Problems spraying fine lines with Model Master Acrylics

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

I am having no problems when I airbrush Model Master Acrylics, as an overall coverage, right out of the bottle. However, when I try to shoot fine lines (Iwata Eclipe), I run into problems. In spite of using acryl thinner, the tip of my airbrush quickly clogs, hence unsatisfactory results. My airbrush is spotless and I am using lube on the needle. I know Tamiya and Gunze probably spray better but I have many bottles of the MM Acryl on the shelf that I just am not ready to pitch. Appreciate anyones help on this subject.

Mike

2

What kind of acryl thinner are you using ?

When I spray with MM Acryl I use distilled water.

Bud

3

I am using Model Master Acrylic Thinner. I have used distilled water. What ratio do you thin your paint with?

Mike

4

Everyone is different, but for my it’s like a 80/20 mix. 80 Paint and 20 Distilled Water.

Hope that helps

Bud

5

I’ll try your ratio. Thank you.

Mike

6

Let me know how you make out

Bud

7

Those paints dry so fast, as do most acrylics, that tip dry affects fine line spraying a lot.

The best bet is to find a retarder for acrylics and add a drop or two to the paint cup and stir it in good.

This slows the drying time and helps with tip dry although nothing really eliminates it.

8

Thanks for the retarder tip, Mike. I would guess that any that are made for acrylics will work with Model Master.

Mike

9

Not sure Mike but I have heard good results from ones found in craft stores like Michael’s from brands like Golden’s (probably the best acrylics made…period!).

I have used Aqua Flow’s retarder and it worked well also. Aqua Flow is an airbrushed T-shirt paint in case you have not heard of it.

10

Mike: Thanks again. I’ll check the local Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

Mike

11

I’ve also used Tamiya’s acrylic thinner with MM acryl with good results, the Tamiya thinner has some retarder premixed in.

12

Good tip. I have some on my shelf and I will try your suggestion. Thank you.

Mike

13

If the retarder does not help then your only choice is to try another brand of paint or use enamels.

I have been using Tamiya paints and like them better than the MM Acryl.

14

Along the lines of the retardant…I’ve found that using Testor’s airbrush cleaner works well with MM acrylics. I don’t know if it’s a true retardant, but it seems to keep the paint liquid for a little bit longer.

Dan

15

That is probably because that thinner is “hotter” and is breaking down the acrylics more.

I really see no advantage to using acrylics if hotter thinners are going to be used.

You would be better off using enamels and having far less troubles. [swg]

16

Like Mike V, I too favor Tamiya over MM Acryl. I had the same thing happen when I tried repeatedly (and with varying formulas) to airbrush even the modest of fine lines with MM Acryl. I just couldn’t get it to happen with those paints. I shot fine lines with Gunze, Polly Scale, Xtracrylix and even thinned artist acrylics with ease! Then I tried the Tamiya, thinned it with common denatured alcohol and presto!, the perfect (almost) paint. The only thing lacking in my opinion about Tamiya acrylics is there limited color range, but Urban Fredrickson’s color mixing chart solved this issue as well. It can be found here. Thinning, airbrushing and adhesion was superb. Been using them for going on two years now with consistantly great results.

Here’s my 1/72nd scale F-111F airbrushed with thinned Tamiya acrylics. I shot fines lines to achieve the tight feathered demarcation for the camouflage.

17

As has been well stated, Tamiya and Gunze get the nod particularly when it comes to shooting fine lines. Since I am cheap I am attempting to use up my stock of MM Acryls before I jump into another paint line hence my seeking advise as to how best to use what I have. From all the posts so far, I am sure I will be able to basically solve the issue at least until I finish what I have.

Appreciate all help on this one.

Mike

18

If you can solve it let us know because we couldn’t. [(-D]