Just finished assembling the Revell Frankenstein and Wolfman - tried using those old standby Testor paints (flat) and was less than impressed with their ability to cover the models - I've since removed the paints, and am looking for something that will give me better results.
And is there anyone here with mad skills with airbrushing? My son gave me a kit for Father;s Day last year, and although have had it out playing it, have no experience with its use.....
Bizarro Jeff
Hey Jeff....
My rule with the airbrush is practice, practice, practice. If you've never used one, it can appear to be a little intimidating. Get some old styrene pieces from an old junk kit and give it a try. I even started spraying on a paper plate until I got the feel of my airbrush. It's most definitely a skill that gets better the more you utilize it when painting your kits. You'll be amazed at the results.
As far as whichpaints to use, that's very subjective. Some folks swear by Freak Flex which is airbrush ready, but should be well mixed. I've seen tremendous work done with the Freestyle brand offered through Kit Builders magazine. I use Liquitex paint exclusively and thin it with airbrush medium. If you decide to use a paint that is not airbrush ready, you should definitely use airbrush medium to thin it until you have it down to a milky consistency.
You should just jump in and get your feet wet with it. Make a few mistakes, get the feel of it and have fun!
Jeff,
If you are somewhat new to model building, I would recommend by passing acrylics all together and forget the airbrush for now.
Use what everyone used when we all started out, stick with enamels until you get comfortable with painting. Testor,s still makes them you can get them at the hobby stores, department stores don't seem to carry them anymore though.
Remember start with your lightest colors first, you may have apply a few thinned out coats no matter what kind of paint you use though, to get even coverage.
Another option for larger areas of the models (I.e. Frankenstein's coat, pants) is to use spray cans. And, you don't have to buy the one's at the hobby store either, you can go to the hardware store (lowes, home depot etc.) and by them they are cheaper and you get more for your money, especially for the basic colors.
Best of luck!
I thought about using a base coat - using spray paint (there is a kind especially for plastics, but the name escapes me - then applying paint after the base coat dries......
Its pretty hard finding paints here - all I've ever used have been Testor's........
I'm sure we all have different preferences (that's why baskin Robbins makes 31 flavors), but I'd stay away from enamels and spray cans. Any mistakes or alterations you may want to make with enamels have to be erased with thinner. Acrylics wash off easily with water on a q-tip. They're also far more forgiving when it comes to streaks and brush lines. You can add a few drops of acrylic flow release to your acrylic paint and get even better flow. As far as spray cans go, you really lose your ability to control even flow. The airbrush is assured to give you the right amount of coverage to whatever spot you're working on. You can simply adjust your finger pressure on the air flow and the paint flow. A spray can has one stream of flow and it tends to spray outward like a fan - therefore, you really run the risk of overspraying onto another part of your kit and having to retouch it. Also, spray cans are affected by temperature and can be difficult to use or glob up in colder temperatures.
Once again, just my opinion. But, if you're starting out, I'd stick with the material that's easier to work with and easier to clean up.
I prefer using Polytranspar lacquer paint. It is a taxidermy paint and works great. I use it in both the airbrush and with my brush...and it comes in any color you can imagine. I especially like the transparent colors...they can give some pretty neat effects.
I buy it from WASCO (wildlife artists supply co.) Here's a link: www.taxidermy.com/cat/05/polylist.html (http://www.taxidermy.com/cat/05/polylist.html)
Bizarro Jeff-
Did you wash and prime the kit first? If you are using Testor's enamels, that will make a heck of difference in paint coverage and adhesion. I use them through an airbrush all the time.
Just my personal opinion here but I have always and still do think builtups look better if they're air brushed. Every once in awhile you'll see a hand brushed BU that looks as good as an air brushed BU... but not often.