Airbrushing: What to Buy, How to Use, and Tips | The Inner Nerd

[@Broccli87]

One of the first Airbrush videos that actually shows you what happens at different PSI settings this was great

[@firefox3187]

It’s also a good idea to list to what the airbrush sounds like, as you can then know if it’s struggling and needs thinning more or more air. Or if you can lower your air a little

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Garryokee100]

The bit about thinners was good

[@roadweary5252]

One of the best airbrushing how-to videos I’ve seen. Well done, sir!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@KevinBower-gy5be]

As an old bloke looking to do something in his retirement, I decided to get back into modelling after a 50-year 'holiday'. I've bought a few kits (I can't believe how they've moved on in five decades - the kits I remember consisted mostly of misshapen flashed-up lumps of warped plastic which occasionally looked like an aircraft), an Iwata Eclipse, a compressor and a few other bits. Your video's saved me so much frustration and mucking about - because you've compressed the airbrush learning curve from (probably) many weeks into a few minutes. Thankyou very much for the time you've taken to put this video together. You'll maybe never realise how useful it's been to people like me. All the best.

[@TheInnerNerd]

That's great to read and exactly what I started the channel to do. I needed a lot of help when I started out and had so many questions, wasted so much money on stuff that didn't work for me etc. etc. So seeing that my videos are fulfilling their mission makes me very happy. Best of luck with your projects, and thanks for watching :)

[@hawkerlc]

I'm in the boat with ya man.

[@NickAndrewsFaulkner]

Excellent, I wish something as clear as this had been around a couple of years ago.... Thank you

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@ENLSN77]

I've watched a few airbrushing videos and I'm always either overwhelmed or still feel anxious about starting. I've spent a few hundred pounds now (on a compressor like yours and consumables) and i will start at some point soon. So, I'm almost there and this is one of the best videos I've seen. I'll probably watch this video many times. Thankyou. New sub 👍

[@TheInnerNerd]

Best of luck with your modelling and airbrushing. I'm pleased that the video will help you on your journey and thanks for watching:)

[@antoniomonteiro7783]

As a fellow beguinner my humble advice is, don't be anxious, just do it! Start by practicing these techniques on a piece of paper or even better on a piece of plastic or a dirt cheap model. Trust me, it's easier than it looks. If you follow the advice on this video you'll be surprised at how good your first paint job will turn out.

[@brianthomson5488]

The best airbrushing video ever .you take the time to show everybody how you do it not say how you do it .thank you.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@splinterspell]

Great video (as usual). Really helpful. Thank you.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Bob-b7x6v]

Thanks for the pressure settings and spray distances.

[@portfarm]

Very very helpful!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@ΑΝΤΩΝΗΣΤΡΑΚΑΚΗΣ-δ3ι]

Very good job Thank you

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@TheFatcat502]

Spot on -- much appreciated !!!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@SevenDaysToNoon]

Very nice job. The holes in the domed section alone is worth a standing ovation! 😳👏👏👏

[@drminiz]

Great tutorial, thanks for the detailed explanation.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@ArmourEmpire]

Very well explained vid. Thanks

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@arclementsjr]

Not only was this video informative but also entertaining, thanks. 😂

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@paulgertsch7105]

Lots of great info, thanks for sharing.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@lancelenhart8366]

Getting back into model building after a long recess. Got a Hasegawa 1/450 IJN Shinano and want to do it right. This video was immensely informative and helpful. Thank you for the great content. Subscribed for sure.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :) Best of luck with the Shinano and the sub!

[@daleandrews3552]

A lot of good information here, sir.I haven't even bought my first airbrush yet! My compliments on the things newbies like me would have to learn by "the school of hard knocks".

[@stevengeeraert6331]

Subscribed to your channel based on this great video, exactly what I was looking for. To the point and straight forward !

