Getting clear splattering on paint after first coat

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

After the first coat application, I am getting some clear splattering (they appear as clear droplets) on the finish. Is this normal? And, should it go away after subsequent coating application or, am I doing something wrong?
I am using a Paasche single-action airbrush and applying a mat enamel paint.
[%-)]

2

Sounds to me like you need a moisture trap. I think what you are seeing is water droplets. You need to buy a moisture trap and install it as close to the airbrush as possible, just splice it right into the hose. Paasche makes an excellent trap(make sure you install it in the proper direction per the instructions). For some reason,( probably because acrylics are water soluable) this issue is more prevalent when spraying enamels, rather than acrylics. Water on wet paint is never a good thing. Matte enamel will definitely be affected (it should be very obvious). I had the same issue with my Paasche H. I have since switched to a Badger 360 and almost exclusively using Gunze, Vallejo or Tamiya acrylics I have no issues anylonger. I didn’t even bother to install the moisture trap when I switched over.

Hope this helps,
Steve

3

Crokett,

Thanks for thequick response. I don’t kow what I would do wihout this forum’s help.[tup]
Here is on last question. In using acrylics is it ok to use water to dissolve them for airbrushing or do I need to use something else (IPA or Windex) in the mix?

Thanks fo your responses since I am quite a neophite in this hobby[X-)]

Gerry

4

You can use water, but I suggest Isopropyl Alcohol, make sure you don’t use rubbing alcohol. You should thin the paint to where it has the consistency of 2% milk. The great advantage to acrylic paint is the easy clean up and great finishes that can be acheived. They also mix easily to acheive custom colors. Windex works best with Gunze, and the alcohol works best with Tamiya. You can also add a few drops of dish detergent into the Tamiya thinned mixture. Another solid tip is to lubricate the needle on the airbrush with petroleum jelly. This will prevent the paint from sticking to the needle and help with fine line details.

Steve

5

It also depends on the paint. Some of the Pollyscale paints specifically state on the bottle to use water to thin with. I used water with Model Master acrylics once and didn’t like the way they behaved so I stick with alcohol for them. Haven’t tried water with Tamiya.

6

I seem to remember Tamiya had issues with water as well… I think most people use alcohol for it. I only use the Tamiya thinner because of the retarder built in and the results from it…

7

Hi guys,

Thanks for all your help. I went and bought Tamiya acrylics and I liked it a lot better than using enamels. I diluted the paint with water and I was very happy with the results. I imagine that using IPA will improve the evaporation rate, which at this poinc, compared with enamel’s it is fast anyhow with water.

I am getting ready to do a wash in some areas. Question: I am planning to do the wash with enamel paints do I have to cover the acrylic coat with a glossy finish first?
[:D]