FineScale Modeler: Decanting Spray Paint for use in your airbrush

Learn more about building, painting weathering, and finishing scale models at FineScale.com/V...
In this installment of Scale Model Basics, we show you how to decant spray paint. Decant is a pretty wonky word, but basically, you're spraying the paint out of the pressurized can and capturing it in a container. Why? So you can use the spray paint for airbrushing, of course!
00:47 Supplies to decant spray paint
01:27 A bit about safety
02:00 Prepare the reservoir and spray can
03:31 Let's decant!
04:31 Allow the paint to gas-out
Thanks for watching and happy modeling!
For more stories about how to build scale models, subscribe to FineScale Modeler magazine here and save! ssl.drgnetwork...

[@mitchellambrose2293]

This came at the right moment, I am planning to use spray paint in my new airbrush. Thank you for this useful information! 👍

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You are very welcome! We hope the painting goes as planned.

[@RobotJeeg]

Very good! I knew that the paint is initially full of gas but it's the first time I see it in action

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks! Yep. Be sure to let it settle down before spraying it through your airbrush.

[@friktionrc]

Thank you so so much for making this. No idea how it came up in my feed, but glad it did. I’ve been getting used to spray painting Rc shells and recently got myself a ‘wireless’ airbrush. I’ve got a few jars of paint specifically for the airbrush, but as I still have and use spray cans I want to make use of those with my airbrush too…you have just opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me. Well done, many thanks A greatful ‘newbie’ 😂 Ps liked and subscribed 🙏😎🤟🇬🇧🇺🇸🇱🇰

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks for watching, subscribing, and we're glad to help!

[@EvilEye501]

Very helpful! Might try this out; I've been content just decanting a very small amount of paint into a plastic cup "on the go" and then pouring it into my airbrush, which in my experience cuts out the degassing time entirely, but this looks far more efficient.

[@blackthorne1497]

Well explained, and thanks for the safety tip.

[@Dinglezz]

Try this at your own risk. I take full cans and make a small puncture hole in the top dome. Once the air is out you can put a small screw to seal and keep.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Sorry, dude, but if you have to start advice with "try this at your own risk," it is not advice we're gonna get behind.

[@PlasticImaginationWorkshop]

Great video and "how to". I have see a lot of folks do this the wrong way and your process is spot on. Thanks for making this video, looking forward to seeing more of these. Have a great day. -David

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Your welcome, thanks for the compliments and for watching.

[@josephdemarco1042]

Can we use a water seal to allow vapo out and keep air out?

[@chuchuchip]

I guess it pays to watch videos on what you know about. I have not tried decanting paint yet (I find more colors in bottles than in spray cans). This was the 1st video I've seen (and have seen many) that mentions letting the paint sit to degas. I did not know this! Never saw the "cover the bottle" step either. Thanks for the information.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@howardharaway2259]

What this guy fails to mention is whether the decanted paint should be thinned more ? I am using Rustoleum enamel spray paint. When I use testors bottle enamel , I use 2 parts paint to 1 part lacquer thinner. The lacquer thinner works better then enamel thinner cuz it dries faster. I sometimes shoot 13 coats. However, I don't think , i know I can't get away with that with decanted paint unless its thinned .

[@adrionbaker3074]

Tim Allen? Is it really you?

[@mohandassuvarna6627]

These paints r difficult to clean. the airbrush gets clogged after using it.I always clean my airbrush with IPA n water. But these spray paints r difficult to clean

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Not all spray paints are the same. If you are decanting lacquer or enamel spray paints and airbrushing them, you should use the appropriate thinner to clean your airbrush. Isopropyl alcohol may work with some paints for cleaning your airbrush--mainly acrylics, although you should be careful trying to use alcohol to clean Vallejo acrylics. For enamels or lacquers, use enamel or lacquer thinner, respectively, then flush your airbrush with water.

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

Once it is done degassing. Do you need to add thinners or oils to it for long term storage? Or can you just put the lid on it as is and it won't dry out???

[@ShiftedGames]

Yes you should be adding a few drops of thinner depending on the jar size.

[@andyrodrii1495]

Saludos amigó, exelente video me gustaría que nos dieras una demostración en una maqueta para mostrarnos las diferencias con el ariosol y el de frasco gracias un fuerte saludo para tu canal 👏👏🤗👍🇲🇽

[@bobbyalford8287]

I just learned the hard way that you should NOT put a popsicle stick (OR ANYTHING ELSE) into the paint while the chemicals air off. The paint was not bubbling, but rather a slow roll like a pot of water heating up. As soon as I stuck the stick into the paint it erupted like a volcano. Unfortunately I was holding it at the time so I now look like a giant Smurf. So don’t do what I did!

