Airbrushing With Inexpensive Acrylic Craft Paints

Hello everyone. I have been asked by several of you how I am able to use the inexpensive big box store acrylic craft paints with my airbrush. Well I have finally made a video showing you that and more. I delve into choosing an airbrush. How to tear one down. How to properly mix acrylic paints to enable them to be sprayed through an airbrush. Painting a structure very quickly and all the way through cleaning your airbrush. This is a long video, so below you will find time stamps to the main sections. Thank you as always for watching.
Time Stamps
About Airbrushes 00:00
Close up Look and Tear Down of an Airbrush 8:44:05
Airbrush Reassembly 13:44:01
Overview of Acrylic Craft Paints 15:14:13
Mixing Acrylic Craft Paints for your Airbrush 18:59:07
Setting up The Model to be Painted 23:57:22
Airbrushing The Model with the Acrylic Craft Paint 27:51:22
Cleaning Your Airbrush 34:32:14
Iwata Eclipse Airbrush amzn.to/3xPpSnp
Airbrush Holder amzn.to/2RxL8x6
Iwata Pistol Grip Moisture Filter amzn.to/3eUAHvT
Iwata Air Hose amzn.to/3xOuPNe
Iwata Quick Disconnect amzn.to/2Rrw4kW
Airbrush Glass Cleaning Jar amzn.to/3b7EJzN
Iwata NEO CN Gravity Feed Dual Action Airbrush amzn.to/3gc5u8e
Wicked Reducter 2 oz. amzn.to/330bVZ8
Acrylic Craft Paints. amzn.to/3gu0VGw
Carb Cleaner amzn.to/34CH7OP
Strainers I use for the paint. amzn.to/3guA1OM
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[@user-tl9fg8bz9x]

Paul, I have used my airbrush for several years now and have not been very satisfied with the results. Scenery, tracks, ballast etc. turned out OK but I stayed away from painting rolling stock due to splattering, clogging of the airbrush and just bad results. I use craft store paints. Thank you so much for the suggestion to use a strainer. I diluted, diluted, diluted but my airbrush still gave bad results. Your video was the first one I have seen that recommended a strainer. I purchased strainers, used them today and the results were incredible. I couldn’t believe how much debris was in the bottom of the strainer! My airbrush didn’t clog or splatter and the finish was incredible. This is the first comment I have ever made on KZbin videos and I wanted to thank you for your help.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Alan. To say your comment made my week is a severe understatement. I am beyond happy that my video was able to help you. This right here sir is the biggest reason why I started this channel. To not only share in my passions but to help others where I can. Thank you so much for reaching out to me. Take care and happy railroading......

[@swells1]

I've been hesistant to try airbrushing, but your video was an excellent explanation of the process. I'll have to give it a go.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Do it. Once you get over the newbie tool problems that you have with learning to use any new tool. Using an airbrush will make any hobby painting look so much better.

[@Vermilionbaits_tackle]

thank you for realizing you took it apart and didnt show us how to put it back together. really shows the effort put into a video!😊

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope the video helped.

[@RD9_Designs]

I've never airbrushed before, but I know that I will! Just like, I know I have a good airbrush somewhere, probably in storage, and if it's not, then I will be buying one based on your recommendations... I save the videos with the best advice to my Pinterest boards so I can find them again later. Thanks so much for your walk through, recommendations and advice! I'm sure it will come in handy!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Awesome. I'm glad my videos are helping.....

[@soupy607]

I have watched a dozen of videos on airbrushing and can honestly say this is the most informative tutorial I have seen ! I am definely subscribing to this channel. Well done sir.👍🇨🇦

[@PaulsRailroad]

Well Dan words cannot express the feelings that you have just given me. Thank you so much for the kind words. I will do my best not to disappoint.

[@kentaughe3982]

Just getting started with a single stage Badger I inherited at an estate sale - thanks for the tips about diluting and cleaning. Wel-done and understandable!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Kent. Thank you for watching and for commenting. I am so glad for the feedback on my ability present the material in an understandable way. Please keep commenting and don't be afraid to give me constructive criticism if need be. That is the best way to learn in my opinion. Take care.

[@jamesmather2839]

I’m just starting with Airbrushing (modelling). I’ve watched a bunch of ‘beginners videos’ on KZbin. This is the clearest and most helpful one I’ve seen. Thank you.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you very much James. I appreciate it very much.

[@markferrick10]

Very informative. I enjoyed you demonstrating with an actual print instead of a plastic spoon. Thank you

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Mark. Thank you for the comment. And it's funny you mentioned plastic spoon. Iiterally just uploaded a more condensed version of this video where I answered some common questions from viewers and I used plastic spoons to show what i was talking about. LOL. Take care.

[@mikaelnaslund2964]

Thank you Sir! I have just bought an airbrush and i feel that this will help me to not make beginners mistakes. Learn from other fellow humans 😃

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hello Mikael. I am so glad that my video was of help. If you have any questions in the future, don't hesitate to ask.

[@3DJapan]

I've done this and it works perfectly. I will never again spend more on paints made specifically for airbrushed.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Phil. That is awsome. I am so glad that the video helped.

[@thomasgross8289]

Just like "miniture" paint

[@brad5316]

This video is the most informative that I have seen in along time! Thank You for that!!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Brad. Thank you for the comment. I am very happy that you found my video informative. Take care.

[@tomt9543]

Great video! Getting back into model railroading after a 30 year absence. I did tons of custom painting projects back in the day, but pretty much all of my “go to” standard products and procedures died off years ago! Scalecoat II and Floquil were the two brands of enamel that populated my paint shelf, but they’ve evidently gone, or are going, the way of the Edsel, replaced by a mind numbing array of acrylic craft paints! I’ve got an old blue Badger (200?) single action internal mix like the one you briefly showed, and I always got great results with it. About 15 years ago I dug it out to paint something non modeling related with the new fangled water based paints, and I didn’t think I’d ever get the paint off of the needle, color cup etc.! I put up the brush after an agonizing cleanup and haven’t touched it since! You’ve got me skeptically thinking about trying this stuff again, but I’m 62, and it’s dang hard to teach an old dog new tricks! Thanks for the inspiration and guidance!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Tom. Thank you for the great comment. I am glad the my video has inspired you. If you do want to give airbrushing a try again with the craft grade acrylics let me go over the important points again to hopefully negate any frustrations. 1. Make sure you thin those paints down to around the consistency of milk. 2. Don't forget to run your thinned paints through a filter. This is one of the most important steps to help prevent clogs. 3. Have your item ready to be painted before loading the paint cup in the airbrush. Remember these acrylic craft paints are water based and when we thin them with isopropyl alcohol, we are in affect making that water evaporate much faster. That is why I use the isopropyl alcohol. It makes the paint dry faster so I can put down multiple coats faster. With that being said: 4. Once you are done painting, immediately clean your airbrush. If not you will have what you had before. The paint drying in the airbrush. Take care and thanks again.

[@tomt9543]

@@PaulsRailroad Thanks Paul! Hoping to break out the Badger in the next week or so, and looking at upgrading to a double action in the near future. In some of the videos on other channels they talk a lot about needle size, but I don’t have a clue what mine is, or what it needs to be! Starting over from square one! Cheers!

