Is it a good idea to use acrylics and oils in the same airbrush?
you might want to ask in the airbrush forum.
it’s not bad so long as you clean the airbrush between uses (whether it’s the same stuff or not) but i thought oil paints weren’t recommended for airbrushing because the medium is highly toxic.
Not at the same time; sorry, just kidding. If you clean your brush, with the proper solvents, between use, there won’t be a problem. I don’t use oils, but my Paasche has had enamels, acrylics, and inks through it, for around 25 years, with no ill effects.
Edgar
Are you talking about “solvent” based paints? If so, just clean the airbrush: spray lacquer thinner or mineral spirits through it, wipe it clean and have at it. Spray a little to the side before spraying the model. I used to do this before my doctor advised me to stop using “solvent” based paints. You might want to consider an Aztec brush. I love mine. It has removal tips. You could have one set for “solvents” and one for acrylics. That’s what I used to do. Bye-the-way, my doctor advised using a dust mask with acrylics (yes even with a spray booth!). He says the dust accumulates in the lugs and is nearly as bad as “solvents”.
wrghall-I can definitely say I did not know that,thank you.
The reason you should be careful around any paint is that paint can dry in mid-air. Acrylic paint is nothing more than a form of plastic and inhaling minuscule dried plastic bits is definitely not going to be good for you. They are considerably safer than oil, enamels and lacquers as the solvents they use are far more dangerous, not only to the lungs, but to the brain cells.
By the way, all pre-mixed paints are “solvent” based. Solvent means “capable of dissolving another substance”. Tamiya, for instance, uses isopropyl alcohol as it’s solvent. Tempura paints, otherwise known as water paint uses (you guessed it), water. Oils, enamels and lacquers use much stronger solvents than acrylics require.
Allen, just an FYI, go out to your favorite hardware store and spend the $20 or whatever to get a respirator, like automotive painters use. the brand i have is 3M. You may want to buy an extra set of filters too, just in case! Never paint without that mask!