Hey all. I could use some advice for using Zero primer and paints.
Last weekend, I learned the hard way that Zero Filler Primer is too dense for my No-Name (Spraygunner) 0.3mm cordless airbrush.
Zero suggests shooting at 15 to 40psi for the filler primer. According to the airbrush specs, it should be putting out roughly 20psi. There is no way to confirm as the airbrush doesn’t have a gauge.
I ordered my Zero supply from Hiroboy in the UK since nobody had any in stock here in the US. I didn’t include Zero thinner in my order since I honestly didn’t think I’d need it.
So, here’s my dilemma:
Should I just order the Zero cellulose thinner and try again with the cordless, or do I bite the bullet and dish out the money (that I really don’t have at the moment) for a legit airbrush/compressor combo?
If I do try thinner, do I have to use their brand, or is there a decent and locally available alternative?
What ratios for the primer and paints should I try if thinning? I am nervous about using their paints unthinned now that I know their primer is too dense for my cordless.
I really wanted to get along with the Zero paints. Their color matched stuff is really cool and fits the models I am building perfectly. I just feel like I bit off more than I can chew and should have stuck with acrylics.
Their website is kind of fun, check it out if you feel like it.
Back to the OP, I know of a member here who has used these paints, but unknown if he’s tried to shoot the filler-primer and certainly not through the a/b you are using. Hopefully he will see this and chime in.
My grumpy old man sense tells me what you are trying to do isn’t such a good idea (shooting a ‘filling’ primer through a relatively unknown a/b and the smallest needle/nozzle mentioned by the paint manufacturer.
That said, everything I just read on both the Airgunner and Zero sites says it should work. All I can come up with is make sure the primer is properly stirred, making sure the a/b is set to max power (Airgunner claims 25 PSI), and don’t baby the double-action trigger, pull it back all the way. Zero actually recommends against further thinning, which you probably already read…sounds like you’ve done your homework.
I’d just try another primer if I were you. Zero doesn’t care what primer you use, and were it me in your spot, I’d go get a can of Tamiya Surface primer in a rattlecan and get er done. Or if you’ve shot Stynlyrez with your a/b, that’s be fine. Etc.
Have you tried to paint your Zero Color coat through your a/b yet? If that doesn’t work, then I’d say it’s something with the a/b.
This is a lot of stuff from a guy with no hands-on experience with Zero. Had some thoughts, thought I’d give it a go. Hope that’s ok.