Paint issue

[Valvefloat]

This is painted with acrylic craft paint thinned.

Any tips?

[Radretireddad]

What brand?

[Valvefloat]

CraftSmart

Could it be because tap water?

 

[Radretireddad]

3 minutes ago, Valvefloat said:

CraftSmart

Could it be because tap water?

 

That’s where I’d start. Use 91% isopropyl alcohol or Tamiya acrylic paint thinner. It isn’t a good idea to use tap water in your airbrush because the solids it contains can clog it up. Try adjusting your thinning ratio as well. What pressure are you using?

[Valvefloat]

You'll laugh or shake your head but it is a rechargeable compressor kit.

So I don't know the pressure.

[Radretireddad]

Here are a few things you should be doing consistently with all acrylic paints.

Make sure the paint is thoroughly shaken or stirred. Especially metallics. Use a stirring stick to make sure there are no residual solids still sitting at the bottom of the bottle.

Use Isopropyl Alchol or Tamiya thinner. Some guys recommend Mr Color leveling thinner but it’s expensive and hard to find.

You’ll have to experiment with thinning ratios and needle settings until you find the one that works for your compressor and airbrush. For the thicker craft paints start out at about 40% paint and 60% thinner.

Make sure to use a good primer. I use Tamiya exclusively.

Make sure the part is thoroughly clean, dry and free of finger oils and foreign material before applying the primer. I gently scrub the part with  a little dish soap and water and an old toothbrush.

The final obstacle to getting good results may be your compressor and airbrush. I spent around $75 for a compressor with a tank and adjustable pressure. Spending the money for a good compressor that provides a consistent pressure made a world of difference in the results I was getting.

If you can’t get the CraftSmart paint to work try some other brands. Tamiya is the gold standard but I’ve recently found that the Createx brand sold at Hobby Lobby is also very good.

I just got through spraying some red Craftsmart outdoor acrylic paint on these seats and I’m very happy with the results.

Good luck and let me know how it’s going.

[Valvefloat]

Trying a solid grey with two small drops of silver metallic 

[Valvefloat]

Here's 3 coats nothing else, it's like shark greyish but of metallic.

Might look cool with deep red stripe?

Just playing around with airbrush.

[Radretireddad]

Sounds good. Trial and error is what does it for me.

I also forgot to mention to meticulously clean your airbrush between uses.

Good luck!

[Radretireddad]

Wow, much better!

[Valvefloat]

I like it but its supposed to be a maroon color from Tamiya but... April in Canada its too chilly yet to paint outside.

Im thinking the maroon stripe.

What about sanding acrylic, or just use the QuickShine since its all I have? 

I enjoy the choices of models, colors or engines etc...

[Mike 1017]

I use a Hair Blow Dryer to cure the acrylics lot of paint problems seem to "Melt " away into the paint

Good Luck 

Mike

[Valvefloat]

Im going to pick up distilled water today and mess with the ratios.

Is there a ratio difference between metallics and solids or is it just the consistency I need to watch?

[Beans]

53 minutes ago, Valvefloat said:

Im going to pick up distilled water today and mess with the ratios.

Is there a ratio difference between metallics and solids or is it just the consistency I need to watch?

Most people have specific ratio mixes they use.  I tend to wing it and just look at the consistency as I add thinner.  I find that every different paint has a different ratio and I start on the low end and work my way up until I have the consistency I look for.  There are even times when I stop spraying because even though the consistency looked good it is coming out too thin or too thick and will add whatever I need to, to correct it.  

For me at least, metallics require a different mix than standard colors.

[johnyrotten]

Consistency is the biggest thing I found with craft paints, and something for dry tip issues. I found a recipe for a diy thinner, ended up tweaking it a bit and have had good results since. Distilled water is a good idea, I've read all kinds different mixes and recipes. Most all of them include Distilled water. Ive had really good results with Deco-art paints and annita's. 

[Radretireddad]

1 hour ago, Valvefloat said:

Im going to pick up distilled water today and mess with the ratios.

Is there a ratio difference between metallics and solids or is it just the consistency I need to watch?

I have not had to adjust the thinning ratio with either type of paint. Your airbrush and compressor combination are what’s going to determine the correct ratio and you’ll need to experiment until you find it.

