I continue to get powdery paint finishes with my aztek airbrush. I’m using Tamiya acrylics mixed with water or alchol. Is it even necessary to thin? Is the airbrush the problem? Help!
Sounds like you are thinning to much or spraying too far from the model.
Regards, Rick
Try adding a little clear liquid dishwashing detergent to the paint mix. It will act as a whetting agent. Experiment before you apply it to a model as I’m not sure it will be compatable with all brands of water based or acrylic paint.
If you are getting a powdery paint surface when you spray it is usually because the paint is drying before it gets to the surface of the painted object. How much pressure are you using to spray? Most airbrushes recommend 15 to 20psi. Check your airbrush instructions for a recommended pressure.
Also check the paint manufacturers recommendation for mixing instructions for the paint to thinner ratio for spray painting their product. They may also recommend the type of thinner to be used for best results. It is usually not a good idea to mix a brand of paint with another brand of thinner.
There are a number of very good articles in the past issues of FSM regarding spray painting the various types of paint products. The manufacturers of the airbrushes and the paint products also have information posted on their web sites.
rangerj
I agree with rj. Try using the Tamiya thinner for the Tamiya paints. The Tamiya thinner is a glycol based thinner and should do the trick.
Kurt
I add a few drops of Liquitex flow aid to my thinned batch of paint - works every time.
A similar question…when I did the primer (decanted from a spray can) on my last model I also got powdery results. I didn’t thin and probably sprayed at 15 - 20 psi. Is is the same solution - Spray closer or more pressure?
Thanks,
Leon
Pressure sounds good, what was your range? Should be between 4 and 6 inches.
Probably not that close. I’ll try 4-6 next time. Thanks.
Leon