Hello all…I’m back into making models after 30 years, my interest has been rekindled. I have several questions that I’d like a bit of help with. I used to use spray can and Testors enamel paints for my automobile and aircraft models. I only used the spray cans to paint the automobile body and undercarriage or the entire exterior of the aircraft…all other interior and exterior parts for both model types were brush painted. I recently purchased a Paasche H single action airbrush and Tamiya acrylic paints since I am still new to airbrushing. My question is how often and for what size parts do you use your airbrush as opposed to brush painting? What do you do with your left over mixed airbrush paint?..I bough extra mixing bottles with covers to store leftover mixed paint since I need to learn how much is enough for a particular model. Is 2 parts paint to 1 part thinner for acrylic the standard ratio? I know I will learn as I go but a bit of input would be appreciated…as well as any other tips you have to offer. Thanks, David.
My question is how often and for what size parts do you use your airbrush as opposed to brush painting?
→ It depends. Some people airbrush everything and others paintbrush small stuff.
What do you do with your left over mixed airbrush paint?..I bough extra mixing bottles with covers to store leftover mixed paint since I need to learn how much is enough for a particular model.
→ You can reuse mixed/thinned paint. Make sure the cap is airtight. Otherwise, the paint will go wrong.
Is 2 parts paint to 1 part thinner for acrylic the standard ratio?
→ Depends on the brand. For Tamiya, I use a 1:1 ratio.
It’s up to you,I airbrush large stuff and assemblies and usually handpaint the details,like onboard tools and such