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Oh, no! Good tip!

[@danngrant2718]

Just a thought but could you swap out the top with a WD40 nozzle and use the supplied straw?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

As long as you've not sprayed WD40 through either, maybe. This way is completely disposable and you don't have to worry about cross contamination.

[@nmmlo]

Excellent tip! Thanks for sharing the video.

[@kosh142]

i have been fed up of making nothing but a nasty mess when tryng to decant spray paint, untill i watched and tried this method, the only mess i had was the tape around the nozel when removing it. Big thankyou for sharing this, its saved me time and costs, and given me mess free. Again Thankyou.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Glad we could help you and thank you for watching!

[@deelee9712]

Awesome video. Can you please do a video demonstrating how to deal with resin parts in cutting, sanding and painting them with safety in mind. As a beginner resin is daunting and scary. Thank you for the brilliant content.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks! We'll take a look and see what we can to for you.

[@blebleh666]

Can it be used in markers or will dry up inside?

[@CosminCosyCodes]

I just tried this for the first time with a can of mr surfacer white, and I let it sit over night. I went to poor it into a different jar and it foamed and overflowd out of the jar like a soda. 2-3 hours isn't enough for some paints.

[@capnbrunch9612]

So my struggle to find an air paint match for wraith one is over!!!

[@rillsleather]

What happens when you let it sit and then come back to find a clear liquid on top? Is this the propellant? Do I need to mix it up again and maybe warm it up a bit to encourage it to evaporate?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Hi Rills: If it's not bubbling anymore, the propellant has gassed off. The color has settled and the clear is the carrier. Go ahead and stir your paint thoroughly and then apply via your airbrush.

[@bigeddie1231]

cool video sir

[@aurfalien]

I've seen some shake the can prior to decanting and others not. Which is preferred?

[@plasticbuzzardmodelshop9715]

👍👍

[@mikejungferman4744]

Gloves help for sure, I've tried cutting the can and pouring out the paint in jars, but you leave a lot of paint in the can, so no good, I've tried this way just without gloves and straws , so I'm gonna give it another shot , no pun intended, thanks for the video

[@hobbyanything]

do you put leveling thinner before starting airbrush? also how do you clean it after that?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

finescale.com/videos/how-to-videos/2017/02/airbrushing-with-aaron-part-3-keeping-it-clean

[@mikebreazeale2563]

are you guys still in business ? I've been trying to order a new subscription on the phone and no one has answered for the last two days. please let me know...

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

We are! Best place to subscribe is via our website: apps.kalmbach.com/newsletters/subscriptions.aspx If you have any questions, call 1-800-533-6644. Thanks!

[@rodmack4682]

I decant right in to my airbrush I have no problems

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

If it works for you, great! We, however, recommend decanting into a reservoir and letting the paint degas before using. Thanks for watching!

[@johnagorman]

Exactly what i needed to know. Thank you!

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marcellobarr1659]

Great tutorial!

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thank you!

[@goforitpainting]

It is a very interesting video. Thank you!

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Glad you liked it!

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevepritchard3970]

I have so far got away with attaching the straw to the nozzle with blu tack rather than tape. I also haven't found I need a rubber glove (or anything else) covering the receiving jar. I think the propellent escapes more easily if there is no cover. I do transfer the paint outdoors or in the garage, just to be on the safe side.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks for sharing

[@martinazariancriminaldefen3081]

This an excellent educational video. One of the most frustrating things about modeling is finding a bottled paint to match spray paint. This technique solves the problem. No more guess work. Decant and use just like bottled paint. Thank you.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thank you. We're glad it was helpful!

[@schuhmansmodelshop8657]

Great video and very helpful

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks!

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding video and presentation

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thank you very much!

[@davew3130]

Thanks for another great video. A tip is if decanting paints or primers from the same manufacture, example Krylon, try modifying the spray nozzle so it can be used again. I use a Dremel to hollow out the inside of plastic spray nozzle to snuggly fit the drinking straw. If you do this right it stays firmly in place and doesn’t require tape, and after use can be cleaned and ready for the next decant. Krylon Colormax primer plus paint, either black, gray, or white as long as it is matte or flat finish , Thinned with acetone, is my go to primer that can be decanted and airbrushed. It’s Very thin, grips like crazy, sandable after 24 hours, and inexpensive

[@ShiftedGames]

15 Minutes is long enough to let the gas escape... Unless you're only using a very small hole to let the gas escape. No need for 2-3 hours...

[@itsagundam79]

Is that 15 minutes just for immediate use, or for long term storage too?