New airbrushes and model master thin ratios

[Rick]

I’ve got a couple questions that tie together.
First, I’ve been pretty fortunate lately in that I purchased a slightly used Iwata HP-B plus from a friend. On top of that my brother got me an Iwata HP-CS for my birthday. Step 1 is obvious - fire it up and paint. I’m looking for some advice from those that have used them. Any quirks or suggestions on air pressures or thinning paint ratios that seem to give optimum results?

Second question is about model master enamels. I’d like some input on thinning ratios that seem to give good results. Mine have been hit and miss. Sometimes nice and smooth and sometime not. I’d like to reset my mixing starting points with some suggestions from others as I start learning thee new airbrushes. Thank you!

Rick

[wbill76]

Jan 16, 2018 20:48:25 GMT -5 Rick said:

Second question is about model master enamels. I’d like some input on thinning ratios that seem to give good results. Mine have been hit and miss. Sometimes nice and smooth and sometime not. I’d like to reset my mixing starting points with some suggestions from others as I start learning thee new airbrushes. Thank you!

Rick

As with most things related to airbrush painting, there's no one universal truth when it comes to thinning paint. I use MM enamels extensively and can tell you that they bring an added variable to the table in that not all of the paints in the line are thinned/mixed at the same formula straight out of the bottle. Certain colors tend to be thinner than others for whatever reason, so you have to go case-by-case. There's also the issue of pressure that you are spraying at as the two go hand in hand. Lower pressure generally requires a thinner mix depending on what you're after and the individual characteristics of the airbrush. It would be nice if there were a consistent ratio that could be applied but it's more about 'feel' than precision I'm afraid. I will typically spray at around 15-20 psi and thin accordingly with the paint, testing as I go before committing to the actual model. HTH!

[Rick]

Thanks for your thoughts Bill. I agree with all you’ve said and found that same variable paint thickness issue too. I’ve tried to thin to get a milk like consistency but I’m never sure if it’s right. I’ve got a couple of sacrificial kits heavily painted as test models to gauge the paint flow as well.

[wbill76]

Jan 17, 2018 16:38:14 GMT -5 Rick said:

Thanks for your thoughts Bill. I agree with all you’ve said and found that same variable paint thickness issue too. I’ve tried to thin to get a milk like consistency but I’m never sure if it’s right. I’ve got a couple of sacrificial kits heavily painted as test models to gauge the paint flow as well.

I do the same and also have a sheet of white styrene taped to the back of the spray booth for incremental testing as well. All trial and error!