First attempt at airbrushing

[Guest]

After getting a Cheap kit off ebay which a lot of people recommend as a good budget starter set, today I took the plunge and tried it out on a proper model.

Since getting the kit I think I have practised on every plastic bottle I could find (some still full) and tried it on an plastyk fairey gannet kit I picked up for a few pence in a charity shop (now resplendent in a red and yellow colour scheme)

So today was the day and also another first for me have started building a revell Ferrari f2007 formula1 car which is my first attempt at building anything without wings and a propeller. so far so good started undercoating some parts with no major mishaps so far.

Just one question for the more experienced out there, what's the best way to clean Vallejo air out of her best Tablecloth........no just kidding, what I was wondering is how long to leave between undercoat and top coat..........Jeff

[eddiesolo]

Nice one Jeff, I use an AB and just started getting into it when I had to break off, hopefully by mid May I will have a new man cave and can start messing again. Like you I was using bottles and all sorts...many with too high a pressure and splat! I undercoat using Halfords primer and always give a good 24 hrs before doing a top coat, maybe the guys that use AB primers etc will be able to tell you differently.

Don't forget to post piccies of your new AB models.

Si

[Guest]

Jeff66: With acrylics (like Vallejo), let the primer dry for about 30 minutes or more before putting on the colour coat. Both are probably a little tender so don't rub them. However, it has been said that coats under a varnish (gloss or matt) must be left to dry fully ("harden") before that varnish is applied. This, I understand, is to allow all water in the primer to escape and not settle under the varnish coat. (Varnish is impervious and won't let that remaining water evaporate.) If a second coat of varnish is applied, it would be best to allow the first to dry for several hours

[Guest]

I'd have to disagree Steve! Even with Vallejo primer I'd leave it at least 24 hours to cure before adding any paint over it.

Perhaps you've never had a problem yourself, but I always believe better safe than cursing!

Primer is the most important coat of all & therefore needs the greatest prep & respect. Remember - paint hides nothing!

Cheers

Patrick

[Guest]

I always let the primer cure as long as possible. This enables me to wet and dry with a very fine paper 1500 gauge. This just gets rid of any little bits little hairs as they will stay there for ever.

When you say top coat Jeff just a little worried. To cover with one coat is difficult. It is so easy to just miss a bit and go straight back to it on the first coat and give it a splash ending up with both tears on the model and in the eyes. Better two thin coats. Like some my first coat is a mist coat followed by the top coat.

Laurie

[Ian M]

I can only agree. At least a full day for an acrylic primer to harden off. Then it will be fully dry, and able to withstand any handling and sanding.

Ian M

[Guest]

I can only agree. At least a full day for an acrylic primer to harden off. Then it will be fully dry, and able to withstand any handling and sanding.Ian M

OK. I will do that in future. Thanks.

[john i am]

Each to their own I say lads whatever suits you as an individual although I know this could be bad advice I think it depends on what kind of finish you are looking for . Say for instance I was doing a dirty weathered tank I would have no reservation of priming hair drying and applying top coat hair drying then a coat of Johnson's Klear decals Matt varnish and washes I have done this with no adverse results all in the timescale of a few hrs But if I was going to do a car or plane looking for a nice clean finish then I would treat this very differently as Ian and Patrick have said . I am in no way shape or form an expert in these matters just letting you know what I've managed to get away with in the past good luck with yours cheers John [ATTACH]81135.IPB[/ATTACH]

Try one of these you might be surprised

[Guest]

Thanks for all the advice lads. will probably not have a chance to do any more till tomorrow so will have a good 48 hours before I paint any more......Jeff

[stona]

The difference is between drying (when the medium looks and feels dry) and curing (when the chemical reactions involved in the drying process are complete).

If you are using a similar acrylic medium then there may well be no need to allow the curing process to complete between coats. If you are using dissimilar mediums, as in applying a varnish for example, which will certainly seal the underlying layers from the atmosphere, I would allow time for curing to complete.

Problems arise when the on going reactions in the underlying layers effect the layer(s) above them

I use different mediums so after my plastic primer I allow at least 24 hours before further preparation (sanding etc) and the first coat of 'enamel' paints. I will re-coat enamels (rarely necessary) or apply a second colour after a few hours, usually 6-8. Most enamels can be masked after this period though, paints do vary. The paint is 'dry' but certainly not 'cured' at this time. I can get two colours on in a day if I manage my time carefully, but on the other hand, why rush? The one thing guaranteed to cause a cock up in my experience is a lack of patience

Before applying a varnish or similar I allow 48 hours at least.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

Just a bit I missed. From the experience I have had there is no doubt that priming on to plastic delays drying time in comparison with paint on paint.

This is from working in acrylics mostly Vallejo. The new Vallejo acrylic/polyurethene primers also take longer to dry/cure than the acrylic resin based. Not sure about enamels etc. but I would think they are even longer. Certainly is in house painting and very frustrating.

Laurie

[Guest]

Just an update, finally finished my Ferrari f2007. Quite pleased with it as a first airbrush attempt. The kit is from revell, a simple build with a few fiddly bits. I used Vallejo primer and model air and mixed Ferrari red 90% and gold 10% to create the slight metallic finish of the original. The Decals seemed very thick and were hard work to get to cling to the rounded shape of the bodywork but perseverance and plenty of decal solution I don't think they came out too bad.

sorry about picture quality had to use my phone camera......Jeff

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[Guest]

Very nice Jeff. Looks good especially the paint finish.

Laurie

[Guest]

Looks a solid built for me. Nice paint job

[flyjoe180]

Nice work Jeff