[@noellatraves5365]

Very informative thankyou

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome Noella. Thank you for watching and commenting. Take care.

[@slakjawnotsayin5451]

This is the best airbrushing video I've seen so far, and I watched quite a few over the last 8 or so years. Thank you for doing this!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you kindly. That is a very humbling comment. I am just glad the video was helpful. Take care.

[@slakjawnotsayin5451]

​@@PaulsRailroad It's exactly everything that I wanted to know about why I was having so many problems with mine when I tried using it the couple of times I did. Some people use Windex or Washer Fluid because it's cheaper, and some say to use Glycerin, but maybe those are for other kinds of paints too, I can't remember. Your video went over everything and you demonstrated it, as well as went over the entire sprayer for how it works and how to clean it, and even take it apart and put back together, which is something I was kind of worried about because of settings... So ya, definitely thank you so much for the awesome video man! It's super appreciated!

[@davidm3569]

Simple but good solid advice. Thank you 👍

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you David. I appreciate the comment.

[@briansrcadventures1316]

You certainly get a lot of lovely colours in art acrylics for my preferred genre of models, 1930s - 1960s civillian cars :-)

[@paulratliff4116]

Hey Brian. That's why I love those acrylics. Their so cheap that I can have many, many colors. 😁

[@bigbonehead24]

Very informative very easy to use and honestly the best airbrush video on acrylics thank you

[@PaulsRailroad]

Wow Dwayne. Thank you so much for the high praise. I'm just glad I was able to help. Take care.

[@InterstellarModeler]

lots of great advice here. I've definitely not been running the thinned acrylics through a strainer which explains the clogging, sputtering and uneven spray that results. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulratliff4116]

Yeah. That makes a huge difference. When I finally figured out that I needed to strain those paints, it changed my world. As far as painting goes. LOL. Thanks for commenting. Take care.

[@PaulsRailroad]

By the way. I just subbed to your channel. I am a Star Wars super nerd. Can't wait to find some time to watch some of your build videos. I just took apart my old Revell Millennium Falcon model to rebuild it. I want to add LEDs and give it a worthy paint and weathering job.

[@mikestanavage2444]

Thanks for the great lesson. Wrestled with bad paint mixing in the past.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Mike. Thank you very much. My ultimate goal with this channel is to share what I have learned and continue to learn with others. I hope it did help.

[@royeirikandreassen6032]

You have answered every question I had regarding airbrush, very good and informative video.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Roy, I am so glad to hear that I was able to help. That is why I started this channel. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. If you ever have any questions please feel free to reach out. Take care.

[@randybusse1206]

Thank you, this was a very well explained and detailed video.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Randy. I'm glad to hear this video helped. Take care.

[@raquelsotelo8386]

Thank you for this awesome tutorial, the kaopectate cup make me chuckle, my dad used to save those too ❤️ and the I can’t believe is not butter round containers lol

[@PaulsRailroad]

Ha. I must have learned to keep useful "junk" from my dad. Heck I'm 48 and I still find myself rummaging through the use nuts and bolts container my dad used to collect them in before I was even born. LOL

[@neldamurray4357]

duuuude! those little models r so freaking cool! WTF!? I going to have to check it out!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you so much Nelda. I designed and 3d printed everything I showed being painted on that video. You can check out my other videos to see more of my designs. Also I'm going to throw in a sales pitch here. 😁 If you are interested in 3d printing your own. You can buy my files pretty inexpensively at cults3d.com. Just type in SandyCreekDesigns. Thanks again for watching. Take care.

[@Chubbbs117]

Great video, you covered so much useful info. Thank you.

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome Don. And thank you for commenting.

[@MrVisa1000]

Thanks for the video, it was a great tutorial for a beginner like me. ❤️ 🇵🇹

[@paulratliff4116]

I'm so happy it helped.

[@w.rustylane5650]

I've got two airbrushes. I use my Badger Anthem 155 for acrylic paint and my Chinese (Harbor Freight) one for lacquer based paint. My Badger will paint anything i need for model railroading. I like the Badger because you don't need any tools to dismantle it for cleaning. Everything is finger tight plus the fact that it is made in the USA! I think my needle is a .5 as it will empty a jar in just a few seconds. I've never had the need for finer needle, but you can get them down to .3 or .15. Even though it is a siphon type I generally just use a color cup unless I'm painting something big like spraying shelves with a gloss acrylic finish. I really don't like the Badger paints as the dollar store cheap acrylics are even better than the Badger paint. I've never used any of the "pricey" paints like Vallejo. I think the brands are Apple Barrel and Craftsman acrylics. Have you ever encountered an acrylic paint that just won't mix with alcohol? I have and used some non-ammonia Windex to thin. I use Q-tips, dental brushes and pipe cleaners to clean my airbrush. I also use some chap stick to lube the threads as it makes a good thread sealer. Cheers from eastern TN

[@PaulsRailroad]

Yes I have had several colors from different brands of craft acrylic paints that immediately gum up when I mix them with IPA. Oh and that is a great idea with the chapstick. I never would have thought about that.

[@airbrushken5339]

Nailed it; You do get what you paid for! For models; American company Paasche is probably the best, as it's easy for parts and services in the USA. Iwata was made under licence from the Japanese made "Olympus" brand some 40 or 50 years ago. My understanding is now Sparmax, builds several different ones for Iwata along with all the Iwata labeled compressors. I've tested and use the gravity feed Sparmax SP-3 airbrush for over 8 years and I've been teaching airbrush techniques both here on Australia and before in the USA since the 1970s. It's about the same as an iwata HP-C, and I do own both models along with some German brands.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Ken. Lots of great info there thank you for sharing.

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

That’s a lot to unpack! Great job, brother.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks Tim. Yeah I kinda went down that rabbit hole a bit going over the airbrush. LOL.

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

@@PaulsRailroad haha it’s all good! The people gotta learn!

[@donprice985]

Thank you for video answer a lot of questions I was wondering about.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Don. I am very glad I was able to answer your questions. Thank you for watching and commenting. Take care.

[@Cbtrainnut]

2nd time watching your video! Well detailed. Thanks for teaching!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you Christopher for watching several times and commenting. I am glad that I was able to present helpful information. Take care.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

In O scale we have large models to paint, so I went with the siphon cup version or your Iwata.. the HP-BCS. One very important upgrade is to use the rear cap from the Super Micron series of Iwata. It gives you a very fine adjust rear travel limit adjust. They DO sell them as a separate sale item, HP KTR. This is great when working up close, for absolute consistency, or to limit the paint flow in weathering.

[@CassidysWorkshop]

Thank you, some very useful tips here.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Greg. Thank you very much for the comments. I am glad my videos were able to help. Take care.

[@itmikepensacola1658]

Nice!

[@billbeverly2864]

Nice presentation, Thanks

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you for watching Bill. I appreciate it. And I appreciate the comment.

[@georgeking3436]

What a great video! Thanks!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks again George.

