Advice on painting

[Guest]

Hi,

I’m thinking of getting back into the hobby after an absence of decades. My first project will be the Tamiya 1/32 F-16. That’s quite an investment, so I don’t at this stage want to also invest in an air brush.

My questions are: Can an acceptable finish on the larger surfaces be obtained by brush painting? If not, would spray cans be a suitable alternative? I’d like to use Tamiya acrylics, but I have seen a reference which says they are only suitable for air brushes - is this true?

Finally, any tips on types of brushes, thinners etc?

Any advice appreciated.

Steve

[Guest]

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum, I use brushes all the time with Tamiya paints one large & small models without any problem's.

This is a 1/32 plane I painted with a brush & Tamiya acrylic's without any fuss.

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I have also used the Tamiya spray can's, the only problem I found with them is they spray a bit thick so spray in thin layers & build it up till u are happy.

Hope this helps, we all have our own way of doing things as others will tell you.

John

[BarryW]

Hi Steve. Welcome to the forum.

Firstly some people do get some superb results from using the hairy sticks but it is easier, in my view, the get a better finish with an airbrush. My advice would be to practise on small, cheaper, kits before committing to the F16 which as you say is a fair old investment.

As for paints.

Many people love Tamiya and they have a good reputation when it comes to airbrushing but you are right, many do not get on with them for brush painting.

Personally I do not like spray cans as I feel I do not have enough control. Again my advice is to try it out and see what you think.

You may find it better use other brands with a hand brush.

Vallejo Model Colour have a very good reputation for hand-brushing and have a wide variety of colours. I have a few of these but mostly use the Vallejo Model Air with my airbrush for which they are made.

Thinners - use the thinner that applies to the brand of paint you use is my advice

Brushes - the best you can afford.

Take a look through the various sections of this forum and you will see lots of help and advice but do not hesitate to ask if you need to.

Happy modelling...

[stona]

I agree with Barry. Limber up on a more modest kit, as you said, a big Tamiya kit is a big investment.

I don't use Tamiya paints myself but with only one exception hat I can think of (and now John, above), everyone I know rates them poorly for brush painting.

I don't see why using Tamiya spray cans should be a problem. It's not the spraying that will test your skills but the masking. Smaller areas and detail can easily be brush painted using another brand of acrylic paints if you don't get on with Tamiya.

Brushes, get some of decent quality. My Winsor and Newton brushes go at between £5 and £10 each, but last for ages with a little care.

Thinners, use the branded thinner to go with whatever paints you decide to use, at least until you develop a bit of experience and the confidence to experiment.

Good luck with your model, whatever you decide to do

Cheers

Steve

[flyjoe180]

Gidday Steve. Nothing more to add, but hello anyway.

[Guest]

Thanks all for your help and guidance - much appreciated.