Omar Khalid
When it comes to airbrushing paint on plastic, there are a variety of options to choose from. The type of paint you use depends on the specific airbrush and the desired results. Acrylic paints are a popular choice for airbrushing as they are versatile and easy to use. They can be used on a variety of surfaces and spray evenly through an airbrush. Tamiya Acrylic Paints, for example, are excellent for brush or spray painting and can be used on styrol resins, styrofoam, wood, and common model plastics. Metal Color is another brand that is specifically designed for airbrushing and offers exceptional resistance and adherence to plastics and metals. Vallejo's Model Color line of water-soluble acrylics is also an option, although some users recommend avoiding this brand for airbrushing as it may require additional products such as thinners and retarders. For beginners, ready-mixed acrylic paints are ideal as they are easy to use and can be thinned with water for a transparent effect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Acrylics, inks & dyes, oil paints, urethanes, and watercolors |
| Ease of use | Acrylics are the most versatile and easiest to use |
| Surfaces | Can be used on fabric, canvas, acetate, paper, wood, plastic, fiberglass, fingernails, and metal |
| Adhesion | Vallejo Model Air, Tamiya Acrylics, and Pro-Color have good adhesion to plastic |
| Thinning | Thinning is recommended for a smoother and more even paint flow |
| Primer | Acrylic lacquer paints can be used as primers |
| Brands | Vallejo, Tamiya, Testors, Createx, House of Kolor, JVR Revolution Kolor, Pro-Color, Metal Color, Mecha Color |
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What You'll Learn
Water-based acrylics
When using water-based acrylics with an airbrush, it is important to thin the paint to the correct consistency. If the paint is too thin, it will be like painting with watercolour paint. If it is not thin enough, it can lay down too heavily. It is also important to shake the paint well before use and to cover each coat of paint when you are done to avoid particulates in the air sticking to the wet paint.
There are several brands of water-based acrylic airbrush paints available, including Vallejo, Tamiya, and Pro-Color. Vallejo offers a wide range of colours suitable for various types of models, including historical figures, vehicles, planes, and military models. Tamiya Acrylic Paints are made from water-soluble acrylic resins and can be used on styrol resins, styrofoam, wood, and common model plastics. Pro-Color acrylic airbrush paints are manufactured with fine pigments and high-quality acrylic resin polymers to meet even the most sophisticated demands.
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Oil-based paints
One oil-based paint that is suitable for airbrushing is Testors Model Master. This paint is designed for military models and automobile modellers, offering colours that match military vehicles and equipment. It can be easily airbrushed when thinned and can also be brushed straight out of the bottle. However, it has a limited variety of gloss colours.
Another option for oil-based airbrush paint is Alclad II, which is specifically designed to be airbrush-ready. This means that it has the correct viscosity for airbrushing and does not need to be thinned before use.
When choosing an oil-based paint for airbrushing plastic, it is important to consider the adhesion of the paint to the surface. Some paints, such as Model Air, are known for their exceptional adhesion to plastic, resin, and metal surfaces. These paints can be used straight from the bottle with an airbrush, but thinning is recommended for a smoother and more even paint flow.
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Airbrush-ready paints
When it comes to airbrush-ready paints, there are several options available that are suitable for use on plastic.
Tamiya Acrylic Paints are a popular choice, known for their excellent coverage and smooth flow with no blushing or fading. These water-soluble acrylic resins can be used for both brush and spray painting and are suitable for various plastics, including styrol resins, styrofoam, and wood. Tamiya's X/XF line is specifically formulated for airbrushing and can be thinned with their proprietary acrylic thinner.
Another option is Vallejo, which offers a range of colours specifically designed for airbrushing, such as their Model Air and Mecha Color lines. Vallejo's Model Air can be used straight from the bottle with an airbrush with a 0.2mm nozzle, but thinning is recommended for a smoother and more even paint flow. Their Mecha Color line is perfect for painting robots, Gundam, Transformer, and Gunpla figures.
For those looking for an affordable option, craft-store brands of water-based acrylics such as Apple Barrel, Americana, and Folk Art can be a good choice. These paints can be thinned with water or isopropyl and work reasonably well with airbrushing.
Additionally, JVR Revolution Kolor offers a range of water-based acrylic colours with a high percentage of pigments, ensuring ideal adhesion on surfaces like plastic. Pro-Color is another brand that offers acrylic airbrush paints with excellent adhesion to plastics and other surfaces, using fine pigments and high-quality acrylic resin polymers.
It is worth noting that while some paints may be marketed as "airbrush-ready," personal preferences and specific project requirements may vary. Experimentation with different brands and techniques is often necessary to find the best option for your needs.
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Tamiya paints
Tamiya offers a wide range of paints, varnishes, and airbrush colours for decorating models. Tamiya's airbrush paints are acrylic-based and are ideal for spraying plastic models like trucks and functional models. They also have short drying times. Tamiya's range of spray paints includes the TS spray colours, which are perfect for plastic models, and the PS spray colours, which are designed for painting polycarbonate chassis.
Tamiya's AS spray paints are specifically developed for painting model aircraft, allowing modellers to create subtle shades and precise details. Tamiya's premium primer is also a great option to create an optimal foundation for subsequent coats of paint. It smooths out any bumps and improves paint adhesion.
Tamiya's range of colours includes AS-33 Camouflage Gray, Chrome, Polished Aluminium, Light Aluminium, Dark Aluminium, Duralem, Pale Gold, Burnt Metal, White Aluminium, and Copper.
When using Tamiya's airbrush paints, it is important to consider the desired colours and finish (matte or glossy). It is also essential to choose the right primer for the best results. For example, a pink primer is recommended if you plan to paint your model red. Additionally, applying multiple thin coats of paint will ensure a smooth surface.
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Vallejo paints
When using Vallejo paints in an airbrush, thinning the paint is crucial. Some users recommend thinning the paint with distilled water and adding flow improvers like Liquitex slo-dri and flo-aid to achieve the desired consistency. Others suggest using Vallejo's own airbrush thinner, which can be added directly to the airbrush cup, followed by the paint, and then mixed with a toothpick. The thinning ratio is a matter of personal preference, but it is generally recommended to start with a thinner mixture and adjust as needed.
It is worth noting that Vallejo paints may not adhere well to plastic surfaces when airbrushed, so it is essential to prime the model first. A properly primed surface will help the paint stick better and create a more durable finish.
Vallejo also offers a range of primers and cleaning products specifically designed for airbrushing, making it a convenient choice for those looking for a comprehensive airbrushing system.
While some users have expressed dissatisfaction with Vallejo's products, particularly their primers, others have found them to be effective and easy to use. As with any modelling product, personal preference and experimentation play a significant role in finding the best airbrushing paint for your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many types of airbrush paint that work well on plastic. Tamiya Acrylic Paints are excellent for brush or spray painting and can be used on all common model plastics. Vallejo's Model Color line of water-soluble acrylics is another option, although some advise against using Vallejo for airbrushing. For beginners, water-based acrylic paints are a good option as they are low toxicity and easy to thin and clean.
It is important to use a primer before painting plastic to ensure the paint adheres well. Additionally, thinning the paint can help create a smoother and more even paint flow.
In addition to Tamiya and Vallejo, other recommended brands include Testors Model Master, Createx, and House of Kolor.
While it is possible to use any type of liquid with the consistency of milk in an airbrush, oil-based paints are more challenging to work with and require additional steps for cleaning.
Water-based acrylic paints are low toxicity, easy to thin and clean, and can be used on a variety of surfaces including plastic, paper, and metal. They also have a short drying time, which is convenient for projects that require multiple coats.