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching! :)

[@isteve520]

This was really well explained, its helped with some problems I’ve been experiencing with airbrushing - thanks very much

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@ScottXC91]

Instant subscribe. I’m somewhat comfortable with the operation of the airbrush and different techniques. But this video gained me a lot of confidence. Very straight forward and informative.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you so much! I'm really pleased to see that it's helped you towards your projects. Best of luck, happy modelling and thanks for watching :)

[@mirage3rd]

Your videos are extremely useful for us beginners. Thank you!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@charlesfindley6869]

The best video and explaination of airbrush techniques I’ve found. Excellent demonstration of the various primers, paints, and the differing thinner requirements for the various paint manufacturers. Great Job! What’s your next video?

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :) My next video is out now and it's Kinetic's new F-16. Lots of airbrushing techniques in that one too!

[@ghostapi874]

Best airbrush tutorial i've seen sofar

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@Moskiman]

Absolutely fantastic summary, covers so much ground yet clear and concise

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@ramonlomeli3306]

this is a great video, thanks for putting this out. I only have one comment of disagreement: not all acrylics are the same, and not all of them will react well with thinning with alcohol. 16:50 Isopropyl alcohol and Vallejo are not compatible. If you try to clean Vallejo with IPA, it will turn into a big gummy mess. When in doubt, use the manufacturer's recommended thinner, or at least test compatibility somewhere other than your color cup.

[@dennis-xq5nt]

most helpful modeling video I've seen. Thank you very much.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@NorthernerInSpace]

Excellent video. I have been using an airbrush for a few years now, but I still got something out of it, even if it was just to give me confidence I wasn't doing anything daft. It's good to point out how different paints require you to adjust your techniques slightly and that practice makes kinda good!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@reidguthrie9818]

What a great and informative video. I’ve got an airbrush I’ve yet to use because I’m a little intimidated by it and I’m worried about ruining my model. Your video really helps with my confidence.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching. Best of luck, and it's easier than you think once you get the feeling :)

[@bobapthorpe]

That was really straightforward; you gave me some new adjustments to experiment with. Until yesterday the last time I touched an airbrush was 40 years ago. So far I'm just practicing with black primer and paper for familiarization, trying to get a feel for how everything behaves and you've given me more to think about regarding pressure and needle size. Now it's a matter of practice and building some confidence. Also, thanks for the reminder that the regulator sets a band of pressures between operating pressure and compressor cutoff pressure.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. Best of luck with your practising, you'll be on the models in now time. Thanks for watching:)

[@knownothingrc9335]

About to start my first air brushed model. Your video made it less daunting so thank you for sharing your experiences

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and good luck!

[@paulsawyer2326]

Great video and simply explaining the Do's and dont's in airbrushing.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@georgevanbergen9710]

Thank you. Excellent video! Very well explained, through show and tell. Please do more How To videos.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@benthorogood4140]

Excellent video, absolutely amazing work. I can’t believe the level and attention to detail. You’ve inspired me to have a go at airbrushing myself.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@pjb5757]

Great video. I hope you are settling into the new country now. I know that can take a little while, I know it can be tough at times, I moved to NZ many years ago. Best wishes and it's great to see you back.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. And yes I'm doing alright here, life is getting more normal with each month that passes although I gave a to-to list that is around 500 years long and growing 😂 still trying to model in between life stuff though and glad you join me to watch. Thanks, Matt

[@danielryan6711]

brilliantly done mate, thx. That's just helped me heaps. Very thorough.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@plokkum]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@cocopoppy6420]

Thank you for sharing this with us Very informative and easy to follow

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@lesthiele4921]

Thst was a excellent video, it was interesting to learn about the operating pressure, so I have learnt somethjng after all these years, I mainly use Tamiya paints, which I always purchase two jars of the same colour and have one pre thinned to use with the airbrush, I put thinner into the jar to judt below the rim of the jar, I learned this way from Andy Klien from Andy's Hobby Headquarters, I find normally any issues with the airbrush is with the operator not the paint, many thanks for this great video, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia, Les

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you, Les. Good idea with two paint pots! And thanks for watching:)

