How to Airbrush Models
Constructing scale models from kits for display can be a rewarding and educational hobby. One of the activities involved is painting the model. Aside from using ordinary paint from the bottles and paint brushes, airbrushing will give your model a more realistic look. The airbrush nozzle emits a fine mist of paint that you can adjustable by regulating the airflow at the tip of the nozzle. This allows you to create interesting patterns and professional results that neither brush painting nor aerosol is able to achieve.
Things You'll Need
- Acrylic or enamel paints
- Acrylic or enamel paint thinner
- Clear coat finish
- Paint protector
- Liquid or normal masking tape
- Lint-free cloth
- Paper towel
- Toothpicks
- Paint mixing bottles
- Pasteur pipettes (eye droppers)
Instructions
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1
Wipe your constructed model with a damp, lint-free cloth so there is no dust or other debris on the surface. Let it dry.
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2
Cover your model with traditional masking tape or liquid masking tape where airbrushing is not desired.
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3
Thin your paint according to both the paint and airbrush manufacturers' directions. Use disposable Pasteur pipettes to draw paint and thinner into your mixing bottle, then mix thoroughly with a toothpick. Use separate pipettes for different paint colors and for thinner to prevent contamination.
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4
Screw your airbrush bottle adapter lid onto the prepared paint bottle tightly, and attach the bottle to the airbrush. Either screw on or insert (depending on the airbrush) the adapter tip on the paint bottle lid to your airbrush paint receiver.
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5
Spray some paint on material similar to your model's to test the spray pattern, color and chemical compatibility. Make adjustments necessary to the air-and-paint mixture control knob on the spray nozzle. Return to Step 3 if the paint mix in the bottle also needs to be changed.
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6
Place your model at a level comfortable to you on a flat surface. The distance between the airbrush and your model will depend on the volume and thickness of the paint, plus the area on your model to be sprayed, generally between 6 and 18 inches.
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7
Spray a parallel, thin layer by pushing down the trigger lightly in a steady, single, sweeping motion. This will produce an even primary coat.
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8
Clean your airbrush nozzle with paint thinner immediately to prevent clogging after each use. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the nozzle, because every product is slightly different.
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9
Add coats of paint as needed after the previous layer is completely dry to the touch. This usually takes 24 hours or longer. Skip to Step 11 if you don't need to apply water-slide decals to your model.
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10
Cut your water-slide decal from the main sheet, and dip it in room-temperature water for 10 to 20 seconds. Place on the model and carefully slide it to the appropriate spot. Blot excess water with a paper towel on and around the decal.
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11
Spray a clear paint coating to give your model a glossy finish and paint protection. Hold a can of clear paint coating 10 to 12 inches away from the model and spray, evenly in one direction, just like airbrushing.
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12
Let clear coating air dry for at least 10 minutes. Add a second layer of clear coating after one hour and up to 48 hours, if needed.
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1
Tips & Warnings
There are two common bottle sizes: 1 oz. and 1/2 oz. Use the size that fits the bottle adapter lid that came with your airbrush.
If the decal does not slide away easily from its backing paper, dip it in water again for another three to five seconds.
Be aware that certain paints, particularly enamels and lacquers, will dissolve weak materials. Test airbrush paint before using on foam models.
Wear gloves, goggles and a mask when painting a model kit.
Never use a hairdryer to dry your model, because it will crack the paint.
Remember, it only takes a small airbrushing mistake to ruin an expensive model kit.