[@wakelywanderer12]

Your excellent tutorial covers much more than the title would indicate. Being new to airbrushing I found it all useful but think it could’ve been separated into about three separate videos. Anyway, liked and subscribed.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you Wakely Wanderer. That video is what happens when I go off script. LOL. My brain goes into overdrive and I keep talking. Thank you for subscribing as well. Take care.

[@AlwaysCensored-xp1be]

Learning things about paintihg. A 6mm,1/4" stainless steel nut dropped in each paint bottle will make a good mixer.

[@gwchant]

Amazing video. One of the best I’ve seen on KZbin. Great job.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Wow gwchant. That is one heck of a nice comment. I appreciate it very much. Thank you and take care.

[@xxx_rude_dogg_xxx9806]

THE needle and tip for the CS is interchangeable with the HP BCS. That helps you get even finer lines with the siphon feed HP-BCS when doing shirts etc. They dont tell you unless you ask.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Awsome info. Thanks for that.

[@K-Anator]

I was recently given a little CA$70 starter kit, came with a little battery powered compressor that charges via USB-C. Probably not the greatest equipment out there, but it's been a blast learning to use it, and this video helps a ton as I already have a bunch of those cheap bottles of acrylic paint.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Just keep on practicing. Just be careful with the cheap craft paints. They are definitely not as easy to work with as airbrush specific paints, and some crafts paints just won't thin down. Enough to use period. If the paint appears to be really thick in the bottle, then I suggest skipping it. I have a couple of different shades of black that just won't work. As well as some white colors. Oh and don't forget to filter your paints after they have been thinned before you load your airbrush. That is the most important part of the process. Thank you for watching and commenting. Take care and happy railroading.......

[@K-Anator]

@@PaulsRailroad Thanks for the extra tips! Have you messed around with extender (retarder) or is isopropyl pretty much the go-to for this? Thankfully most the bottles I have seem pretty low viscosity, but I'll definitely have to nab a strainer before I give anything a proper go.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Anator. I have used createx airbrush paint reducer as well as just plain old tap water. The reducer works pretty much the same as the IPA. The water however doesn't work as well. I am going to try another method. I don't want to say what it is because I plan on creating a video over the subject in the near future.

[@K-Anator]

@@PaulsRailroad Good stuff dude, will definitely keep an eye out for that

[@ericwillis777]

Hey, great video, just what I was looking for, thanks very much.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Eric. I am very glad my video was helpful. Thank you for watching and for commenting. I really appreciate it.

[@Jeff-rh8mq]

I'm just starting out with this hobby and this information was great! thanks for making this video.....new sub!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you Jeff for watching and subbing. I am glad to hear my video was helpful..... Take care.

[@petermenningen338]

Aloha Paul Nice Job I needed this. Picked up an air brush with compressor about 2 yrs ago at a garage sale around $25 for a Badger. I'm looking forward to your buildings. The coal gondolas I downloaded came out good. I'll put some of my build notes for them over in the comments on Cults for you. Nothing bad just detail stuff for assembly. I love the thought process you go through in design having the floors and light holders in the buildings is great and the posts (pillars) allows one to sub separate the floors for rooms with different lighting.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks for you input as always Peter. I didn't get around to mentioning too much about the buildings just because that is not what the this video was about. Since you mentioned it though. The pillars were not only designed to hold up the next floor, their other purpose is to use as back stops to put printed out interior scenes and have them lit from behind through the hole in the base / floor. Keep the comments coming brother. Oh and don't forget to check out my Facebook page, Paul's Railroad. You can message me through there and share any modeling you have done. I would love to see what you have come up with.

[@tigerbeatstreetart1814]

I love the iwata mat.

[@moparmarc68]

Great video and gives me a good starting point when I get ready to start air brushing. Have you used these paints for model car bodies and if so what kind of clear coat would you recommend?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Moparmarc68. I have not used these for painting model car bodies. My hobby is model railroading. I have painted railroad rolling stock, however I mainly use matte paints. I'm sure you will be wanting to use glossy paints. I have used some glossy paints with the same thinning technique for painting passenger cars with good results. But just like with the matte paints you will most likely have some trial and error when it comes to thinning the glossy paints as well. The viscosity of the different colors will most likely vary just like in the matte paints. A couple of other recommendations. The glossy paints do not dry nearly as fast as the matte paints, so take it slow and build up light coats or you will definitely get runs, ask me how I know, LOL. You can use a hair dryer to help speed up the drying times between coats. I would do that mainly so the cheap acrylic paints are not sitting in your airbrush drying. Always make sure you clean your airbrush when you are done painting with the cheap acrylics first thing. As far as top coats go. I go back and forth between Krylon and Rustoleum rattle can clear coats, whatever is available at the time. I don't see the reason to spent so much more money on Testors clear coats when their pretty much the same thing. Thanks for commenting.

[@heikespringer6979]

Great Video! Thanks a lot!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you for watching and commenting Heiki. I am glad it was helpful.

[@normrussell4346]

Very nice video well explained detailed thank you.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you very much.

[@tigerbeatstreetart1814]

Honestly, I prefer the bottom feed/siphon brushes. The gravity feeds are ok, but those seem like a little more work when it comes to quick color change. Also a lot of the gravity feeds don’t even come with a cap/lid, which makes it more libel for spilling. I’ve started with the single action Badger in 1990. I moved away and upgraded quick lol.

[@PaulsRailroad]

I have never had a gravity feed airbrush that didn't come with a lid. I have a couple of siphon feeds. I've never had much luck with them. But then again, they were never really good airbrushes.

[@Deadmau5l]

Same story with me at first i had a cheap airbrush from amazon which came with my compressor and dont get me wrong it was a step up from brush painting but i decided after 1month or so id invest in a Iwata eclipse and OH MY BABY JEBUS the thing is a dream. Next upgrade will be a proper compressor maybe one with 2 lines so i could have a detail airbrush and a area airbrush and definitely another Iwata :P

[@PaulsRailroad]

LOL. I knew I wasn't the only person in the world to experience the "Get what you paid for" when it comes to airbrushes. Check out airbrush manifolds on Amazon. I don't know what type of compressor you are using or are planning to use in the future, but with the manifold you can have several airbrushes hooked up at once. I personally run a cheap harbor freight 3 gallon pancake air compressor for my airbrushes. It is loud though. I see that harbor freight now is carrying what they call quiet air compressors. One of those will be my future investment. Take care and thank you for commenting.

