Hello all;

I’ve just got back into modeling after a long absence. Re-introduced back into it while deployed to Iraq. Nothing is worse than using a brush on a tank with sand floating around. Anyway for the first time I’m diving full on into the joy of modeling and find myself a dinosaur. There is so much available now days, Photo etched parts, brass barrels etc… WOW! I spent 50,000 YEN (500 U.S.) when I got back to Japan on model supplies. (The wife was not pleased) But to the point, I’ve never done any air brushing before so I have a list of questions:

1.What is the Ratio I should mix thinner and Tamiya acrylic paint? (I’ve read articles talking of 20/80 and 50/50 depending on the effect you want.)

2.What is the safest for your air brush? (I have a cheap Testors one at the moment and a Badger one I pick up next week.)

3.What sort of things do I look for in a compressor? (The BX only had the Testors 700 compressor how good/bad are they?)

That should suffice for a start. I really would appreciate any and all advice I can get. I’ve been reading the forums and feel a little like a child listening to an adult conversation. Understanding some of it but just not getting the full picture

Thanks.

Hi James,

Yep, I know that feeling well! I got re-started here in Germany with language being an obvious problem. I then discovered Big A. Best thing I did modelling wise :-)

Don't worry, a lot of us here are in the same boat. We read, we build, we display and learn from the rest.

Keep building!

Hey James,
First off, welcome to the site.. i hope you enjoy your stay with us here.. Dont hesitate to ask questions.. Someone will always jump in to help out..

As far as your airbrush concerns go, thinning paint will eventually become one of those things you will probably do by eye.. I try to aim for a 50/50 mix paint/thinner.. The thinned paint should have the consistancy of milk.. The next thing is practice.. On an old kit, on card stock. I use an old hunk of styrofoam that i keep close by.

If by safest, you are asking thinners, I stick with acrylics.. Clean up is easy and little to no odour.

The compressor, im currently looking at purchasing an Iwata smart jet. Looks to be a good little job.. It has a built in moisture trap.. This is by far the best thing you can do for your hobby. It will keep any moisture out of the air brush.. Adjutable pressure up to 35 psi. Dont know a whole bunch about compressors as Im still learning too.. I have had great luck using a 2 gallon comp thats been rigged to handle the air brush..

I hope this has helped answer some of your questions.. Good luck and I look forweard to seeing some of your completed work posted here..


Dave

1) I mix 50/50. Works great in my Airbrush.

2) I guess you mean the mixture rate? Start on 50/50 and experiment a bit. You will soon find out what is working best for your airbrush.

3) Tank, silent running, water trap... etc. Hard to say... My best advice would be to talk to the guys who sell them. And sorry, I don't know anything about the Testor 700.





He He. I did the same in Afghanistan. Painting and weathering in the same process... BTW Welcome to the Big A, James.

Erik