Reply To: [unofficial weekender] Old is new?

[grantinvanman 2182xp 1]

@sundancer

 

your paint isn’t thin enough – that’s more than likely causing the bubbling. Or your needle is shot, or there’s fast drying accumulation at the tip of your needle.

I’ve been airbrushing for over 20 years; my current set up is an Iwata dual compressor with a tank. I run three airbrushes – although obviously one I have to swap in when needed.

Brush one is an Iwata 0.2mm HP-BH, it’s laser-focus fine.

Brush two is my all-purpose, a SATA, 0.3mm. I use it for everything from priming to doing almost fine work. It’s a workhorse.

Brush three is an Iwata large cup, midway between an airbrush and an automotive spray gun. I use it for large areas (like priming a goalie mask, and the auto lacquer to finish the mask).

The best paints ALMOST ALWAYS need to be thinned. My current favourite for miniatures is AK v3 – they can be sprayed to limited extent straight from the dropper. They don’t dry as fast, which means less clogging.

I also have a large collection of Createx Professional that I use when I’m doing a new goalie mask, although, I’ve used them occasionally with miniatures too. Their metallic line is superb. Lots of additives to make them do what I want though.

Another thing to look at is your pressure. I run 18-20 psi TOPS. With a water trap, and filtered. All my connections are gas-taped for zero loss. It’s worth it.

Hope this helps!