Sofia Martinez
Painting plastic models with an airbrush is a popular hobby that welcomes atomization artists from all over to come together and enjoy this highly versatile painting medium. There are many types of paint that can be used with an airbrush, including Pro-Color acrylic paints, which offer excellent adhesion to plastic, and Tamiya Acrylic Paints, which can be used on common model plastics. Vallejo Model Color paints are also an option, but they need to be thinned with an airbrush thinner for best results. When choosing an airbrush paint, it's important to consider the specific airbrush and the desired results, as well as the material being painted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint Type | Pro-Color, Tamiya Acrylic, Mecha Color, Vallejo Model Color, Model Wash, Game Air, AV PREMIUM |
| Paint Properties | Adherence, viscosity, toxicity, pigmentation, durability |
| Paint Application | Brush, spray, airbrush |
| Paint Consistency | Ready-to-use, pre-thinned, thinning required |
| Nozzle Size | 0.2mm |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
Adhesion and Surface Compatibility:
Select a paint that is specifically designed for adhesion to plastic surfaces. Look for paints that have good reviews for their adhesion to resin models, plastics, and similar materials. Some paints, like Model Air, are known for their extraordinary adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including resin, plastics, steel, and white metal.
Pigment Quality:
Opt for paints that use fine pigments and high-quality acrylic resins. Pro-Color acrylic paints, for example, are manufactured with excellent pigments and acrylic resin polymers, ensuring a high-quality finish.
Thinning and Application:
Consider whether the paint is pre-thinned and ready to use straight out of the bottle, or if it requires thinning before airbrushing. Pre-thinned paints, like Pro-Color, are excellent for beginners as they can be used without additional preparation. On the other hand, paints like Tamiya Acrylics require thinning with a specific thinner (Tamiya X-20A) before they can be used with an airbrush.
Colour Options and Availability:
Choose a paint range that offers a wide variety of colours suitable for the type of model you are painting. For example, if you are painting military models, consider the Vallejo Model Color range, which includes colours specifically developed for historical and military models.
Environmental Factors:
Be mindful of environmental conditions that can affect the paint's performance. Some paints, like Game Air, may require dilution due to changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity.
Safety:
If you are concerned about toxicity, opt for water-based, non-toxic options like AV PREMIUM, which is safe and highly versatile, offering excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces.
Remember to always read the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for the specific paint you choose, as well as the cleaning and maintenance guidelines for your airbrush equipment.
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Preparing the paint
When preparing the paint for airbrushing your plastic model, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to select the right type of paint. Water-based acrylic paints are a good option for beginners as they are low in toxicity and can be thinned with water. However, they can be challenging to master, especially for airbrushing, as they tend to dry quickly on the surface but can take a long time to fully cure and harden.
If you're using regular acrylic model paint, it's important to thin it before using it in an airbrush. Thinning the paint will ensure it flows properly through the airbrush and doesn't clog the nozzle. You can use an airbrush thinner or, in some cases, water to thin the paint. It's better to have paint that is too thin than too thick, as thick paint can clog your airbrush and be difficult to clean. You can adjust the consistency by lowering the air pressure or spraying from a further distance if the paint is too thin and splatters.
There are also pre-thinned, airbrush-ready paints available on the market that can be used straight out of the bottle. Pro-Color acrylic airbrush paints, for example, offer excellent adhesion to plastic and metals and come in a wide range of colours. Tamiya Acrylic Paints are another option, suitable for brush or spray painting on various plastics. However, they need to be reduced with a thinner for airbrush use.
For those seeking a metallic finish, ALCLAD II is a specialised paint that can be used to create a realistic, multi-metallic look. It requires a base coat of gloss paint, preferably black, and then two thin coats of ALCLAD II to achieve the desired effect.
Additionally, primers are an important step in preparing your paint for airbrushing. Primers like Vallejo Surface Primer and AK Interactive Primer can be thinned with water and applied with an airbrush to prepare your model's surface for paint. They are cost-effective and simple to use, providing a quick and fun way to prime your models.
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Cleaning the airbrush
To clean an airbrush after painting plastic models, you can start by tipping over the paint cup and spraying some cleaner into a jar, which will get you 90% done. If you've been using acrylics, you can then run a couple of loads of glass cleaner (Windex) through the airbrush, followed by a couple of loads of water. You can stir a clean paintbrush inside the cup to loosen any remaining paint. Lastly, run a load of denatured alcohol through the airbrush. If you've been using enamels, you can simply run thinner through the airbrush.
