Paint drying too fast

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

anyone use a retarder with model master paints? I suspect that my paint is drying too fast when I spray. Not every color but enough that it bothers me. Any advice?

2

HEY,
I would just like to ask what happens when i “dries too fast”? In my experience, nothing is too fast, since the faster it dries, the faster you can work with the part.But seriously, what happens too make you think it is drying too fast?

Randy

3

I have heard that paint will flake if it dries before it reaches the model surface.

James [:)]

4

I find that sometimes I get a rougher finish as if it atomizes, dries on the way then sticks (not particularly well) If I can see that the paint is not immediately dry on the surface I seem to get a smoother finish and smoother fades between colors. I don’t think that it’s my imagination, but I guess it could be.

5

Plum,

What thinner are you using? I have always had good results with the Model Master thinner. Are you using lacquer thinner by any chance?

Mike

6

I’m using model master thinner. My house is generally pretty dry as well. Might a humidifier help?

7

You might try moving your 'brush closer to your kit, and thinning just a tad more. If the 'brush is too far away, the paint will definitely dry before it gets to the surface. Gip Winecoff

8

I spray under 4-5 inches (often under 2) and thin at least 50/50. I tend to think it’s the house climate. Air conditioner in summer, baseboard heating (no humidifier) in winter.

9

Karl,
What kind of pressures are you using out of your compressor? I also have an electric heat pump and air conditioner along with baseboard heat and have no problems. And if I’m not mistaken your area of the country is not much drier than ours. Like you, I go about 50/50 or so. How old is your paint, and have you mixed it thoroughly? My initial suggestion would be

  1. If possible, lower your spray pressures slightly.
  2. Try thinning a batch 60/40, 70/30, and 80/20 and spray at a consistent pressure and distance.
  3. Try using a standard mineral spirits thinner (like what’s sold at a hardware store). The model master airbrush thinner is “hotter” than regular mineral spirits, and may be flashing off on you at an accelerated rate.
  4. Most importantly, let us know how it goes…
    Gip Winecoff
10

Just as a note, I spray between about 8-15 psi, never higher than 20. I have some mineral spirits so I’ll try that. The thing to keep in mind is that It’s noticably drier indoors than out. This summer was pretty humid here but dry inside with air conditioners blazing. (I hate humidity)

11

Note 2: This isn’t a major problem. The results I get are still very good and only about 20% of the time. I’m just looking to improve. I’ve heard people on the forum mention retarders and thought I’d give it a try.

12

That is a low enough pressure so that the paint is not atomizing as much as it would at higher pressures, so I think that would help eliminate faster drying times.

Mike

13

Hmmm, you’ve tried everything else so that leaves only one thing…

It must be the brush!!!

14

Yes, those Iwata’s are not as perfect as they think. LOL [:p]

Mike

15

I use a retarder, however, Im using the Model Master Acrylics. Is that what your using?