Hello All,

I'm a new member around here. Have been into models for a long time, but just recently really got into it (i.e. bought a nice airbrush and just got my first compressor for my b-day)

I really like building military models, but I also dabble in cars and such (mainly rally cars because you can really damage and weather them ).

So, for my first question, I was wondering if y'all could help me out with measuring paint and thinner for an airbrush, mainly what you use to get the paint and thinner into the cup and mixing it, etc.? Also, what are good steps to follow before and after use? I live in kind of a cramped apartment, so it is hard for me to strip out the brush every time, but I run thinner through it before and after each use.

Currently, I'm using seperate straws for pulling paint and thinner, but I wanted to see if there was a better way to do this?

Thanks all in advance.

First off welcome to Armorama BulletTooth.
I usually mix my paint about 70/30 (70 thinner, 30 paint). I use model masters enamel so it may be different for those that use acyclic paint.

Yeah, I have been going about 3-1 myself (which is pretty close to 70-30).

I use the Model Masters enamels and the Model Masters airbrush thinner.

Thanks for the info though. What are you using to get your paint out of the bottle into the cup?

Welcome Bullettooth.
I'm sure you will enjoy the site, and we will enjoy your input.
Looking forward to seeing your photos......

As for thinning paint..... I use mainly enamels, and thin
about 80% thinner, sometimes more, depending on what
I'm doing.
If you just got you first airbrush, congratulations,
Just remember it's mostly practice... practice... practice....

As for measuring and transfering paint
I use eyedroppers..... One for paint... one for thinner,
and mix it in the airbrush cup.
My favorite airbrushes are gravity feeds, so they spray
better with a little thinner mixture.
I put the thinner in first, then use the second eyedropper
to put the paint in, then empty what paint I don't use uncontaminated back into the paint jar,
then use the paint eyedropper to simply mix the paint
in the airbrush cup, sucking the thinner in and out until mixed.
a short spray on a paper towel, or sheet of paper, then I'm set for the
model.

Welcome to Armorama BulletTooth.

Can't add much to the AB question since I'm barely finished with my first airbrushed model.

Thanks for the tips and the welcome.

Do you get eyedroppers at the local pharmacy?

Also, I got a nice Badger brush that has a pressure-sensitive trigger for controlling the stream. I really like it so far

I use Polly Scale acylic paints and start with a 50/50 mix and then adjust accordingly.
capnjock

Welcome

I got my eye droppers at a science surplus store, I
don't know if there are any around you, if not just try a local drug store.

Sean

Yep, I also like those really large ones from Testors/Modelmasters. But for the paint itself, I use the plain old fashion glass ones from the drug store.

If you go to the chemist (drugstore) they probably sell syringes without a needle to administer maesured amounts of medicine . They have a little scale on them which helps to get the mix ratio right, and you can pickup as much or little as you need.

Cheers
Henk

Welcome aboard Bullet tooth, I use the syringe method too.

Welcome to the big A, BT.

I use a soft plastic pippet. I founf the rubber end of the droppers kept on perishing and i would get rubber bits in the mixture. Same with the rubber end of the syringe.