[@gordonenquist36]

Thank you Paul for showing everyone that strainer. Straining paint after thinning is very important. Real body/paint shops always do it before shooting a car, 1:1 scale. Most tutorials we see on KZbin are a guy opening a fresh bottle of paint and working away. Now us modellers at home may have opened and used a colour many times, so that means air is in that jar drying the paint or it is getting thick. What is the shelf life of paint anyway ? No wonder some people get put off with airbrushing cuz of all the problem variables. What would be the minimum paint nozzle size to spray craft paint .35 ? Just asking. My favorite paint / thinner combo is Tamiya and their brand lacquer thinner as the lacquer thinner reduces tip dry by cleaning the needle as you spray.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Gordon. Man you brought up a lot of good points and questions. Airbrushing can be a finicky beast. Like you said. There are so many variables that go into an Airbrushing session. Mess one up and you'll be fighting with that airbrush all day. I have personally never shot any lacquer paints. It's always been acrylics. But yes using acrylics, especially thinned with isopropyl alcohol will definitely cause some paint drying on the needle. My way of negating that is small fast paint sessions, then I either run some water through the airbrush followed by airbrush cleaner if I'm just changing colors, or I'll tear it down and clean it well if I'm done. I have made it a habit of working like that because of how fast acrylics thinned with alcohol dry inside of your airbrush. I am shooting with a .35 needle. I don't see the need to go any smaller for general Airbrushing. I mean let's be honest. If I'm using micron sized needle while creating some fine art, I don't think I'm going to be using cheap acrylics. LOL. As far as shelf life goes. I figure as long as I can bring the paint back to life with thinners and it hasn't literally became a solid mass in the bottle, hey I'll use it if I need that color. Thank you Gordon for watching and for the great conversation. Take care.

[@WITCHMIND731]

Wow I did it😁THANK YOU SIR👍🏻

[@paulratliff4116]

Whoop Whoop. I'm glad to hear your having success with the cheap paints. Keep it up.

[@user-zl7tq9tp7x]

Excellent video - new to the airbrushing scene, this was extremely informative (new sub). Thanks!👍✌

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you for subbing and I am glad the video was useful. Take care.

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

Do that all times with my Apple brand acyclic an homemade thinner ! Thanks 😎👍🏻

[@chuckalmeida2070]

Thanks for the video

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment. Take care......

[@risbill1]

I still have and use my first airbrush which was a single action Paasche that I got back in the 80s along with their D500 Diaphragm compressor. Definitely wasn't the best but it's amazing it all still works after all these years.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Raymond. That brings back memories. I started out with a no name double action airbrush and an old Pasche blue diaphragm compressor. My lord did I hate that compressor. No on/off switch. Loud as all get out and man did it get hot. When harbor freight came to my area that was when I could afford a decent small air compressor just for airbrushing. Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care.

[@risbill1]

@@PaulsRailroad yes that compressor will definitely keep your feet warm as well as everyone in the house awake while you work. I put an inline switch on the power cord. I use one of the harbor freight fortress ultra quiet compressors now but the old blue passche still comes out sometimes for nostalgia. I'm using a fairly cheap double action airbrush but all I'm doing is painting models for myself so don't need anything expensive.

[@DeereX748]

I'm a total newb to airbrushing, this was really great. My biggest takeaway is that I can use the el cheapo hobby acrylics to do what I want to do.

[@PaulsRailroad]

You sure can. But remember, especially if you are just starting out and have little experience with thinning paints for an airbrush, the cheap acrylic paints viscosities vary so widely that there is not just one holy grail of paint to thinner ratios. With that being said. Take your time and don't get frustrated if it doesn't work the first time. Just keep trying. It took me a long time to get the feel for mixing these cheap paints and I still mess it up sometimes. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@DeereX748]

@@PaulsRailroad I've brush painted with acrylics for many years, so I'm used to thinning them when painting on canvas and art paper, but always used water. The idea of using alcohol appeals to me, going to give it a real go; just was wondering how well the thinned with alcohol paint stored long-term.. I plan to do them one at a time as I need a color, but would make a batch larger than needed and save the rest for other projects and times.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Deerex. Long term storage is not viable when thinning with alcohol. The alcohol dries out the paint super fast. It will start to get thick and gummy in some instances in just a couple of hours. The longest usable custom mixed color I had, lasted about five days in an air tight container. There is no reason why you can't thin it with water. It just takes longer to dry then using isopropyl alcohol. However it should store much longer thinned with water. Thanks for the great question 👍.

[@DeereX748]

@@PaulsRailroad Thanks. Water it will be. The longer dry time doesn't bother me.

[@cjmarshall0221]

Great video. Very informative. Questions though. If you have an object that requires two or more different colors, what do you do? I assume the answer is use something to mask the different sections, but what do you use. Masking tape, paint tape, or something else? Is there some type of technique you should follow to get the best results? How do you mask a section that's already been painted so that you don't damage the look? Thanks.

[@paulratliff4116]

I usually just use painters tape / masking tape to mask with. Here is an example of my workflow for a brick building with smooth concrete style corners. I will paint the entire structure the main brick color first. Once that has cured I will use masking tape and mask off the walls on both sides of the cement corners. I Pay special attention to the edge of the tape that runs along the corners that I am going to airbrush. By that I mean I rub my fingers up and down that edge to make the best seal possible. When I airbrush the corners I try to keep my airbrush perpendicular to the corners and try not to spay heavily where the tape edges are. Many light coats. Especially the first coat. As that coat will help seal the edge of the tape. With all of the being said, the nature of 3d printed objects, especially structures with wall textures, you will never be able to completely prevent some paint seeping under the tape in spots. All I do once I remove the tape is to go back with a fine brush and the original brick color and touch up where the paint seeped under the tape. It's not usually much.

[@cjmarshall0221]

@@paulratliff4116 Thank you very much. That is very helpful.

[@tigerbeatstreetart1814]

IWATA is a really nice brand. Paasche has been my go to for over 30 years. But I sometimes cross over once in a while.

[@PaulsRailroad]

I only ever had one Paasche airbrush. It's a single action. Someday I would like a harder Steinbeck infinity airbrush.

[@EmDotDubb]

Thank you

[@PaulsRailroad]

You're welcome.

[@redleg1376]

The first thing I do with craft paints is top the bottle off with thinner and mix them really well.

[@PaulsRailroad]

That's an interesting idea. I don't think I would do that simply because I still use the same paints to apply with a brush and sometimes I want them thick, depending on the application of course. Thanks for the comment. That's definitely thinking outside of the box. I love getting new ideas from everyone.

[@animalyze7120]

That's a bad process and usually advised from others in videos that have no clue. Keep your paints unedited in your bottles and mix in a different container. You can clean out old used up paint bottles for doing this and only mix what you need. Some thinners can have a moisture reduction property and will cause your paints to goop up like cottage cheese over time. The best reason is also depending on the work you may thin your paints a little less or more with each project, pre thinning unless you remember what ratio you used can cause issues there as well, but mostly it's to keep your paints as pure as possible till needed.

[@charlesfavano7424]

quick question I was told there was two different settings for the siphon and the gravity feed but i can not find any info on the that setting i use siphon cause i change colors alot while i do my drawings but just not quit sure at what pressure to run. I run 30 psi for the gravity feed.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Charles. I may not be much of a help here because I haven't used a siphon fed airbrush in years. As far as my settings go for my gravity fed eclipse. I run my air compressor between 15 and 20 psi. More often then not it is set at 20 psi. As I mentioned in my video, no matter what type of paint I am using I always try to make sure it is the consistency of milk. The best advice I can give to start with is to make sure the viscosity of the paints you are using are always as close to the same across the board every time you paint so that becomes a consistent variable. Then you are literally just going to have to play around with your air pressure. Run it low to where your airbrush is spitting out the paint, "not nice and even". Then gradually increase your air pressure until your airbrush is spraying the way you want it to. I hope this helps. Take care.