[@potrzebieneuman4702]

Very informative thank you, I have found, and I admittedly use the El Cheapo brushes , that I have to store them after cleaning with the needle pulled back slightly. It's a fun world and makes a huge difference to modelling.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. The cheap ones are good brushes, just not as well made as the expensive ones. They'll do the job though just as good I think. Definitely the way to go when modelling. Thanks for watching :)

[@johnfischer7689]

Great video! Glad to see you back

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@P-47D_theJug]

You can use Mr color leveling thinner on all lacquer based paints including Tamiya acrylic. And Mr color thinner blue bottle can even mix with most straight acrylics except AK 3rd gen.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Yes that's correct and thank you for pointing it out. MRC SLT is a great thinner. Thanks for watching:)

[@Garryokee100]

That was great mate, thanks very much, I'll subscribe now.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@swampfox7110]

New sub and loved the video. I have an airbrush now but scared to use it until I saw your video.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@GOODEY41]

Great video i am just getting into modeling used your list on what to buy to get me started massive thank you

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and best of luck starting with the hobby! Thanks for watching :)

[@fotograf736]

Super video, very instructive.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@tyeguthrie1430]

Thankyou for very helpful and informative video .

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@jr7392]

I would like to suggest some tools that will help you with paint handling. 1) Get a cheap P1000 scientific pipettor from a major online retailer that starts with A. 2) Get a bag (500-1000) of disposable tips from the same place. 3) Get a bag of 1.5-2.0mL microcentrifuge tubes (500-1000). The total cost for all three is

[@SevenDaysToNoon]

Excellent video! 👏👏👏

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)

[@TJFNixon]

Thanks for the video! 👌🏼

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@retrotech383]

Where did bro get Biltema stuff in the UK lol??? Or do you live in the nordics perhaps? IDK, just such a shock to see their stuff outside of the "right" setting.

[@RedTopHobbies]

Great video! I've been thinking about playing around with making some build videos as I begin my modelling journey. Any chance of seeing a behind the scenes video on how you do all this? ☺️ I'm super curious how your camera is set up.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. I have done a workshop tour here where I show where I'm working and the stuff I do it with. Hope it helps kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYSUlGp8ntt0j68

[@iannicholls7476]

Great stuff, very useful. Thanks.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@broderp]

Great content, but somewhat overwhelming for the beginner.

[@charlesfindley6869]

During your video you stated that you were using a Badger 1100, which seems to only be available in the UK/EU....but the link in your Shopping List links to a Fengda Compressor? Are they equivalent? My H&S airbrush is on the way. Did I read correctly, you’ve moved to Sweden? Please continue these instructive videos. I still have to finish your F-16 video, but I’m benefiting from it. C.Findley

[@TheInnerNerd]

Hello. I use the Badger 1100, yes. The Fengda linked is more for a starter as the quality and longevity isn't as good as the Bafger I'd you're looking for something a bit more serious. I'm here in Sweden yes, so you maye see some things that are named a buy weird and I'll always try to come up with an alternative where possible. Best of luck with your H&S and pleased to hear the f16 video is giving you what you need

[@andy-bowden]

I've just bought a Bartsharp SB03 and an Oasser Ak1 Airbrush kit from Amazon. Assuming I get into it, I'll get something better later.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Great start and I've heard good things about Bartsharp. Take your time and the expensive airbrushes are only marginally better than the cheap ones, the process is what makes a good paint finish :) Thanks for watching and best of luck :)

[@andy-bowden]

@@TheInnerNerd Thanks mate. No one learns guitar on a Gibson. :-)

[@ljscalemodels526]

Cheers Matt very helpful, thanks Liam

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you Liam and thanks for watching:)

[@woodenlungs1]

Nice video. Thank you.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@AussieGrunt7]

Hi mate don't know if you remember me? Oink from Down Under from last year? Just bought another compressor and ready to take on the art;-) Hopefully later I will find you on my lap top not my phone? Oink, Tony

[@TheInnerNerd]

Oi Oi yes I remember alright, Tony. Best of luck with the compressor and your search to find me on the laptop for your modelling entertainment needs. Thanks for watching :)

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@innerlight7018]

Excellent!

