Thinning Humbrol for airbrushing?

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Hi gang!

I just picked up my first tin of Humbrol paint (olive drab). I’ve heard lots of good stuff about the brand. Does it need to be thinned in order to airbrush it? If so, will regular mineral spirits work or do I need to get something “special”?

Thanks!

Eric

2

Eric, I have used Humbrol Paints. If you go with Humbrol Thinner you can,t go wrong. If you choose not to, I have used Mineral Spirits and also turpentine . The turpentine thins it very quickly and gives it a lot of bite. Just be careful with the amount of thinning.

3

Thank you Dennis! The last time I used Humbrol was when I was a kid about 25 years ago. I recall painting an entire Monogram B-17 using a big fat brush that I would stuff into the little tin and slather it all over the model. LOL! Thank you for the tip. I need to stop off at the hobby shop again tonight so I think I’ll pick up a an of their thinner. :slight_smile:

Eric

4

Humbrol paints are now made in China and some say they are not what they used to be. I think there is some truth in that. There does not seem to be the same amount of pigment as before there have been complaints about slow drying times. It is essential to thin them for airbrushing. The drying problems seem to be related to the paint being too thick or too thick a coat being applied, especially the gloss or semi-gloss colours. Even then the paint can dry slightly sticky. I have experienced this myself. I now add terebene paint driers every time. Their own thinners, white sprit or lacquer thinners are all suitable. I use their own brand which seem to be formulated for airbrushing, it’s not just white sprit. Stir the paint until your arm hurts, then shake the tin and stir it again. Even if yoyu think you’ve stirred it enough do it again, especially mattcoat.

5

Thank you for the good info, Antoni. Much to my chagrin, the slow drying time works for me. I don’t have much time to work on my planes. I tend to airbrush them and then they’ll end up sitting for three weeks before I can find the time to work on them again. So that part is not a problem. Hopefully the Humbrol paint will work out okay. I’ll let the forum know how it turned out. Now I’m sorta of nervous! LOL!