Air brush help for a complete newb be kind please

[milo1303s]

Bought a husky 3 gallon compressor works great for 1/1 tires and came with a airbrush.  So I figured I could

 learn to use the airbrush on some models before I spend more money on a good one .

So any way. Any tips suggestions mixing ratios to help out a newb?

this is what I got

Thanks

Edited February 9, 2018 by milo1303s

[John Pol]

All depends on what kind of paint you plan to shoot threw it

[TarheelRick]

My first suggestion would be to get a good water filter/trap for it; it will save a lot of frustration.  Then collect some milk jugs or other plastic pieces and start practicing.  Most people suggest mixing to the viscosity of milk, which can be a bit suggestive, but is a good starting point.  Different types of paint will require different mix ratios and air pressures to attain good results.  As you practice it may be helpful to keep a journal of what you have done, that way you will not have to "re-invent" your technique with each paint job.

[Pete J.]

In addition to a water trap(critical) get a good pressure gage and valve.  By good, I mean one that will read 40 PSI at the high end.  This will give you a more accurate reading on pressure.  Then go to the store and get a box of cheap white plastic spoons.  Painting the back of them will be a good representation of paining models.  Another good item to have is a cheap digital thermometer that also shows humidity. Last and not least is a notebook and a pencil.  

Now if this is all starting to sound like a science experiment, that is because painting is just that.  Start with putting columns in your notebook to record paint brand and color,  temperature, humidity, pressure , mix rate and results.   Start with a 1:1 thinner mixture and see the results.  If you get orange peel or a flat paint(assuming you are going for gloss) then increase the thinner and record the results. If you get runs then decrease the thinner.  Once you have the mixture right then start adjusting the pressure.  Too little pressure and you will get blobs of paint because it is not atomizing.  Too much and you will get a fine mist but a lot of overspray.  Do not, I repeat, Do Not try to adjust both at the same time.  That is a recipe for disaster because you can't determine the result of varying more that one item at a time.  Temperature and humidity also will play into results.  Higher temperatures require more thinner and humidity can cause slower drying and runs and sags. 

Do this every time you paint and you will find certain sweet spots that work best at a given temperature and humidity. This book then becomes your bible for painting and takes the guess work out of painting. 

I know there are a lot of painters out there that adjust there mixes by eyeball and use word like "thickness of milk" which they have learned to do with years of experience.  I don't disparage them and their work because they get the results they want, but  this method take a little longer up front but takes the guess work out of paint.  When you go out into the shop to paint you will have fewer failures over time. 

Unfortunately there is no "Published" book like this because there are so many different paints and airbushes that the book would be an encyclopediac volume to cover all of them.  On top of that manufactures change their formulas or introduce new paints and that adds to it.  Variations in paint are the reason most builder have a brand that they prefer and they stick with it.  

Good luck and enjoy your new airbrush.

[milo1303s]

Thank you for your replies.

I'll let you Know my results when I gather my supplies and jump on this new for me venture!

Thanx again

Bob C.