Air Pressure

[Miatatom]

Some are saying to airbrush enamel at 15-20 PSI. Others quote Donn Yost as saying that 32 PSI is optimal. Who's right?

[MAGNUM4342]

If Donn Yost says so...take THAT to the bank! There are alot of variables when airbrushing paint, like thickness of the paint, type of air supply, even the type of hose is a factor. Do yourself a favor and check out Donn's site. I used to have a link but don't worry...someone will be along with one in a minute.

[Mr. Moparman]

http://www.oldmansmodels.com/

[rmvw guy]

I would go with the 32 psi.

[crazyjim]

I shoot HOK paints at about 28psi.

[Dr. Cranky]

Tom, PSI levels are often a trial-and-error adventure. It all comes to how you mix your paints. I always tell folks the best way to learn to get it right is to practice on scrap styrene, cardboard and or plastic spoons.

Case in point, there's not set rule for how your synchronise paint thickness and PSI level. Case in point, again, Jim Stepanek gets outstanding results shooting HOK at 28psi and I set mine at 35-40 PSI.

After a few weeks, you will get to the level that WORKS for YOU. Good luck.

[Art Anderson]

And I do virtually all my airbrushing at 10-11psi, with the paint very thinned down (to the consistency of 2% milk!), be it lacquer or enamel.

Art

[Longbox55]

And I do virtually all my airbrushing at 10-11psi, with the paint very thinned down (to the consistency of 2% milk!), be it lacquer or enamel.

Art

I do the same.

[Miatatom]

I'm mixing at 2 parts paint to 1 part thinner. The only car I've shot so far is white and red two tone (BRE Datsun) and it came out OK. A few dust specks. I haven't tried the lacquer thinner yet but I do have some left over from my days of racing and painting real cars. I'll try that with a higher PSI setting and see how it works.

[LoneWolf15]

Using enamels cut to a 2 to 1 paint to thinner ratio , coupled with a 32 psi regulator setting produces consistent results .

With this paint / pressure ratio , the atomization is perfect coming out of the airbrush . The paint lays down smooth and allows a multitude of mist coats to be applied without running or sagging .

[Miatatom]

Thanks a lot, Donn.