[@alanq64]

What are your thoughts on using plain blue windshield washer fluid?

[@paulratliff4116]

Well I really can't speak on subject only because I've never used it or looked into it. I know you can use plain windex that is ammonia free. I don't know how similar the two products are. Thanks for commenting.

[@gustavette8487]

Excellent! If you dilute the acrylic cheap paint with alcohol, does it affect durability of adherence? Any economical paintbrush you recommend for beginners? Thanks!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Sorry for the late response. Was on vacation for the last two weeks. Adding the alcohol does not affect the durability or adhesion. Remember however these are cheap acrylics and depending on the surface your are painting they will adhere differently. The more porous the material the stronger the bond. For example, wood, very strong bond, plastic not as strong and will scratch with your fingernail. I top coat all of my plastic items I paint that are going to be handled with either a matte or gloss sealant. That helps with the durability. As far as airbrushes go. It is best to stick with a name brand. I like Iwata. They have entet level models you can purchase for around 100 bucks. Thanks for the question

[@algae21]

This has been very informative, thank you! What mesh strainer do you recommend for the cheaper acrylics? Or, even better, a link? Thanks again!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Here ya go algae21. amzn.to/3guA1OM

[@jelly8594]

@@PaulsRailroad what is the mesh size?

[@schadowolf]

Great tutorial! Glad I found this channel, subbed.

[@paulratliff4116]

Thank you schadowolf for the comment and for subbing. I appreciate it.

[@schadowolf]

@@paulratliff4116 Had to rewatch this as now have a new airbrush and mini-compressor for my train 'workspace'. Getting ready to paint my first styrene model. Again thanks for sharing this great info! Quick question - can't you use alcohol to clean instead of a specialized cleaner?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Technically if you are using water based paints you could just use water. You my just have to "scrub" a little harder. I would use isopropyl alcohol to clean it with. I wouldn't use any real harsh solvents though.

[@asdf9890]

Lots of good info here! Thanks. Transitioning from rattle can to airbrush for my WWII aircraft. Any luck or tips with decanting spray paints?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks for watching and commenting. As far as decanting an aerosol can, I have not. I definitely think it would make more of a mess than it's worth..

[@cliffcampbell8827]

My first airbrush was a cheap, no brand name, made out of chinese-ium piece of garbage. It was difficult to work with and after just a few minutes using it my finger started hurting. I think it started leaking paint around 2 or 3 hours of total time using it. I'm with you on buying an inexpensive airbrush from a well recognized manufacturer.

[@jbmorrow5390]

Hi - Just found your channel - Very nice work - great videos - New to airbrushing (bought it - not used yet - still watching videos! I looked at Amazon for those strainers you are using. I didn't find them - can you give a description (mesh size, etc.) - link - to them? Some tubers show a list of supplies and links in the text -doing the work for us!! Can't wait to watch more of your work. Thank you so much. The only thing missing was where you went back to assemble the airbrush and didn't show inserting the throttle button - just a novice comment!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks for the kind words. I'll attach a link here. I have just recently became an Amazon Associate so I have started putting links in my newer videos. So moving forward they will all have links to the items I'm using. Thanks for watching. amzn.to/3r0EsXT

[@vicyhago]

Thanks, Happy New year 2022

[@paulratliff4116]

Thank you for watching and commenting Vincente. Happy new year.

[@GryphonArmorer]

If you don’t like the Aztec, I’d be glad to take it off your hands. 😉🤓🤪 I got one when they first came out. It’s long worn out because the “hose” (integrated urethane? silicone?) deteriorated shortly after the dark gray parts separated at the seams. It did last for several years though. I would love to get another Aztec Airbrush with available nozzle assemblies, with a threaded nip for a detachable hose. Until I can afford the new Aztec kit, I’ll just keep using my $20 & $45 Airbrush Master “standard” dual action, and pistol grip dual action, respectively. Just need to decide if I want the Aztec first or upgrade from on demand compressor to a 1gal California Air 59db compressor.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks for the offer but even though i don't use the Aztec anymore it has a lot sentimental value to me.

[@RCFlyer007]

Thanks for sharing. Such a great video as it was very informative. Couple of questions, does it matter what percentage of isopropyl alcohol you use? And, is that better than using paint thinner? Thanks

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you Cliff for watching and commenting. For the IPA, I try to use 70%. IPA dries out the paint quickly ans the higher the percentage the quicker it works. I have never used paint thinner so I can't answer that question unfortunately. Take care.

[@PENFOLD1962]

I really enjoyed your video and at the same time learnt loads along the way as I'm very new to airbrushing! Is there a way to find out the percentage of 'colour' pigment in the paints?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hi Andrew. Thank you for the kind words. I am glad that my videonwas able to help. As far as the percentage of colour pigments go, unfortunately I kind of doubt it. Even if we were to ask the manufacturer I don't think they would tell us. You know it's their formula kind of thing. From my experience it seems to me that the lighter the paint, the "larger" the pigments are. at least in the inexpensive craft paints. whites and light grays are the hardest to mix because of their pigments being so large and not wanting to break down. Do you currently have an airbrush? If so. What brand and model are you using?

[@PENFOLD1962]

@@PaulsRailroad Thank you for replying, I find all this very interesting I must get out more lol. I've been saving up for a BARTSHARP Airbrush and twin cylinder air compressor but when I get enough money together a Grandchild's Birthday or Bill pops up so they get always get the priority. But I must have been on the good list this year, my Wife and Children have bought me the Bartsharp Airbrush and Compressor along with ranges of acrylic paints etc. So I'm literally like a child at Christmas lol. We've had a house full of Grandchildren for the last two days so not ideal to get out my new toys, but I'll definitely be practicing from tomorrow onwards finger's crossed. I've done excessive research over the last 6 month's or more and was recommended over and over the Bartsharp Airbrush equipment sold in the UK. I've seen one guy who reviews the airbrush. BARTSHARP 183K, he uses the Iwata and he can't believe the standard and quality of the Bartsharp183K. I've spoken to people who also use the 183K and they have all stated the exact same. The only problem is that as soon as they come in stock they have been bought. There's one guy who teaches airbrushing and he's bought all his students the same airbrushing kit! I can honestly say that I've had not had one wrong word said about them! So you can imagine how excited I am to use mine. I normally do a lot of Pyrography (burning image's and text), a sample of my early work can be seen in my profile pic! But I like a challenge and I'm not finding the Pyrography challenging enough where as the airbrushing will feed my hunger if you know what I mean lol. It's all very new and hopefully challenging. My apologies for the long reply, take care my friend and may I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy & Healthy New Year.👍😷👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@PaulsRailroad]

Andrew. Never apologize for long messages. I love hearing from everyone. I am glad you were on the nice list this year. 😁. I myself have dabbled in pyography a little bit. Then I bought a laser engraver. LOL. Let me know how your airbrushing adventures turn out. Happy new year to you and your family. Take care brother.

