Hi.

I own some model colour paints which I've been using for figure painting and I'm planning on painting my first tank in ten years in the next couple weeks.

I've used tamiya paints in the past for airbrushing and been really pleased, but was thinking about trying out my vallejo model colours (not the air version) in the airbrush.

I'm using a double action airbrush for the 1st time so I know theres going to be a learning curve there. Do you think I should stick with what I know paint wise while I'm learning with the new brush or try thinning the vallejos and learn both at the same time?

Thanks

Jeff

Jeff, I just got a double action airbrush last fall and am still "learning the ropes" of it. IMHO, I might stick and practice with the Tamiya paints. Getting the right consistency for spraying is one challenge and learning to control the airbrush is another. I have read many say that you should thin the Tamiya paint to that approximating milk. On average I add about 10 to 15 percent X-20A thinner to the standard out of the bottle paint. I have no experience with Vallejos so I can't comment on that. My only other exposure is to Model Master Acryl and I find that it is ready to spray out of the bottle.

Cheers,
tread_geek

You can go either way. If it were me, I would stick with what I was familiar with, in your case the Tamiya paints.

The regular Vallejo paints can get you into some frustrating situations even if you do thin them significantly. I believe it has to do with the size of the pigment grain, but not certain. If you are really set on using Vallejo, then I would recommend that you get the Model Air paints instead.

Hope this helps.

That is totally up to you. Personally, I'd tackle both at the same time. Tamiya acrylics do airbrush excellently. I thin my Tamiya 50/50 and go from there. If you want to airbrush Vallejo Model Color, read this thread: Airbrushing Vallejo Model Color
You also may want to try Vallejo Model Air, which is pre mixed to airbrush right from the bottle and is excellent paint.
For airbrush lessons, demos, and tutorials, I cannot recommend this site highly enough: How To Airbrush. Videos and SBS to teach you everything from paint mixing to cleaning afterward. If you watch everything on this site, it truly is the next best thing to having a Master Modeler give you lessons in person.