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Bob-b7x6v]

Careful with that lacquer thinner, Eugene. It destroys rubber seals. Use the Iwata and H&S lubes.

[@confusedinthuk]

Great video full of great tips and advice. Do you use a spray booth when you’re painting as well as your mask?

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. Ans yes I've built my own booth using an extractor fan and ducting. But I used to work outside in a shed so just used the mask there. The booth is to save the house from my fumes 😅 Thanks for watching:)

[@Another_dabdabi]

I bought a really cheap airbrush 1 weeks ago. I put a paint in it then it started flowing into the hose. Does that happen to other airbrushes too?

[@Ghostrider-lm9en]

Excellent video! Sometimes when I airbrush I have to pull the lever back a pretty significant amount to get my paint to start spraying out. Once it starts spraying I can bring the nozzle forward to get the fine spray pattern I want, but if I release the lever completely, I have to pull it a ways back again. It makes it difficult cause ill be pointing the brush at a paper towel waiting, and then a lot of paint suddenly starts flowing out. This is accompanied by occasional sputtering as well. Any idea why this may be?

[@TheInnerNerd]

Yes I've had this too and it sounds like it's most likely to be a blockage of some kind in the nozzle. It'll be very small since it'll allow paint to pass. Give the airbrush a thorough flush through and then try to clean inside the nozzle as best you can with something pointed to try and break down/remove the object. After that it should be clear and spray as expected. Before spraying any paint onto the model I always spray a quick puff onto the booth to clear the top of any dry paint too, this can be useful to clear the airbrush before you start painting. Hope this helps and thanks for watching :)

[@TonyMac381]

Great video. How many ml of thinner and colors (Tamiya) did you put in the airbrush?

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. It's around 2ml into the cup with the paint being pre-thinned like I showed in the video. I never use exact measurements since each paint varies slightly, even between colours. Hope this helps and thanks for watching :)

[@Bob-b7x6v]

I've collected enough airbrushes to dedicate one to Mr. Hobby/AK, and Tamiya, one for Vallejo/Hataka/War Painter/Green Stuff World, and one for lacquer. Quite the rabbit hole we dived down, isn't it?

[@Garrett-In-Canada]

very helpful thank you

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@PerryWheeler-x7i]

Every other Air brushing video Ive watched they say to use short controlled bursts and yet you just keep spraying , is that due to your compressor?

[@TheInnerNerd]

I don't understand why you'd find a good setting, get the control, and then have to reset that feeling after every pass by pulling off the air. I find for how much paint you probably waste by keeping the airbrush flowing paint and air it's worth keeping that constant & under control.

[@muratfuatgencer6631]

Tanks for your share

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@jeffbarber9707]

Curious why you don't use Mr. Thinner with Mr. Color paints and GX-100?

[@TheInnerNerd]

I do but I don't have the container anymore. So the jar labelled "SLT" is the remainder of what I have 😄 SLT is a really good thinner for almost all paints. Thanks for watching :)

[@shanepatchett4151]

Do you go to the supplier for your paint or is there a recommendation for a site to use? Thanks

[@TheInnerNerd]

I go to my local hobby store/online store. If you're in the UK I recommend scalemodelshop.com. Thanks for watching :)

[@ClioManBacc]

Very interesting and useful. One question, no issue with the AK Varnish without thinner ? I shake it well of course but it looks like milk and it is grainy on the surface..any clues ?

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. I don't get this issue from the AK varnishes but I do sometimes get intermittent spray as if something is blocking the nozzle. I've found if I run the AKRC thinner through the brush prior to spraying this varnish that can help. Hope this helps you and thanks for watching :)

[@ClioManBacc]

@@TheInnerNerd nice ! I will try. Thanks for replying

[@rcboy95]

hi i saw you used biltemas thinner and then i wonder are you swedish in case it's ok to ask

[@TheInnerNerd]

I'm a Brit in Sweden so have the whole biltema arsenal to my disposal 👌 thanks for watching:)

[@beano9343]

2:17 I tried blowing into mine too. It does nothing....

