Tips on using nail polish as paint on models

[PXRR-7]

Hey!

I'm looking at using nail polish as a paint (my mother has a sea of colors) due to their finish... I've heard a lot of folks use airbrushes for the matter. What should I keep in mind?

[Bugatti Fan]

Maybe there might be other threads on this subject in 'Tips and Tricks' .

[bobss396]

I have used it a few times. I find that 2 bottles will do it. I'll mix those with 1 bottle of thinner, I like Mr. Color thinner best.

You'll have to make multiple passes, like 8 or more to build the color. Alternate by 90 degrees to avoid zebra stripes.

It flashes over quickly, so coats can be laid down in 10 to 15 minutes.

[Rich Chernosky]

I use a combination of acetone and Mr Color to thin.  Most nail polishes are translucent (including the solid colors) so whatever you put them over shows through.  A dark base like flat black or brown makes the color of metallics come up quicker and require less coats.  Solids cover better over their own color.  Nail polish is also a heavy laquer and the way it works when brushed on is the solids sink to the bottom of the finish while the clear laquer base rises to the top. Thats what gives it the hi shine.  This doesn't happen when you spray. I use an airbrush with the largest tip available.  It dries very quickly and kills the shine. So a clear coat is usually required. The advantage of nail polish is the unbelievable amount of different finishes available. I even have one that glows in the dark. I also,  currently have a nail polish model in the under glass section now. A Nissan Mid4

[peteski]

I have used few times.  It is very thick so it needs to be thinned to be airbrushed. the 1:1 ratio mentioned above is about right.  I used PPG Medium Temperature reducer to thin it.  Yes, this is a "hot" lacquer so make sure you use a good primer and always do a spoon test spraying to make sure it will not attack polystyrene.