I read my instructions and I seem to recall 20 to 30 psi (for airbrush).
I layed my instructions down on the floor and went to experiment with the brush. While I was occupied, BB read the instructions and when she was finished she chewed them up (BB the beagle).
I cut mine down to LESS than 10 lbs/in…Viscosity of your paint has a lot to do with it, too. Best to practice on a can or anything with a vertical surface - if you can get the vertical surface the way you want without a paint run, you’re there!
Oh,so the dog is paper trained?[:)]
Depending on the air-brush you are using,20-35psi is about right.
Jim,I’ve got to agree about the ‘thickness’ of the paint and the practice,and I realize
we’re not talking ‘spray cans’ here,but aren’t most of them over 10psi?
I set mine to between 12 and 15 PSI for my Aztec model airbrush. Just follow the recommendation from the manufacturer and you should be good.
I use either a Paasche single action or a Binks Wren B. Most of my stuff is painted with Floquil RR flat paint mixed 30% - 50% with lacquer thinner…so it’s pretty thin.
Now, if I were shooting either a 1 stage or 2 stage polyurethane enamel and really trying to gloss it out, I would lay it on a lot thicker and up the pressure to 15-20 lbs.
Bottom Line: Find what works best with your gun / paint / thinner and go from there.
David and Jim, what ever is in the can. [;)] No joke. I use both with great results. Like you said, best to test it and then spray. Viscosity is a key player. Believe it or not, I hand brush somethings. You’ve seen the CN UBoats and F3’s and rolling stock with CN. They were all hand brushed and/or sprayed from can. Did not own an airbursh back in the late 70’s and early 80’s when they were done. Airbrush is faster.
Kinda off topic but did anyone else catch “Rides” on TLC network last nite. They had a guy on painting fire, no just flames, on a 34 5 window coupe and he is a true ARTIST with an airbrush and a card board french curve stencil. Absolutely beautiful work. Would love to have him do my wife’s PT Cruiser but Lord knows what he charges. [^]
If you want to see some of his work go to:
www.killerpaint.com and click on “true fire” on the left hand menu.
The real airbrush pros use a “double action” brush…where they control the amount of air AND fluid. On the Paasche you press down on the plunger and rock it forward or backward for precise control. I could never get the hang of it so I never use that model brush.
I really respect those folks that are true artists. I think that Justin dude who paints the American Chopper Theme bikes is an artist!!! His work blows me away!