[@YuriNakamuraAB]

You live in the UK i take it, how did you gt Biltema Acetone? thats swedish and iirc Biltema does not exist outside sweden?

[@TheInnerNerd]

I'm a UK living in Swe so that's why I'm now shopping at Biltema. It must look like I drink the stuff since I've had to stock up on all the thinners after I moved 😂 Thanks for watching :)

[@YuriNakamuraAB]

@TheInnerNerd ohhh! That explains it, mind if I ask where in sweden? Kinda cool tbh! Love your instructional vids.

[@BomTailey]

Your audio ducking on the music is a bit extreme/distracing, otherwise really helpful vid :) If you do fix it, you can upload the alternate audio as a different/custom language track on youtube btw

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thanks for the feedback. I've not wuite mastered the audio levels in the editing yet but will make changes for the next video. Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@goforitpainting]

Cool

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching :)

[@Ducesweden]

Hahahaha, you just had to add an "E" to the Swedish "aceton" 😂

[@TheInnerNerd]

Hahah one of the more simple translations :)

[@beano9343]

6:05 missed a spot twice

[@eXX0n]

Biltema acetone? You sound really British, but I thought Biltema only existed in Scandinavia?

[@TheInnerNerd]

I'm a Brit in Sweden so have the whole Biltema arsenal to my disposal 👌 thanks for watching:)

[@eXX0n]

​@@TheInnerNerdCool! Thanks for the awesome videos! I'm trying to get back into modelling after not doing it since i was a kid. Cheers from Norway! Thanks for the content!

[@Bob-b7x6v]

Fundamentals

[@Bob-b7x6v]

Badger, now there's an old friend.

[@Bob-b7x6v]

Don't forget an air tank and a moisture trap.

[@fougamagister8862]

you're mounting the needle in a wrong way. It's better to insert the needle backwards by the front, retract it, fix it so that the tip is hidden off, put the nozzle stuff on, unfix the needle and push it softly forward. The way you did it you risk hurting the tip of the needle.

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you. I've never had problems removing it from the rear, nor from the airbrush... 😂 But I'll do this in future. Thanks for watching

[@ramonlomeli3306]

that is ideal, but not mandatory if done with care.

[@grapetonenatches186]

What is it about airbrushing and 100 year old airplanes.

[@Bob-b7x6v]

You wouldn't believe how affordable 95% IPA is in bulk.

[@odecionunes3895]

Please include subtitles in Portuguese

[@KevinBower-gy5be]

1 Press the 'CC' subtitle button on the bottom of the YT video screen. 2 Press the star-shaped 'Settings' button. 3 Press the 'CC/subtitle'' button on the drop-down list. 4 Select 'auto-translate'. A pop-up will appear containing all the different languages. 5 Scroll down to 'Portuguese' 6 Press to select. 7 Enjoy - and from Google Translate; 1 Pressione o botão de legenda 'CC' na parte inferior da tela de vídeo do YT. 2 Pressione o botão 'Configurações' em forma de estrela. 3 Pressione o botão 'CC/legenda'' na lista suspensa. 4 Selecione 'traduzir automaticamente'. Um pop-up aparecerá contendo todos os diferentes idiomas. 5 Role para baixo até 'Português' 6 Pressione para selecionar. 7 Aproveite.

[@Bob-b7x6v]

I don't even want to open my H&S.

[@daggrz9692]

This accent is so annoying... Good Content, but i can't watch it longer than 1 min...

[@TheInnerNerd]

I'm sorry that you don't like it and unfortunately I can't change it 😂 thanks for watching for one minute anyway :)

[@LcarlosCiceron8254]

👏👏👏👍👍

[@TheInnerNerd]

Thank you and thanks for watching:)