Hi Guys
I plan on doing some weathering ( for the first time in years ) with my airbrush but forget how many parts paint to Distilled water I should use? Also If I can remeber I think I sprayed these at around 20psi.
Thanks for any help guys
Jeremy
HI Jeremy.
My preference is to thin 15-20% for a standard paint job. Air pressure 20 to 25 psi. Application technique varies among modelers, of course, due to the variations of stroke speed and spray distances.
Suggestion: This step is a potential headache preventer. After thinning your paint and pouring it into your airbrush jar/cup, take a a few minutes and test on a scrap piece of styrene, “junker” freight car or locomotive shell.
[:D]
Each airbrush is different, each paint job unique. For general painting (such as a box car or something) I start with 20% windex at about 20psi and spray the first coat. Next coat is at 35% windex and 15 psi. If a third coat is needed its at 50% and 15 psi. For weathering I start at about 25% windex and 25 psi, then adjust on scrap until I get the effect I want.
Results vary according to temperature, humidity, type of air brush, viscosity of the paint (which is different color to color). As stated before, test on scrap- it’s a real life saver but be sure to use a color base close to what you are working on to get a true sample. I generaly start with a thicker paint as I find it easier to add a few drops of thinner to the paint rather than adding paint to the paint/thinner mix.
Other than that, you are just going to have to get out there and get the job done yourself. It’s really not that hard to do and after a little practice you will be spraying like an old hand.
I don’t subscribe to paint ratios with acrylic paints, especially Polyscale as the paint doesn’t always start with same thickness/viscosity. your goal should be the right consistency/viscosity for the job you’re doing, spraying in this case, (acrylics), which requires the consistency/viscosity of 2% milk, (regardless of the brand).
Be sure also to strain the paint as you pour it into the painting container, (jar or cup). You can use stockings for this. I use small 1/2 oz or 1 oz plastic cups to thin and/or mix paint in. I grab an extra handful of those little condiment cups from Mickey D’s when I visit there…