[@PENFOLD1962]

@@PaulsRailroad ooooooh Laser Engraver... That's cheating lol. Only joking they're very handy to have, I prefer the challenge... Sometimes lol.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Andrew. No matter what we use. It's still a challenge. LOL. I bought a cheap laser. The Ortur Master 2. I want to try my hand at designing HO scale wooden structure kits. I'm sure like you, I absolutely love being creative. So here's to new adventures. 🍺

[@vincemokry2380]

What do you recommend for the Decoart Americana paint for thinning? I put isopropyl alcohol in it and within seconds it turned into something like chewed bubble gum.

[@PaulsRailroad]

I get that sometimes with different colors of Americana and Apple barrel paints also. I would suggest try using just regular water for paints that do that. It usually works since the paints are water based. I have never used decoart paints so I can't be 100 percent sure how well it will work with that brand, but it should since I think they are water based acrylics also. Let me know if it works out with just water. It won't dry as fast as it does using IPA to thin them however. So keep that in mind. Thank you for the great question.

[@signorpatata4118]

Amazing in depth video! I have an issue, I can't find any isopropyl alcohol anywhere in my small town and buying online would cost me way too much due to shipping fees, is it possible to use any other kind of alcohol? Like ethyl or denatured alcohol?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey there. Well If I had to choose one. I would use Ethy alcohol. Both ethyl and denatured are similar to isopropyl alcohol. However I would not, I repeat do not use denatured alcohol. It is toxic to humans. You don't even want to touch denatured alcohol with bare skin, let alone take a chance of breathing it in. And speaking of breathing. No matter what alcohol you use, isopropyl or ethyl make sure you wear a respirator. No matter how well ventilated your painting area is. You will be in close proximity to the airbrush and what you are painting. You will still be breathing in the fumes. Thanks for watching and asking a great question. Take care.

[@signorpatata4118]

@@PaulsRailroad thank you so much!

[@amandaclarke-peterson7116]

Is there a ratio for thinning thicker craft paint with 91% alcohol? For example, maybe 2:1? I’m unfamiliar with the consistency of airbrush paint to have a baseline. To refer to consistency (thickness of pigment) with watercolor they use food-type terms like tea, coffee, cream, butter consistency. But if you can relate it to some fluid I might be familiar with that would be helpful. I’d definitely be interested to know how thin or thick the resulting mixture should be to put through an airbrush? Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with us! ❤

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Amanda. There is no one set ratio for thinning craft paints for the simple reason that you just found out. Their thickness varies from brand to brand and even from color to color in the same brands. I shoot for the consistency of milk, or I guess a little thinner than a creamy consistency. Just remember using alcohol with cause the paint to dry extremely fast. Thar is why I use alcohol, so I can put down more layers faster. With that being said, do not let the paint just sit in your airbrush. Take care and thanks for the question.

[@heepinglu3486]

hi there, i'm very new to paint using air brush. may i know do you apply a primer before airbrushing the Acrylic so that it sticks to plastic? appreciate your advice :)

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hello Hee Ping Lu. Thanks for watching and commenting. As far as primers go, I rarely use them. That is because most of what I am painting are 3d printed items. If you are familiar with FDM 3d printed objects the you know they have texture to them just because of how they are printed. In this instance I just shoot a light layer of the paint I intend on using for the project as the primer coat. I let that first layer dry just a bit and then build up layers of paint until I get the coverage I am looking for. Now if you are painting let's say an injection molded model, like an automobile model then I would use a primer. Injection molded plastics are super smooth. I hope this helps.

[@ryurc3033]

One thing I will mention. If you have access to createx 4050 clear, add it to any water based acrylic, and it makes it a more durable acrylic urethane (I use it to paint lexan rc bodies). Wait 15 minutes for it to fully incorporate after mixing. It makes a very solid bond, and extremely durable finish. Good luck friend

[@SpaceCaptainLord]

Some questions, if you mix with alcohol and put it into a small glass bottle, how long will it keep? If mixing with water, do you just use tap/filtered water, or distilled water? Thanks for the video!!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Jonah. The only time I keep paint for an extended period of time is when I mix a custom color for a project and I only keep it for as long as it takes me to get that project painted, just in case I need to make any touch ups. I have kept paint for as long as a week in glass jars before I was finished with the project and disposed of the paint. I wouldn't suggest running it through your airbrush after a couple of days though because it will start to jell up in that glass jar. I use the paint I keep to touch up with a regular paint brush. Remember if you are going to run these cheap acrylics through your airbrush, clean, clean ,clean it immediately after your done painting. And I wouldn't be doing hour long paint sessions without at least wiping your paint cup out periodically and running some good airbrush cleaner through your brush. As far as water goes. I usually just use tap water. I mean if you have distilled water that would probably be better. Definitely less to no impurities in that. Thanks for the great questions.

[@susanugroves9957]

Can you please tell me the link to order the sieve or strainer you used to filter paint please. Im a total beginner. Thanks for the best lesson yet

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Susan. If you go back to that video there are links in the description of all the items I use including the strainers. Thank you for watching. Take care.

[@Dullboy_Jack237]

Are there any major differences with the quality of the finish using alcohol vs. water to dilue the paint?

[@PaulsRailroad]

I have not noticed any difference in the quality nor have I noticed any color variations between using alcohol vs water. I just prefer the alcohol simply because it flashes off much faster than water which helps the paint dry faster. Which means I can work faster. Now when I do any weathering / washes using the same acrylics I mix them with water. I think using water for washes gives me more flow and work time. Thanks for commenting.

[@Dullboy_Jack237]

@@PaulsRailroad thank you for taking the time to write a detailed response to my question. Very informative. Great channel. 👍

[@Robert-xp4ii]

This is beyond weird! Yesterday, I bought that exact Iwata spray gun (Neo by Iwata gravity feed $60) AND that exact brand of paints at Hobby Lobby. Different colors but still! I've never airbrushed yet but knew I could use any acrylic paint in the gun as long as the consistency was right. The paints were 30% off so I paid a whopping $.62 per 2oz bottle. The coincidence is still wild though. 😃 Damn, I only have a pancake compressor from Harbor Freight too. What's happening here???

[@PaulsRailroad]

All right. Are these alternate universes colliding. LOL Seriously that's great that you are getting started with airbrushing. If you run into any problems and have questions. Find me on Facebook. It's Paul's Railroad also. That way we can PM and not have to use the comment section of KZbin. Take care and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@vaindioux]

Learned a few things, thxs. I build a couple of models a year, i used to own an Iwata Eclipse i bought new. I had only problems with it, i know it’s me but i finnaly sold it. I bought an el cheapo one online from China, same look, gravity fed, pretty sturdy $40 shipped. I tried it a few times and loved it so much i bought a second one. I have used the first one for overs 10 years and it works fine, no sputter, no headaches, easy to clean. The 2nd one is still new in box never used. Go figure 👍🏻 Why do you remove the tip to airbrush? Sorry i missed why. Thxs for the tutorial on thinning these cheap craft paints. A guy glosses them sometimes and it seems they could be airbrushed on model cars, what do you think? Final question, you don’t prime first? Do you dullcote after? Thxs again

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks for the great questions. Removing the tip for me is an old habit left over from learning fine art painting. For one it allows me to get closer to the work for finer line detail. That is more for fine art painting. The big plus however is that sometimes the tip will get paint build up on it and it could come off as a spatter. Ask me how I know. LOL. As far as model car painting. I am currently working on one. I am using the cheap acrylics on it. Since model car bodies are so smooth I did use a rattle can primer first. Then I sprayed on my color. Now I noticed that the cheap acrylics did not give me a smooth finish like createx paints do, however for my project it didn't matter to me. Possibly if you put on enough coats you could wet sand it to get a smooth finish. Anyhow, I then applied a matte clear coat just to protect the paint. I am building a general lee and plan on painting the flag on the roof and the numbers on the doors using stencils. After I'm am done with all of that I am going to rattle can clear it with a glossy top coat. I hope I answered your questions. Take care and thanks again.

