I have been building models for probably 20 years or so, but I always just watched my dad as he painted my models or painted with a can. I've since decided to paint them myself now and after painting my first one I'm not really sure of myself when it comes to mixing paints. I use acrylics and was just curious to hear what you all do for mixing to get the right consistency and such?

Very easy for me because I spray only Tamiya acrylics (I use Vallejo for paint brushing). The perfect ratio for me (and for many others) is 50% Tamiya acrylic and 50% Tamiya thinner. I use blunt tip 5 ml syringes to measure and transfer paint and thinner. So I get the correct ratio every time.

I have always had good results without thinning most of my acrylics. It really comes down to finding one of the many techniques that are out there that give you the results that you desire. I also use paints that aren't considered hobby paints on many occasions. But generally, I think that a 50/50 mix is a good place to start and keep in mind that different airbrushes do better with different ratios also.

You said you use acrylics, what's the brand . Tell us and we shall start from there. Do you want to airbrush or paint with a brush . Those are good starting points .