[Radretireddad]

13 hours ago, Valvefloat said:

I like it but its supposed to be a maroon color from Tamiya but... April in Canada its too chilly yet to paint outside.

Im thinking the maroon stripe.

What about sanding acrylic, or just use the QuickShine since its all I have? 

I enjoy the choices of models, colors or engines etc...

I prefer to do all the sanding up front during the prep work. The Tamiya white primer seems to always dry in a uniform very smooth finish. I have my ratios, air pressure, needle settings and application method dialed in to where the final finish is smooth enough to not require any final sanding. Hobby Lobby sells a package of final polishing and buffing pads that rage from 3200 up to 12000 grit and are perfect for removing small flaws. I use Meguiars Plastex to remove any fine scratches or hazing. 

Edited April 2 by Radretireddad

[Valvefloat]

Well I bought distilled water but this airbrush is definitely not great, small parts only but brush is quicker.

I see why Im partial to spray cans.

[Valvefloat]

10 minutes ago, Valvefloat said:

Well I bought distilled water but this airbrush is definitely not great, small parts only but brush is quicker.

I see why Im partial to spray cans.

Done with airbrush, spray cans win.

[Radretireddad]

1 hour ago, Valvefloat said:

Done with airbrush, spray cans win.

Airbrushes can yield amazing results and allow for custom color mixing but they are more time consuming and require patience and practice to get good results. If you carefully refine of all aspects of your technique and invest a little more in good quality equipment you’ll start to reap the rewards over time. 

 

[peteski]

26 minutes ago, Radretireddad said:

Airbrushes can yield amazing results and allow for custom color mixing but they are more time consuming and require patience and practice to get good results. If you carefully refine of all aspects of your technique and invest a little more in good quality equipment you’ll start to reap the rewards over time. 

We live in an "instant gratification" world.  If something can be done quick and easy with acceptable results using rattle can, that is often preferred than taking the time on honing airbrushing skills.

Personally I would not use any water-based paints for painting model car bodies. I still airbrush using the old-school stinky lacquers and enamels.  BTW, if Alex gets better results using spray cans that is likely in large part due to the fact that those contain the old-school stinky paints.

[Valvefloat]

Craft  paint is cost effective for me.

If I spend $100+ on quality airbrush kit thats 12 cans of Tamiya spray in most colors Ill need.

Maybe if I ever have a basement or shop than Ill try again. Not ideal in halfway house.

[NOBLNG]

3 hours ago, Valvefloat said:

Done with airbrush, spray cans win.

You said earlier that you’re using a rechargeable compressor. Is it built into the airbrush or a separate unit? Either way, you would need to invest in a decent quality airbrush and compressor in order to get satisfactory results. You can get good paint jobs with craft paints, but they are a bit trickier to use than “stinky” paints.

Edit: And there is nothing wrong with spray cans. Especially Tamiya or Mr. Hobby.

Edited April 3 by NOBLNG

[Radretireddad]

55 minutes ago, Valvefloat said:

Craft  paint is cost effective for me.

If I spend $100+ on quality airbrush kit thats 12 cans of Tamiya spray in most colors Ill need.

Maybe if I ever have a basement or shop than Ill try again. Not ideal in halfway house.

No problem. Keep going and I wish you many happy hours of hobby time. Check in with us frequently for any more assistance you might need.

[Radretireddad]

1 hour ago, peteski said:

We live in an "instant gratification" world.  If something can be done quick and easy with acceptable results using rattle can, that is often preferred than taking the time on honing airbrushing skills.

That’s the beauty of the hobby. If you’re happy with the results, that’s all that matters. Not everyone may be able to afford the best equipment at the moment.

 

1 hour ago, peteski said:

Personally I would not use any water-based paints for painting model car bodies. I still airbrush using the old-school stinky lacquers and enamels.  BTW, if Alex gets better results using spray cans that is likely in large part due to the fact that those contain the old-school stinky paints.

Again. The great part about the hobby is we are free to blaze our own trail to the results we’re striving for. I have completely sworn off of enamels and lacquers in the interest of preserving domestic tranquility. Using any of the stinky old stuff would result in immediate banishment by Mrs. Radretireddad. Thankfully I have been able to refine and adjust my airbrushing technique to achieve excellent results and an enjoy all the other benefits they offer.