bottle it should get you in the ball park. Acrylics usually require more a/p then solvent based paints. I have sprayed acrylics with a/p as high as 30psi to get desired effects out of a single stage brush but I honestly hardly ever use a single stage unit any more.

5

I have found that turning the pressure to about 35 psi and then working the neddle valve to get a fine spray works well. The water based paint seems to take more psi and lighter coats. I still thin my paint about 60/40 (paint to distilled water). Hope this helps.

John

6

John,

Thanks for the info. I model New York Eastern roads ( NYC, NH&H, LIRR, and B&O). Right now I’m between layouts. About 35 locos and 150 cars boxed up. I still find some time for repainting and kitbashing. Thanks again for the help.

Larry