Sofia Martinez
Vallejo airbrush paint can be used on plastic, but some users have experienced issues with adhesion. Vallejo itself says that a primer is only necessary when painting metal parts, but some users have found that the paint does not adhere well to plastic without a primer. Others have found that cleaning the surface with Windex or another cleaner can help the paint adhere, and that thinning the paint can also improve atomization and flow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Adherence to plastic | Vallejo Air does adhere to plastic without priming, but the surface must be free of grease and lightly sanded. |
| Primer necessity | Vallejo recommends a primer only for metal parts. However, some users suggest using a primer for better adhesion, especially with the model color line. |
| Thinning | Thinning the paint with distilled water, Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, or another thinner can improve flow and atomization. |
| Spraying technique | Spraying at the correct distance and pressure is crucial for adhesion. Spraying too close can cause paint runs, while spraying too far can result in paint drying before reaching the surface. |
| Surface preparation | Cleaning the surface with a product like Windex to remove any mold release agent or grease can improve paint adhesion. |
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What You'll Learn
Vallejo Model Air paints can be used without primer
Vallejo Model Air paints can be used without a primer, but the results may vary. Some modellers have reported success when painting directly onto plastic, while others have found that the paint does not adhere well without a primer. Vallejo itself says that a primer is only necessary when painting metal parts.
One modeller reported that they cleaned a piece of Evergreen sheet styrene with Windex, rinsed it with water, and let it dry before airbrushing Vallejo Model Air paint directly onto the bare styrene. They found that the paint adhered perfectly unless they were trying to vigorously and intentionally scrape it off with a sharp edge. Another user on the same forum thread reported that they had found Vallejo Model Air paints would not adhere to plastic without a primer, as they are acrylic paints.
If you do not want to use a primer, it is recommended that you clean the plastic with Windex to remove the mould release agent. It is also important to ensure that the surface is completely free of grease and that it is lightly sanded with fine sandpaper to improve adhesion. Vallejo Air is also very sensitive to the right distance/pressure ratio, so it is recommended that you experiment first to get the ideal setting and distance from the surface.
For the best results and adhesion, however, a primer is recommended, especially with the Vallejo Model Color line, as the paint is fragile without it. Vallejo makes an excellent primer in white, black, and grey that can be sprayed directly from the bottle at around 30 psi. Primers can improve the adherence of colours and preserve even the smallest details of a model. They can be applied in various layers directly or diluted with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner or Flow Improver.
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Vallejo Air paint requires a clean surface
Vallejo Air paint can be applied directly to plastic without the need for a primer. However, for the paint to adhere properly, it is essential that the plastic surface is thoroughly cleaned and free of any grease. Using a product like Windex to clean the plastic surface can help remove any mould release agents. Additionally, lightly sanding the surface with fine sandpaper can further enhance the adhesion of the paint.
The Vallejo Air paint range offers a wide variety of colours and excellent coverage and opacity. However, it is important to note that the paint is sensitive to the distance and pressure ratio during application. Experimentation is recommended to find the ideal settings and distance from the surface. Applying the paint at the wrong distance or pressure can cause issues with adhesion.
While Vallejo Air paint can be applied directly to plastic, using a primer can improve the durability of the paint job. A primer is particularly important when painting metal parts, as it provides a better surface for the paint to adhere to. Vallejo offers excellent primers in white, black, and grey, which can be sprayed directly from the bottle at around 30 psi.
When using Vallejo Air paint, it is crucial to thin the paint appropriately. Using water to thin the paint is not recommended, as it can weaken the bond between the paint and the plastic surface. Instead, using a dedicated thinner is advised. This product is designed to thin the paint without reducing its adhesion. A ratio of three parts thinner to one part paint is generally recommended, but this may vary depending on the specific application and personal preference.
Additionally, it is important to clean the airbrush thoroughly after each use. This can be done using a product like the Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner, which helps remove any paint residue and ensures the airbrush is ready for the next use. Proper maintenance of the airbrush is essential for achieving optimal results and prolonging the life of the equipment.
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Vallejo Air paint is sensitive to distance and pressure
Vallejo Air paint is sensitive to the distance and pressure ratio. The ideal setting and distance from the surface must be determined through experimentation. The paint will run if applied from too close a distance, and from too far, it dries before it reaches the surface and does not adhere. The recommended compressor air pressure for airbrushing is 15-20 PSI or 0.5 to 1 kg. However, some users have reported better results at lower pressures, around 10-15 PSI.
