Hairspray Technique

[@lonniedotson4295]

As a former tank commander (A troop 3/4 US Cav, 25th inf) I like the concern you show with realism, nice work

[@rurushu8094]

Lonnie Dotson I know I'm really late, but thank you for your service!

[@xsamitt]

@@rurushu8094 I am even later but still...Thank you Lonnie!

[@ScaleModelMedic]

excellent questions... these are good points you raise. Clearcoating the rust first then adding the hairspray - that should work fine ! I don't see a problem with that. It might be a wise precaution... maybe experiment with your brands of clearcoat and see how it works out. As for spraying from the can, the main reason I don't do it is because you have no control over the pressure or spray size coming out. It would blast masking from the model, cause runs..the airbrush just gives control.

[@IncomCustoms]

Read about this technique in various model kit magazines, but actually seeing it done is very informative. Will try this one of these days, thanks!

[@newtechgs7471]

I don't even build models, yet I come here to watch your vids as they are strangely satisfying lol. Fantastic stuff

[@oneslowride]

Brilliant! I've heard of hairspray used in weathering. Making a wash and such. But this is a new idea. Keep them coming! We all enjoy em.

[@darrenhillman8396]

Thanks for the tip. I'm coming back to military modelling soon, but in 1/16 scale rather than 1/35 and I look forward to applying your technique to the larger scale.

[@chrisjones8577]

That's a brilliant tutorial Jon. I'm working on some Ork models for my Warhammer 40K army, and wasn't sure how I should proceed after applying the hairspray. This has given me much more confidence. Thank you!

[@TheoPrins]

Great tutorial! I have been experimenting with the hairspray myself and had some problems with removing the paint with a brush, the cocktail pick is an excellent tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@Lennysmash84]

Absolutely superb tutorial there mate. You're a true artist that's for sure.

[@BennyCFD]

Here's another tool in your model painting tool box. I was recently experimenting and practicing my airbrush skills and new techniques. I discovered that acrylic floor wax is one of the most versatile products out there. Not only does it work as a finish clear coat (with several lite coats it can be very glossy), but it works as the perfect thinner for acrylics. The biggest advantage is it's designed to dry water resistant/repelent, plus it is designed to be very durable to be walked on, can be washed with warm soapy water. So I now just dilute my acrylic paint, let it completely dry then add the second color I want to chip, Then do whatever chipping i need to do. Also I forget to say, because of the properties I described above just add the color of your choice it can work as a primer, or you can just use it as a primer/finish coat. No need for a separate primer.

[@maddtaggz]

BennyCFD thanks for that tip mate

[@antonioj358]

I just read this, I'm very interested. What brand is or product name?. And thanks for sharing!!!. Really very interesting.

[@zardoz53]

what brand of floor wax, please?

[@drakkonis418]

What a pro technique, thank you. Question: When using the hair spray through the air-brush, should the gun be cleaned immediately after? I am assuming it could gum up the needle with a vengeance? Or does it clean up with no problems? Thanks again.

[@securityrobot]

Superbly done, superb finishes and shades of realism.

[@GeneticVehicle]

This channel is a gold mine

[@skellop5921]

Hi medic. Thanks for the informative tutorial. Seeing it done explains a lot better than simply reading about it.

[@reloadersjournal]

Nice video and thank you for showing us the technique. I'm new to airbrushing and was wondering how you go about cleaning hairspray out of the air brush. Do you just use airbrush cleaner or do you have to use something stronger. I don't know if it matters, but I have a Badger Patriot 105.

[@psyberwolfe]

Great Tutorial. Do you have top use aerosol hairspray or can you use pump hairspray?

[@buddyboy1953]

Excellent video. Your attention to detail is excellent. I learned a lot,thanks,Buddyboy.

[@mike937739]

Great video. I have not seen "The Hairspray Technique" before. Looks like a good way to weather.

[@Gott0300]

Very nice video, thanks for sharing your knowledge!!! I've tried this before, also on a muffler, but I used an old toothbrush to gently brush the paint off, leaving a very random chip pattern. At the moment I'm going to use this technique to do a worn whitewash on a Tiger I. I don't have a video camera, but I'll try to take some pictures and make a short vid of it.. Keep up the good work!!! :)

[@astrospud]

Wonderful tutorial, and a beautifully detailed model. Thanks for sharing, Jon. Marc

[@Polones12]

Great tutorial. So far I've only tried color stop for similar effect but it doesn't always give me all control over final effect. I'll try that technique next but...to have rust effect on exhaust pipe I use dry vallejo pigments on wet paint for unevenness in color and texture so can I still use hairspray without spoiling that effect?

