Vallejo Paint

[Hoth_902]

I am about to use Vallejo Paint for the second time. Quick question, if I am going to airbrush it on, do I use water to thin it or acrylic thinner. I think I read on the site that its water based and that you could use water to clean brushes.. So I am taking this to mean that I can actually use water to thin it for airbrushing. I think I saw that in a Youtbue video. Am I correct in my potential process? Due to my lack of experience with Acrylics, and especially water based acrylics, any help is appreciated.

[Cav Dog]

It depends on which Vallejo paint line you are using.
Model Air doesn't take much thinning and 10% water should be fine. Model color needs to be thinned 50-50 with either water, Vallejo airbrush thinner or even better Vallejo airbrush flow improver. The Vallejo products are kind of pricey, but they do also incorporate a retarder that helps prevent the dreaded tip dry. The flow improver 50-50 is my go to when using model color.

If you find your airbrush spitting take a q-tip soaked in thinner or water and wipe down the nozzle and the tip of the needle.

Good luck.

[nashorn88]

I like the Tamyia paints since it easier to clean because it uses rubbing alcohol.
Much finer pigments.
But that’s not your question..... used Vallejo once but cleaning airbrush has to be done right away since it can’t be allow to dry.

[Hoth_902]

Thanks guys, it all helps. I use a patriot badger airbrush and have been doing so for many years. During that time I used mostly Model master enamels and a lacquer or occasional acrylic from time to time. So I do understand the constancy of the paint to a degree. All though lately I have not been getting it right and have suffered from some paint drying on the tip. As for pressure, Cama, I am operating at about what you suggest. I have never used the retarder or Improve that you speak of. I will look into that when i get a chance. Clean up, when i have used acrylics, I typically let the nozzle soak in thinner for a day or two to ensure that the paint has disolved after I run a cup full of thinner through the airbrush. Then I scrub out all the parts separately.

With that said, I have some acrylic thinner I will use to thin this out for airbrushing and give it a shot. I am painting some Middle eastern buildings and they tend to be forgiving. Actually its the first building I am going to try and paint.. ever. If I get a chance to do it tonight, I will let you know how it goes tomorrow. Here goes nothing.. LOL

[Hoth_902]

Ok, So I based coated 5 buildings. The came our pretty well. I put a couple of coats on, one right after another. I am going to try and do the windows, doors and then seal. Then wash and seal again.. done. Not leave them for a year in a half finished state.

****After Action Report****

1. Model Color is really thick. I can see why you might have to thin it just a tad before hand brushing it.
2. I used Taymia Acrylic Thinner, Not sure if that worked well. Either I got the mixture too thin or it separated the colors a little. Maybe I should use water or a different thinner next time. Maybe use some rubbing alcohol based thinner.
3. Final product looks pretty good. I will post a picture once I finish one.

****Report End****************

Nashorn88, I did not want to you to think I overlooked your comment. I use to use model masters and now they are gone.. Fudge off Rustoleum. I have been starting to use Tamiya more and more. I started using Vallejo for the diverse colors they have. I am not good at mixing colors.. or at least I should say I am not good at the moment. So I want to find paints as close to what I need as possible. To be honest, I use a wide variety of paints. I just Mr. Color Laquers and one or two other colors. it really depends on how close they get to what I need.