Hello,

I have a "stupid" question about painting models with an airbrush (stupid because the response must be evident for you, but not for the newbie i am...).

Here we are: I'm back to the hobby since few monthes and I never, yet, painted my models with an airbrush. I used once a tamiya spray for a "one color scheme" while I built a Vought Corsair.

So, if I want to use an airbrush, what kind of paints do I have to use? Does the classics Humbrol enamel are well? In this case, do I have to add some other liquid?...

Sorry for this "stupid" question (lol), and thanks

Marcus

You can airbrush pretty much any paint. Usually following the manufacturers recommendation for thinning it.

First off welcome to our zany world of modelling . Second the only "stupid" question is the one not asked. AS to what kind of paintsto use , just about anything you would have brushed on can be sprayed on. As far as mixing goes the values range from (paint/thinner)
70/30 to 50/50. alot of which has to do with the way an individual paints,many thin coats to one covering coat.

SO, before I overwhelm you with my brilliant advice, May I suggest you do a forum search for threads relating to airbrushing. You will likely find many styles,mixtures and formulas. Then try a few on blank pieces of plastic, you will likely find your own stylwe/preference a combination many you've read. Afterward if you have more specific questions feel free to post again.

Josh WEingarten
aKa shiryon

I'm just a newbie, like you, but my advice goes to acrylics. I prefer this kind of paints because they are easier to handle, harder to dry on their bottles. And they are easier to thin, from my point of view.

Check out the Links section for airbrush companies as well. They all have some sort of tutorial available on airbrushing.

As for thinners, acrylics are easier to thin and work with in many ways, and the fumes and mist are not as toxic and odorous. The problem with acrylics (speaking from experience) is that they dry much more quickly then enamels. For that reason you need to experiment with the right thinning mix and air pressure. If you are too far away and have too high a pressure your paint may even dry before it reaches the model. Also, thin with distilled water with acrylics, not a thinner or alcohol, as these tend to be drying agents, which will gum up your airbrush. So far this has worked extremely well for me.

As for Humbrol, I would assume that there are thinners for that brand/formulation of paint. Each enamel is different, whereas acrylics are all pretty much alike when it comes to thinning and cleanup.

I also echo the advice above, search Painting Issues for airbrush and you will also find a lot of information.