To clean the needle, remove it and wipe it with thinners if needed. You can also squirt in some lacquer thinner, backflow some air through the nozzle, dump it out, and then spray some clean thinner through the airbrush. Empty the cup, fill it with Windex for acrylics, and then run the cup empty. Use a cotton swab to remove any dried paint.
If you're only setting the airbrush aside for a short period, you can pull the needle back slightly from the nozzle (without removing it entirely) to prevent paint from drying and sticking inside.
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Priming the model
Firstly, you'll need to choose a suitable primer. There are many options available, but some popular choices include Vallejo Model Color, Tamiya Acrylic Paints, and Pro-Color acrylic airbrush paints. When selecting a primer, consider the specific plastic you are working with and choose a product that is designed for good adhesion to that surface. Additionally, opt for a primer that is compatible with your chosen airbrush—some primers work better with certain nozzle sizes and may require thinning for optimal results.
Before applying the primer, ensure your work area is well-ventilated and protected. Lay down a drop cloth or some old newspapers to catch any overspray, and wear protective clothing, including a respirator, to safeguard yourself from paint fumes.
Now, you're ready to start priming. Prepare your primer by following the manufacturer's instructions. Some primers may need to be thinned with a suitable thinner to achieve the optimal consistency for airbrushing. Test the primer on a small, inconspicuous area of the model first to ensure it sprays evenly and doesn't pool or run.
Hold the airbrush about 4-6 inches away from the surface of the model and start spraying in light, even coats. Work in thin layers, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. This helps prevent the primer from running or dripping and ensures a smooth finish. It's important to maintain a consistent distance and speed while spraying to avoid an uneven application.
Finally, once you've applied a few thin coats and achieved adequate coverage, let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may take several hours or more, depending on the product and environmental conditions. After it's dry, lightly sand the primed surface with a fine-grit sandpaper to remove any minor imperfections and create an ultra-smooth base for your paint.
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Creating effects
Firstly, choose the right airbrush for the job. Select an airbrush with a fine needle and nozzle size, typically between 0.2mm and 0.3mm, to achieve the intricate details and fine lines needed for plastic models. A dual-action airbrush is ideal as it allows you independent control over the air and paint flow, offering greater precision and the ability to create a wider range of effects.
Next, prepare your paint. Acrylic, enamel, or lacquer can all be used, but be sure to thin your paint to a milky consistency with a thinner in a 1:3 ratio. This ensures the paint flows smoothly through the airbrush. Before applying the paint to your model, test it on a scrap piece of plastic.
Now, you're ready to start painting! Hold the airbrush 10-18 cm away from the model's surface and use a pressure of 15-20 psi for a general coat. For a smooth finish, apply the paint in thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. This technique prevents runs and ensures a professional-looking result.
To create effects, adjust the air and paint supply while spraying. You can create smooth gradients and detailed highlights by controlling the paint flow. For added variety, swap out the paint needle to experiment with different spray patterns. Additionally, utilise the gravity feed feature of your airbrush, which is excellent for fine detail work as it requires less air pressure and provides better control over the paint flow.
Remember, practice makes perfect! With time and experimentation, you'll be able to master various techniques and create stunning effects on your plastic models using an airbrush.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many types of paint that can be used for airbrushing plastic models. Pro-Color acrylic airbrush paints are manufactured with fine pigments and high-quality acrylic resin polymers, making them suitable for a range of surfaces, including plastic. Tamiya Acrylic Paints are another option and are made from water-soluble acrylic resins that can be used on common model plastics. Vallejo's Model Color paints are also suitable for plastic models and have the highest pigment concentration in a water-based formula.
Depending on the paint, you may need to thin it before use. Tamiya Acrylic Paints, for example, need to be reduced with Tamiya X-20A thinner for airbrushing. Vallejo's Model Color paints should be thinned with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner to a milky consistency. Mecha Color paints from Vallejo should also be thinned for a smoother finish, although this is not essential as they can be used with an airbrush with a 0.2mm nozzle straight from the bottle.
Ensure your airbrush is clean and well-maintained to avoid problems with paint application. Thinning your paint can help to achieve a smoother and more even paint flow. Environmental conditions can alter the viscosity of the paint, so be mindful of temperature and humidity, and adjust paint dilution accordingly.