[@jiidee]

@ScaleModelMedic If one was concerned about going down too hard, would it be possible to clear coat the rust layer, then put the hairspray on top? or to yu recon the hairspray would bond to the clear? I know you'll end up clear coating the whole lot afters but.. Also, is decanting the hairspray into an airbrush strinctly necesary? or is it just because you have one to hand and can? I imagine just spraying it straight wouldn't give good results, but you don't seem to be adverse to painting it on.

[@motionboy356]

Many thanks for a very informative tutorial. Going to try it immediately. After you did this technique to your liking, you could add a varnish...or a dull coat to protect it? Like say, using Microscale Flat or even a Tamiya Clear with enough matt base? Only reason I'm asking is if what I asked above can be done, one could then add washes and streaks without so much worry afterward, correct?

[@spidiq8]

I take it the Hairspray dissolves in water meaning cleaning the AB after decanting and spraying hairspray through it is as simple as flushing through with water? or does it require IPA, thinners?

[@charliezulublue]

Thanks for the video, what airbrush and compressor do you use.

[@TeamFlazh]

is the technique the same compare to use the conventional weathering to create rust?

[@stonedfish99]

yep you do

[@JamesBrowningII]

Very nice. My FOW tanks and Warmchine 'Jacks will be getting some of this done to them. Thank you for posting this!

[@pathdaly]

SMM, I used the hairspray technique for the first time recently on the Tamiya 1/35th Citroen for a worn winter cam scheme over Panzer Grey. While the results werent bad, I used the spray straight from the can so the control wasnt as good as I wouldve liked. Id like to ask you, when you decant it and spray through the airbrush, do you dilute it with anything?

[@jjp_nl]

I've been looking into working with this technique as well. Not for chipping a tank but working on a Japanese WW2 airplane which often have a good chipped look to them. Here's the thing, I use the same paints as you, but I keep getting a reaction between the hairpspray coat and my Vallejo top coat. It ends up looking like a dried out piece of desert ultimately with large chucks of top coat just falling off. Any idea what might cause this? Perhaps my hairspray coat isn't dry/hardened enough?

[@jaja1818]

@ScaleModelMedic ic..so whatever you put on top of the hairspray that coat would be really sensitive to water but not whats under the coat of the hairspray?or should i coat it with clear before i coat it with hairspray so that it would protect the main color?this is a awsome technique..thanks for the vid!cheers

[@jiidee]

i'm asssuming the hairspray is to seal the rust layer in so you don't chip through it. Does it need to be hairspray? would a standard sealer not work just as well? Or is there something about the hairspray that makes the technique work better?

[@DerSpielerMabuse]

Well done, really informative. Thanks for that!!! Do you have to use Acrylics colours or can you use Enamel as well?

[@spidiq8]

@ScaleModelMedic Thanks. I'm planning on trying this for the first time very soon but just wondered in case i decant the hairspray though with the coverage i'm planning I may just spray straight from the tin.

[@LTModels]

Great video!! i admire ur techniques, do you come up with them? I dont even own an airbrush yet but cant wait to get one. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this and i hope some day i can be an inspiration to others as you are to me!!

[@Azmodeas]

I dont own an airbrush. Can i still get these results with using a brush? Nice video btw

[@ScaleModelMedic]

I clicked on REMOVE instead of REPLY to one of you guys' comments !! Sorry about that !! If you've posted a comment and cant' see it - please repost ! I was trying to reply to you !

[@philippe762]

Hey, that panzer grey, what paint did you use and what are the color numbers, and how did you airbruch your model with shades and highlights. It is a very good panzer grey color, well done.

[@ScaleModelMedic]

check my video on colour modulation,all the codes for pain are listed in there

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@sorrowman2 tough one... there's a few things that might have affected it. Like spidiq8 says the brand of hairspray may contain something that the paint doesn't like, additional perfumes or conditioners perhaps (man I sound like a hairdresser now). Another thing that can affect it is the thickness of the hairspray layer. Experiment with thinner layers, thicker layers etc.

[@48rsn]

Good tutorial, n scaler- model railroading here, you right us train guys will find this technique very useful. Its been given a link in some RR'ing forums.

[@lundergaard]

How long did you wait after spraying the panzer gray before brushing on the water and then chipping?

[@Hammerpaints]

arr man thats sweet advice... i play 40k and i can see endless ways of appling this technique thank you

[@jiminboo]

Very nice... too realistic! ^_^ I use Mr. Color lacquers a lot. Do you think this could be done with Gunze's line of acrylic lacquers?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@svinehunden this was the last video I had filmed on the old camera. I am doing some filming now with the 1080p, it's not working out so great, I am having trouble getting everything I want into the shots, it's a lot different to my old camera.

