Until now I've only been using Tamiya acrylic in my airbrush, but for some reason I've purchased a bunch of Humbrol for a current model.

I was wondering what type of solvent I should use to thin the Humbrol for airbrushing. I couldn't find Humbrol's own thinner and I only have mineral spirits and tutpentine. Are either appropriate? What about cleaning? I would hate to clog my airbrush with enamel

Hi Richard

I normally use white-spirit (mineral?) to thin Humbrol enamels - no problem with clogging. I've recently used Humbol No. 1 - primer with cellulose (laquer) thinners - it went on beautifully - very smooth and quick drying (with some extra "bite").

I always use cellulose for a major airbrush clean-up (after enamels or acrylics).

Hope this helps

All the best

Rowan

I only use humbrols own thinners for spraying as I have confidence in it. I had some clogging problems when I tried other thinners. Some guys in my local IPMS chapter swear by balsamic turpentine. I have never tried it but they all agree its the same quality as humbrols thinner but much cheaper. One day i might get around to it!!

For some reason, it seems near impossible to find Humbrol's thinner here in the States, or at least in Louisiana.
On a side note, does cleaning the brush with laquer thinner cause any problems next time you spray an acrylic? i've heard stories that the two don't react well together, and will cause the brush to clog. Or is it just that the laquer must be wiped away thoroughly before reassembling the airbrush?

I put bot Tamiya acrilics and Humbrol enamels through my airbrush. I use their proprietory thinners for painting but clean both up with cheaper general purpose lacquer thinners. When finished cleaning give it a blow out with air and a final wipe with a rag. No problems with clogging the next time - but then it may be a couple of weeks between sessions so the thinner will have had plenty of time to dry.

Brian

Hi Bribo

I've never had a problem doing this.

I recently read a fantastic article on IPMS Stockholm (I think) about a WW1 plane, where someone thinned Tamiya acrylics with cellulose to give more "bite". I've tried it with Vallejo with no compatability problems... but it's always best to do your own tests.

Better safe than sorry... :-)

All the best

Rowan