[@vaindioux]

@@PaulsRailroad You certainly did. Thxs a lot 👍🏻

[@6to6surf4]

Hi Paul, thanks for posting this video, what is your ratio of alcohol and acrylic paint? ive used 50:50 and the paint is stil very gummy. cheers

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey there 6to6surf. I don't have an exact ratio. I just add alcohol a little bit at a time until I get the consistency I want, which is a milk like consistency.

[@6to6surf4]

@@PaulsRailroad if its gummy should i add more alcohol?

[@PaulsRailroad]

If it's gummy then I think you have waited too long to use the paint. The alcohol evaporates the water which is what makes the paint dry quickly. If you don't plan on using the paint immediately then you may want to thin it with just water.

[@6to6surf4]

@@PaulsRailroad thanks paul

[@cindyward5105]

Great info from start to finish. I want to paint something now!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you so much, Cindy. Now get to painting. 😁

[@paulsymons7643]

I have a Badger 150. It's a syphon type. It works brilliant, but you cant seem to use small amounts of paint, which you can with a gravity type. I make models and sometimes just need bits of paint. Horses for courses I suppose. Great channel, just found you.👍

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you Paul for sharing. I have some siphon fed airbrushes also. Always had problems when the paint cup was getting empty, I would get spitting from the airbrush. Great name by the way. 😁

[@paulsymons7643]

@@PaulsRailroad Thanks for taking the time to reply, means something. Like I said just found your channel now a subscriber. Paul, it is a great name isn't it. All the best fella.🍷👍

[@animalyze7120]

Use the the siphon cup not the bottle for light work and you may have to raise your PSI a bit. Siphon feeds require more pressure to work. Paasche H usually comes with the metal cup that slides into the feed end, some brushes don't come with it but it can be had from many LHS stores for a few bucks.

[@newyork3226]

helping me out so much

[@PaulsRailroad]

That's awesome New York. That is all I want to do is help others. Thank you for watching.

[@beasleymatt8100]

I built a magnetic stirr out of an old computer fan and i mix paint in it, its much easier and allows me to do other stuff till it mixes, works greatbto make custom colors

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Beasley. You should make a video. I would love to learn how to make one for myself. Thank you.

[@beasleymatt8100]

@@PaulsRailroad there are a lot of videos that can show you how, you can 3d print the box or use a cheap wood box all you need is a old cooling fan from a laptop or computer or buy online for dollars you will need a strong earth magnet and a old 12v dc charger to power it, then cut a little iron slug and 3d pring a coating or coatbit in glue stick

[@beasleymatt8100]

@@PaulsRailroad oh and you can get a cheap potentiometer (speed control)

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks Beasley. Thank you for the info. I'm pretty sure I already have all of the parts you mentioned even a potentiometer.

[@billhayes7383]

Great video. I was wondering if i used 71% Isopropyl would it not dry as quickly, giving me more working time? Thanks

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Bill. I have used both 71% and 91%. You are correct. The 71 will give you a little more working time. I however rarely use IPA anymore. I'm now using plain old blue windshield washer fluid now. It doesn't turn the acrylic craft paints into a rubbery blob.

[@billhayes7383]

@@PaulsRailroad Thank you for the info about the windshield washing fluid.

[@judgeddreddful]

Great Video!! Gonna try some dollar store paint myself. Do you ever have issues with paint bubbling in the bowl, or out the cap vent hole.

[@PaulsRailroad]

LOL. Yeah I've had that problem. One of two reasons that I have come across. One it happens if I way overfill the paint cup, but the most usual suspect is a clogged needle. Either there is a physical clog like a large piece of pigment, or the paint is super thick. Thanks for the comment.

[@judgeddreddful]

@@PaulsRailroad thanks that's kinda what I was thinking time to start filtering my paint through a screen

[@PaulsRailroad]

Yeah. I even filter my createx paints which are airbrush paints that are supposed to be able to be used straight from the bottle.

[@MRNBricks]

Have you found that the alcohol bleaches the paint a bit? Every time I’ve done this, it dries significantly lighter than the bottle. Brush touch ups with straight paint don’t blend well.

[@PaulsRailroad]

First off. Sweet avatar. Love Lego. To answer your question, I haven't noticed much of a difference myself, but to be honest I also haven't compared a color to itself in that way either. Could it be that the paint brush is putting on a thicker coat of paint as compared to what the airbrush does? Regardless I don't use IPA as much anymore. I have converted to using blue windshield washer fluid to thin my cheap acrylics with. I have done a video over that method as well if you are interested.

[@MRNBricks]

@@PaulsRailroadthank you for the info. I’ll look up the video on the washer fluid. Interesting! Legos are fun. Especially when you’re I. Your 40s. 😂 I used your info to repair a pinball playfield. Should be one of the latest videos on my channel if you’re interested! Thanks for the help.

[@leventuzun]

very informative video; thanks. may I get your opinion on T182C Airbrush, please? You have it the whole set with the compressor in Walmart for $71.19. Will it do ok for a complete beginner?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Levent. Well I'm sure your going to like my answer, but I really cannot give an honest opinion on that airbrush simply because I have never used it nor do I recognize the brand name. From the images on the Walmart website it does look pretty solid and if the mini air compressor works as described that alone is almost worth the price. You never know until you try it out. It may be a great little setup. I would just make sure that it is returnable if it turns out not to be any good. Also if you do get it. Do yourself a favor and buy some specific airbrush paint when you are first learning. There is no need to put added anxiety on yourself by trying to thin out cheap craft paints at first. I use Createx airbrush paint and make sure you get their thinner as well. The mixture I usually for that is one to two drops of thinner to 5 drops of paint. And don't forget, no matter what paint you are using always strain your paint before loading up your airbrush. If you need strainers check in the description below thus video and I have Link to some great stainless steel strainers from Amazon that I have been using for years. I hope this helps. And thank you for asking a great question. Take care.

[@leventuzun]

@@PaulsRailroad wow, Paul. Thank you so much for the quick response. I really appreciate the time you have spent to answer my question. All the best..

[@markpr73]

Can I ask, why did you remove the needle nozzle before you started spraying? Have I missed some critical step that I should have been doing all along? I'm not having any issues that I'm aware of with splatters and my A/B seems to function normally so far. I should point out that I'm very new to airbrushing and I'm trying to pay close attention to what works for the majority of model builders.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Mark. It's a habit for me to remove the needle cap because I used to do a lot of fine art painting and I never wanted to take a chance of paint spatter from build up in the needle cap. Also with the cap off you can use your fingernails to scrape off any dried paint build up on the needle tip. But if your not having any problems run it the way you are. Thank you for commenting.

