Basic Needs to start using new airbrush setup?

[Rudy]

Hello all, I just got my first airbrush setup and compressor from my girlfriend for xmas. It was a total suprise. She always gets me cool stuff. It consists of a Testors (Aztek) "Delux Professional" airbrush set, model # A4709 like this one: http://www.testors.com/product/137119/A470...in_Airbrush_Set And a testor's blue mini compressor model# 50204 like this one: http://www.testors.com/product/137109/5020...rush_Compressor

Since I have never airbrushed before, I dont have a large quanity of thinner (which seems to be the most frequently used item) or any paints unless the small square glass bottles of testors qualify. ( that you brush-paint with) Can these be used in the airbrush if sufficiently thinned? Maybe some paint that is ready to be sprayed would be best to get me going. I plan on buying an airbrush cleaning station like this: http://www.testors.com/product/136959/9315...leaning_Station and maybe an inline moisture trap also. Maybe someone could provide a short shopping list to help me get going? I am in a wheelchair and hate having to get in and out of the car and go to the store ten times........

Thanks alot guys and gals!

Rudy

Edited January 7, 2009 by Rudy

[The Modeling Hermit]

I practices and sprayed water based paints through mine. That way I got used to it before I sprayed oil based paints. That is a nice set.

[Scalefinishes]

Rudy,

Welcome to the airbrushing club! Once you paint a car body in an actual car color with the airbrush, you'll wonder how you ever painted without it.

Plastic-models.com has an amazing selection of airbrush supplies, and some ready to spray paints. The 1/2 pint Testors enamel Airbrush Thinner is a pretty good deal. Use that thinner with the square bottles of paint and they'll spray pretty good.

Paint should be thinned to approximately the consistency of 2% milk for airbrushing. Practice mixing and spraying paints is really the way to learn airbrushing. There is allot of science to it, but mostly it's an art.

The moisture trap is a must, and so is lacquer thinner for cleanup. (The cheap Wal mart/Home Depot stuff.)

I hope this helps.

Jameston

[LoneWolf15]

Rudy ,

If I attempted to answer your questions , it would be the longest post in the history of the forum . I recently released a how to dvd on airbrushing show quality finishes for model cars .

It is 90 minutes long and it will answer all your questions on products , preparation , and technique concerning the use of your airbrush and preparing a kit for paint . It covers every aspect of airbrushing , from A to Z !

The dvd teaches a system that when followed , and with a little practice , will have you producing show quality airbrush work in no time . If you are interested , go to oldmansmodels.com on the internet which is my website . For more information , check on page 6 of the November issue of Model Cars Magazine in the "Whats New "section . If you ever have questions concerning the airbrush or paint , feel free to contact me at the email address posted on my website.

Donn Yost

Lone Wolf Custom Painting

[MikeMc]

Hey Rudy,

After reading Donns reply I agree that a model friendly air brush video or book is (or both!!) one of the best ways to learn W/O firing up the brush.

I have read many great airbrush books, and own Joanne Bortles and Robert Downies( 1 &2)..and wish Donns DVD was out 3 years ago!!

Check your local library online catalog for other titles.....Happy spraying

[Andy Wyatt]

First and foremost you should buy a respirator. You will need a moisture trap. Depending on what ind of paints you use will determine what thinners to get. The square Testors are fine but you will need to thin them a good bit...to the consistancy of milk or so. Don't buy the Testors Airbrush thinner...mineral spirits will work fine. If you want to use the factory correct lacquers then you will need to get some lacquer thinner.

[LoneWolf15]

  MikeMc said:

Hey Rudy,

After reading Donns reply I agree that a model friendly air brush video or book is (or both!!) one of the best ways to learn W/O firing up the brush.

I have read many great airbrush books, and own Joanne Bortles and Robert Downies( 1 &2)..and wish Donns DVD was out 3 years ago!!

Check your local library online catalog for other titles.....Happy spraying

Mike,

Why don't you buy the dvd ? That way all the bases are covered for ya !!! You don't have to worry about leaving paint fingerprints on the pages , trying to read and work at the same time with a dvd .

Donn

[MikeMc]

  LoneWolf15 said:

Mike,

Why don't you buy the dvd ? That way all the bases are covered for ya !!! You don't have to worry about leaving paint fingerprints on the pages , trying to read and work at the same time with a dvd .

Donn

I might but I finally can shoot lacquers....I do not really want anything to do with enamels.......

[LoneWolf15]

  MikeMc said:

I might but I finally can shoot lacquers....I do not really want anything to do with enamels.......

Mike,

There in itself, is the "rub" . The dvd is'nt just about enamels . I teach a system , a series of steps to follow. It does'nt matter what you paint with . The steps that I call the 4 "P "s .

Proper paint environment control

Proper tools and products

Proper kit preparation

Proper airbrush technique and application

These are the areas where just about everybody fails in one way or another . As much as I tease about laquers , I used them for over 30 years , playing in train land ! I still use them to this day .

However , for brilliance , depth of color , overall shine , and cost , when it comes to painting model cars , enamels win hands down . I've got a 90 minute long dvd to back up my point ! Visibility lends to credibilty

Later , Brother

The Old Man