Newbie here with newbie airbrush question

[Praetorian]

Hello all! I am getting back into model building at age 34. I haven't built a model since I was a kid but I am loving the hobby all over again! I bought an airbrush and used it on a WWII warship to paint some flat colors. It worked great, so I am trying my first glossy airbrush job on a car model. What ratio to thinner do you recommend for a gloss coat? Also, can you use regular Testor's model paint in the airbrush?

Thanks!

[Jairus]

Dude, this question comes up a lot on this forum. But since you are new I will answer your question here. BUT in the future you might do a key word search for info for some of the basic stuff.

Any paint can be shot through an airbrush if you thin it correctly. Rule of thumb is thin it out to the consistency of milk for the best flow. Glossy factor depends more on the type and quality of paint rather than how thin or thick it is. Warming the paint does however help the paint smooth out before drying and thereby affect the shiny factor. You can also airbrush additional clear coats for a shinier finish. Always use the best quality of thinner you can afford. Remember: bargain basement plastic jug paint thinner should only be used for cleaning brushes… not for thinning!

I happen to like spraying the base color really thin and then using a brand new rattle can of Tamiya clear or Model Master High Gloss clear warmed up in a pan of hot water. That gives me the best-darned finishes I have ever achieved!

Now, before we go on, please read the forum rules and get your name in the signature text box! (My Controls and Edit Signature)

Thanks, and welcome to MCM forums!