[@leventuzun]

Hello again. Since you are doing some informative experiments, may I ask you a question: Can we use tile and ceramic paint with an airbrush? Have you ever tried, or would you consider trying? Would it harm the airbrush? There are transparent tile and ceramic paints (glass and porcelain paint) that in my opinion are very similar to the transparent airbrush paints.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Levent. I have never thought of using ceramic paints through and airbrush. I don't know the properties of that type if paint. In other words I don't know if you could filter the paint like you should all paints. If you can filter it, then I don't see why you couldn't use it. I would use a cheap airbrush the first time, just in case that type of paint would damage it. And I would definitely wear some form of breathing protection. "You should always wear breathing protection". And as always. Make sure you clean your airbrush immediately after painting. If you try it, let us all know.

[@garysaulnier1223]

I want to paint wood garden creatures for grandchildren here in On. CA. what to use after Acrylic spray to last through winters here into next spring? I don't want to remove them every Fall, I rather rebuild if they will last a few winters!

[@paulratliff4116]

Hey Gary. Well I'm no expert when it comes to painting items for outdoors. Everything on my channel is based around model railroading. I have however in the past painted those cheap birdhouses you can pick up in most craft stores with acrylic craft paints. I used a water based polyurethane to help protect both the paint and the wood. If you go that route make sure it's water based and not oil based. Oil based will yellow quickly in the sun. Thanks for watching and for commenting.

[@shawnsingh387]

I use a sealant that protects the items from uv rays. You can find this at most home depot type places often with the outdoor furniture or in the paint section. I reapply the sealant once a year (after rinsing the outside stuff off well with the hose to remove built up dirt and letting the water dry)

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks for letting us know Shawn.

[@mpetersen6]

The inexpensive craft paints. Drop a nut or a couple of nuts in them to help mix the paint when shaking the bottle. For a mixer use a washer rwo washers that will fit through the opening. Weld or solder the washers so one sits perpindicular to the other. Then attach a 1/4 rod about 4 inches (100mm) long. Run at low speed with a cordless drill.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Great idea. 👍 Thank you.

[@mauraoreilly9997]

Hi I am new to air brushing. just got a compressor and not sure how to set the psi? can I get you advice please ?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hi Maura. Sorry for the late reply. I run my air pressure at 20 psi. As a matter of fact my next video is going to be a airbrush video for the complete beginner. I will be going more in depth on setting up you air compressor in this video. Stay tuned. And thank you very much for watching and commenting. Take care.

[@mauraoreilly9997]

@@PaulsRailroad thanks so much !!!

[@dicksmith3553]

Where did you get the rotary tables for your painting? What are they called

[@PaulsRailroad]

It's the Tamiya spray painting table. You can find them on Amazon.

[@mallorikerr4092]

Im beginning with airbrushing. I like colorful earrings and now that I can cut out wood earrings with my new laser engraver/cutter I want different color options.

[@PaulsRailroad]

That's awesome. If I may make a suggestion. Since you are cutting out wood earrings and going to be airbrushing them I would suggest you spray them with a wood sealer first. That way when you airbrush them you will get an even color. I would also spray a matte or gloss clear coat over them after you are done painting just to protect the paint. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mallorikerr4092]

@@PaulsRailroad thank you

[@nzs23]

Hi. I bought Creatology Kid's Washable paint. Do you think I can use it to airbrush? Thanks.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey nzs23. I have zero knowledge of the paint you are asking about. The best I can say is to give it a try. As long as you are comfortable in cleaning your airbrush well, see how and if it works. That's how we all learn.... Thanks for commenting. Let me know how it works if you try it.

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

Learning to thin paint, and what paints need thinning is a must. When I started Airbrushing the darn thing ate my lunch, I mean way more aggravating then learning Golf! I struggled and had to clean my Airbrush way too many times, every time I cleaned my Airbrush it sprayed water perfect, light bulb moment, I will use one pressure setting and start all my paints thin? I did thin all my paints and thicken as needed, worked out perfectly for me, LEARN YOUR PAINTS, IMHO they almost all need thinning, also learn how to clean your Airbrush properly, I paint Fishing Lures, so many of my lures use a base color of white, white is a royal PITA, because you use so much paint when putting on a base for 15-20 lures, it really screwed the pouch in the Airbrush. (Learn to/when to clean your Airbrush) what I learned was that painting so many at one time dried paint on my needle and the inside of the walls of the nozzle, blocking any paint coming out. My cure was simple, put enough in the bowl to paint 3-4 lures, then rise the bowl with water, wipe the bowl with a rag, and spray my homemade cleaner at high air pressure through the Airbrush. No more problem! Now I use a Paasche H airbrush for my base coats, the H is a single action, Venturi effect Airbrush, no chamber to get plugged, tuff as nails, no clogging Airbrush.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks for the comment Mark. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one out that struggled in the beginning of my airbrushing adventures with the same types of issues. And you are absolutely correct that most paints need thinning. I have paints specifically made for airbrushing that is supposedly ready to paint right out of the bottle and I still thin them to get a nice flow. As far as drying in the gun goes. I think I have mentioned in almost every video that I have done talking about airbrushing that the acrylic craft paints I use are the worst when it comes how fast they dry. Especially when I'm thinning them with isopropyl alcohol. You mentioned you clean out your airbrush between each paint cup fills. You wipe it out and run water through it. If I'm painting quite a bit that I need to refill the paint cup, I don't wipe it out between fills, unless I'm changing color. I'll just squirt a little airbrush cleaner in the cup and let that spray through the nozzle / needle to clean off any buildup. I also paint with the needle tip protector off and use my finger nails to scape off any buildup that occurs while painting. That works for me and keeps the work flowing faster. Have you ever tried using a specific airbrush cleaner instead of just water?

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

@@PaulsRailroad yes I do use a Airbrush cleaner by Createx, works great. My Homemade cleaner is 1/2 gal auto window washer fluid, 1 quart 91% alcohol, 1 quart of Fantastic cleaner, cheap and works good, I use the Createx cleaner sparingly. Water is just to flush out the bowl between colors and cleaning between long runs of the same paint.

[@PaulsRailroad]

That's awsome that you make your own cleaner. I just use the Createx cleaner myself. Do you know if the fantastic has ammonia in it? Asking because when the isopropyl alcohol became scarce I was looking at alternative methods to thin the acrylic paints and I came across some people using windex, but they said to make sure it doesn't have ammonia in it. Apparently ammonia wrecks havoc on any rubber components in the airbrush.

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

@@PaulsRailroad I do believe that ammonia if left on chrome will attack it, since most Airbrush’s have chrome it’s not a good thing, but, I can’t see that ammonia would cause any issues just as a on/off cleaner, I will look tomorrow if it has ammonia, so far not any issues with it.

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

@@PaulsRailroad fantastic does not have ammonia in it.

[@russellmattingly8473]

I use a sonic parts cleaner to mix the paint just put the container in the bowel and turn it on.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Russell. That's a great idea. You should post a video showing it. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it. Take care.