Best Airbrush Needle Size for Tamiya Acrylics/Lacquers

[lghtngyello03]

Alright, since getting my new Talon TG-3F airbrush, I have a couple of questions. Last night I sprayed my first color through it, thinned Tamiya Semi-Gloss Black. I looked at the needle cap before starting, and it was the cap with 2 lines.  I'm assuming that this is the 0.38mm needle? I thinned the paint 2:1 and the air pressure was set at 25 psi. I did a lot of research before spraying and knew that with their acrylics, you have to do several thin coats.  My results were awesome for my first time ever airbrushing.  I can't believe how smoothly the paint laid down. It looks like its molded in black!

So given the stellar results from this combo,  I'm assuming that the 0.38mm needle, 2:1 thinned paint, and 25 psi air setting is the correct way to spray their acrylics? Also, I  have read that some people say when spraying Tamiya's Metallic Acrylics, to use a 0.5mm needle, as it may clog a smaller needle setup? Any thoughts or experiences on this one?

 

Another question, since I will be spraying decanted TS Lacquers (when I get brave enough to spray a body).....what will be the best needle size and air pressure to use with the decanted TS Lacquers? Just trying to get some more knowledge before I spray a junk body, I'd like to start in the correct ballpark.

 

Thanks everyone for the help and advice so far in this new learning curve!

Scott

 

[High octane]

While I don't use an air-brush anymore, about the junk body to practice on, you can always use an empty plastic water bottle to practice painting. Try it.

[lghtngyello03]

Anyone?

[935k3]

I have the Talon. For doing  a body I would use the large tip(.66mm) Tip size also affects the sheen on a semigloss paint. If you want it a little flatter use a smaller tip. Also take into consideration the size of the part being painted. Practice ,practice and practice some more.

[lghtngyello03]

I have the Talon. For doing  a body I would use the large tip(.66mm) Tip size also affects the sheen on a semigloss paint. If you want it a little flatter use a smaller tip. Also take into consideration the size of the part being painted. Practice ,practice and practice some more.

Thanks for the response. I did notice a sheen difference on my 2 first parts sprayed. one was a battery, and the other was an intake. Both were painted with different mixture methods. The battery was painted with the paint thinned 2:1 and mixed in a bottle, then poured in my paint cup. The intake was painted with the same 2:1 thinning method, except I dropped the thinner and paint directly into the paint cup and stirred with a mixing stick, then shot a test area on some paper to get a good flow.

 

The battery was more of a satin finish than the intake, which is what I think it should be for S/G black. The intake had a glossier, but not too glossy look to it....both extremely smooth finish.

 

Like you said, practice, practice, practice. Thanks for the tip on the big needle for the body. Do you use the fan tip with this as well when spraying, almost like spraying with an automotive gun? What do you use the smallest 0.25 needle for?

Edited February 3, 2016 by lghtngyello03