I have a double action Paasche Millennium with a fine needle and I can't seem to paint fine lines. This has been a real problem when trying to paint a camo pattern on two 1/72 German tanks. I've tried different thinning ratios, pressures, you name it. I should add, that when working with larger models I don't seem to have as much of a problem. with my King Tiger I could sort of fake it by dry brushing the pattern in layers on the zimmerit leaving no brush marks, but the smooth surfaces on the Panther has been another story. (in fact I'm tossing it in the stripping tub because I don't think I can fix it.) This is the second time I've worked with such small of a scale in armor. Any suggestions? Masks rather than free hand?

have you thinned the paint well enough Steven? I am sure I read somewhere here that to paint fine lines you need to thin the paint considerably and reduce your comp pressure down to 8 or 10 pounds... Hope it helps


Dave

For fine lines thining more than normal is the key..

I also have read of a method where you cut a narrow camo line in a peice of card stock and hold it close to the model but not on it and spray your paint through it for a airbrushed camo look while also using a mask..

Steven,
Up until I bought my Iwata recently, I used the same airbrush as you for over two years and I found it was a matter of well thinned paint, lower the pressure and keep the airbrush very close to the model. You then need good control on the button, I wouls suggest using the adjuster nut in the cut out to tighten the mechanism so that you have more control over the paint and airflow and concentrate, do small areas at a time and take breaks and rest your eyes and fingers.

I found the best way was to practice, practice, practice on some paper or a similar scrap surface and figure out the best ratios of paint to thinner to air, to distance and it will work very well.

It is easy to get put off if you initially dont get the results you want.

I hope this helps,

John

Thanks guys!

I'll try some more thinning ratios and see what on a some scrap plastic.

Thanks again

Steve