To achieve the best results, the paint should be thinned with a ratio of one drop of Vallejo thinner or water to six drops of paint. This improves atomization and flow. The paint should be applied in several layers, and the surface should be clean and free of grease. Lightly sanding the surface can also improve adhesion.
Some users have reported successful adhesion to plastic without using a primer. However, Vallejo recommends priming the surface first, and their primer can be sprayed directly from the bottle at around 30 PSI. If a primer is not used, the surface should be cleaned with a product like Windex to remove any mold release agents.
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Vallejo Air paint can be thinned with water
Vallejo Air paint can be applied to plastic without a primer, but the surface must be completely free of grease and it is recommended to sand the surface lightly with fine sandpaper to improve adhesion. The paint is also very sensitive to the distance and pressure from the surface, so it is important to experiment first to get the ideal setting.
When thinning Vallejo Air paint, it is important to use the correct thinner to avoid negatively affecting the paint. While some people use Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner as a thinner, it is designed to dissolve and weaken the paint. Similarly, alcohol will cause the paint to become goopy as it dissolves acrylic, and Windex will weaken the paint. Distilled water is recommended as a thinner for Vallejo Air paint, with a ratio of 25% thinner to 75% paint being a good starting point. For a standard base coat, adding two drops of flow improver for every 10 drops of paint is suggested. However, some people find that thinning Vallejo Air paint is not necessary and instead add a few drops of flow improver or airbrush cleaner to improve the flow of the paint.
It is important to note that thinning Vallejo Air paint can be temperamental, and over-thinning can lead to issues such as spidering, splattering, dry tip, and sagging. To avoid these problems, it is recommended to use low air pressure and thin the paint with just a few drops of flow improver. If a thinner consistency is still desired, low-concentration rubbing alcohol can be added very sparingly. Additionally, a water trap can be used to ensure that extra moisture is not introduced into the mix.
When thinning Vallejo Air paint with distilled water, it is recommended to start with the thinner mixture and then add an equal amount of paint, mixing thoroughly. If the mixture is too thick, a few more drops of thinner can be added until the desired consistency is achieved. For airbrushing, the paint mixture should have a consistency similar to milk. The air pressure can then be adjusted to achieve the desired results, with higher PSI resulting in thinner lines.
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Vallejo Air paint can be used with an airbrush cleaner
Vallejo Model Air paints are known to adhere to plastic, but some users have reported that a primer is necessary for the best results. Vallejo itself says that a primer is only needed when painting metal parts. However, some users have found that the paint does not adhere well without a primer coat. To improve adhesion, it is recommended to lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper and ensure that it is free of grease. Additionally, the right distance and pressure ratio are crucial when using Vallejo Air, so it is important to experiment to find the ideal setting and distance from the surface.
When using Vallejo Air paints, it is important to consider the thinning ratio and technique. Some users recommend thinning the paint with distilled water, adding Liquitex slo-dri (retarder) and flo-aid (flow improver) at 5% each by volume. Others suggest using Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, which can be added directly to the airbrush cup, followed by paint, and then mixed with a toothpick. The thinning ratio can be adjusted based on the desired consistency, with a milk-like consistency being ideal. The spraying distance and pressure can also be adjusted to achieve the desired results.
To clean your airbrush after using Vallejo Air paints, Vallejo offers an Airbrush Cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. It is available in 85 ml and 200 ml sizes and is suitable for acrylic paints. The cleaner effectively removes paint, including stubborn dried-on paint, and lubricates the airbrush mechanism without causing damage. For a more thorough cleaning, the valve and nozzle can be soaked for several hours. Users have found the Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner to be a top-quality product that delivers excellent results and offers good value for money.
In conclusion, Vallejo Air paints can be used with an airbrush, and the Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner is an effective and safe option for cleaning your airbrush after use. It is important to consider the thinning ratio and technique when using Vallejo Air paints, and a primer may be beneficial for better adhesion to plastic surfaces. Experimentation and proper surface preparation are key to achieving the desired results.
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Frequently asked questions
Vallejo Air paint will stick to plastic, but a primer is recommended for the best results. If you do not want to use a primer, the plastic surface must be completely free of grease and lightly sanded with fine sandpaper to improve adhesion.
Vallejo Air paint should be applied from a distance of 15-18 cm with a 0.3 nozzle at around 12-15 psi. The paint should be thinned with a mixture of distilled water, Liquitex slo-dri, and flo-aid, or with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner.
Before painting, ensure the plastic surface is clean and free of any oils or residue. It may be helpful to lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper to improve adhesion. Experiment with the distance and pressure ratio to find the ideal setting, as Vallejo Air paint is sensitive to these factors.
