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Its a minefield Chris and the best thing I would recommend is to watch some of the videos and start playing with bits of plastic or even card just so you can get the feel and see the results of what your doing. As for paint ratios, I have to confess to being a lazy sod and now have a range of acrylic paints suited only to airbrush use. As for the pressure, again this would depend on the nature of the spray your doing, be it close in or just general. I will leave that for others to chat about as many are far more expert than I. Just as a matter of interest, I use gravity fed sprays and always ensure that the moisture is removed from my compressor before and while spraying, mine has a little water reservoir with a press release valve just before the air feed pipe.
You'll probably find that a gravity-fed 'brush is easier Chris. Syphon types tend to be for larger areas, such as R/C models, with a relatively large paint bottle underneath, which can be awkward to handle for smaller scales.
For practice, start with kids water colour paints, the liquid type in medium sized bottles, which are fairly cheap and last some time. Spray onto paper or card. This will allow you to get the hang of the trigger controls and various pressures, and I'd suggest starting at around 15 psi, and then slowly increasing pressure to see the effects.
Mix the paint with water, so that it flows down the mixing jar/cup with the consistency of milk - you'll need to experiment to get the desired consistency.
Once happy with the practice sessions, move onto your preferred paint type.
I use enamels, so can't advise much on the various acrylic mix ratios, not having used them much.
But for enamels, the mix ratio is normally around 50/50 paint/thinner, with more thinner for a lighter coat. Again, some experimenting is needed.
An average pressure would be around 15 to 18 psi, and down to maybe 12 for very delicate jobs such as mottles. Again, the paint should flow down the side of the mixing jar like milk.
As has been mentioned, there's a lot more to this than can easily be explained, but it is NOT as difficult as it sounds. the key is practice and experimenting, an you'll soon get the hang of it.
The first time I used an airbrush was back in the late 1970's, and the pic below shows the (rather ambitious) attempt on the second model I painted, a 1/32nd scale FW190 which, considering the relatively short practice time, wasn't too bad. Paints were Humbrol enamels.
View attachment 736208
That is the bizz. Glanzed over it, thought it was a period colour for a second.You'll probably find that a gravity-fed 'brush is easier Chris. Syphon types tend to be for larger areas, such as R/C models, with a relatively large paint bottle underneath, which can be awkward to handle for smaller scales.
For practice, start with kids water colour paints, the liquid type in medium sized bottles, which are fairly cheap and last some time. Spray onto paper or card. This will allow you to get the hang of the trigger controls and various pressures, and I'd suggest starting at around 15 psi, and then slowly increasing pressure to see the effects.
Mix the paint with water, so that it flows down the mixing jar/cup with the consistency of milk - you'll need to experiment to get the desired consistency.
Once happy with the practice sessions, move onto your preferred paint type.
I use enamels, so can't advise much on the various acrylic mix ratios, not having used them much.
But for enamels, the mix ratio is normally around 50/50 paint/thinner, with more thinner for a lighter coat. Again, some experimenting is needed.
An average pressure would be around 15 to 18 psi, and down to maybe 12 for very delicate jobs such as mottles. Again, the paint should flow down the side of the mixing jar like milk.
As has been mentioned, there's a lot more to this than can easily be explained, but it is NOT as difficult as it sounds. the key is practice and experimenting, an you'll soon get the hang of it.
The first time I used an airbrush was back in the late 1970's, and the pic below shows the (rather ambitious) attempt on the second model I painted, a 1/32nd scale FW190 which, considering the relatively short practice time, wasn't too bad. Paints were Humbrol enamels.
View attachment 736208
pictures, we demand pictures !After practicing a lil on cardboard I started airbrushing the hull of the Titanic model yesterday. Turned out pretty decent. Just a few small spots I need to sand down a lil and repaint.
I'm glad I started with something basic like a ship that does not require curves like camouflage of an airplane.
I did by some premixed watercolors to practice with too before I move onto camo.
pictures, we demand pictures !