[@Peterraev]

Hi Scale model Medic. Great tutorial, I'm modeling HO scale trains, so thanks for the Vids on Weathering a Boxcar as well. Do you know if the Hairspary Tecnique will work with Enamel paint as top layer? Best Peter

[@earlyhemibill]

Do you think that hair spray applied with a brush could be used to mask off aircraft canopy glass in order to paint the framework?

[@theilliniguy]

Do you have to water/chip right away or can you come back to the painted part days later and water/chip?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@AnimePrayer salt chipping is another method for getting this finish. I haven't covered it on here, perhaps I will do it in future.

[@ScaleModelMedic]

yes of course I do :) I haven't gone, I'm just kept very busy somewhere else! I hope to upload again at some point. Regarding your question the time after application is not a set factor really, it also affects how easily the paint comes off. If you start applying the water straight after the paint is touch dry it will probably slough off in big, flexible sheets whereas an overnight dry and it will probably take some real effort to remove. I would say try a couple of hours for normal chips.

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@vintagestarwars This is a good question. The hairspray technique IS used across a whole video, and theoretically there shouldn't be any kind of reaction which would cause the hairspray to stop responding to the water. The only suggestion I can offer is try spraying some old sprue with the hairspray and then leave it for a while to see if it still works. I intend to use a whole-model whitewash doing this technique so I will find out firsthand some day !

[@noonsight2010]

Great technique and excellent results. Thanks for sharing.

[@profklyzlr]

Dear SMM, is there any chance this would work _without_ spraying the hairspray thru an airbrush? IE assuming enough masking of the model, could it still work direct from the can?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

I cleaned the brush out with water after spraying. Even if it gums up afterwards a quick blast of airbrush cleaner will sort it out. I use badger airbrush cleaner which contains acetone. As the Iwata contains no rubber seals in the forward part of the brush I can clean with solvents no problem. If you do airbrush hairspray then just give it a good rinse through with water straight after and you'll be fine !

[@mikloowl4899]

Prior to adding the hairspray, do you cover the undercoat with a dull laquer coat?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

I think this one's a personal preference, it might help protect the Base colour but it's also another chemical to potentially react with the hairspray. I don't use the varnish personally

[@blank5390]

Out standing job friend! very realistic

[@ScaleModelMedic]

oh and the first video is going to take a little while, right now my garage is a little too cold to paint in so I need to get a heater in there.

[@ScaleModelMedic]

any sponge can work, try getting different sizes for different effects. I used the makeup sponges because they give very close dots, perfect for rust. Other types like dish sponge would be good for chipping. In the UK you can get these from any high street cosmetics place, like boots or superdrug.

[@rokstoned]

Great video, is there an English version?

[@militariacollector1]

What airbrush are you using? Thanks.

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@DerSpielerMabuse no it must be acrylic or the water won't get through to dissolve the hairspray!

[@pathdaly]

@ScaleModelMedic Right thanks for the tip. Have you ever tried combining the hairspray method and the salt method? Im thinking of trying it to see what happens. I havent even tried the straight salt method yet though, but I might try the 2 of them at once on two different models.

[@staceycain5310]

Is it possible to do this over large areas?

[@Blacknote1965]

Very easy to follow instructions, excellent tutorial. Thanks

[@cunneyes]

I have this video saved and i've referred others to it often. I always wonder how you got that base coat, what were the colours and the mix?

[@Kshatriya-bz8dd]

Hi, nice video...got a new subscriber..do you know any good clear paint sealer I been using modpoge but it tends to fade the pain a bit specially on metallics...

[@gregoryrush1643]

what are you using for the shiny bare metal on the tools before you hairspray and chip them?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

Mr colour buffable metals

[@shockmac]

Can you use pure acrylics to do this?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@awesomepaintjob hi mate. This is the second of the 2 videos I said I still had in the old format. This is it for the old quality. I had this all filmed and done back in november, it's just taken a long time for me to get it edited and uploaded. Any video after now will be done in HD !

[@iceman500PD]

Well done! Very detailed and neat. Well done!

[@ScaleModelMedic]

The hairspray is not to seal the rust layer, but rather to put a water-soluble layer underneath the panzer grey I sprayed on. When the panzer grey is brushed with tap water, this soaks through and dissolves the hairspray, allowing the paint to flake off like it does. If you used a varnish or lacquer coat the acrylic paint will grip and you will struggle to chip it off... certainly not as easy as you see in the video.

[@ScaleModelMedic]

Once the paint dries it will stay on the model just fine. It's only when water loosens the hairspray coat that anything happens. You don't need to add a varnish but you could if you wanted

[@statiiic]

Are you using Acrylic paint or Enamel?

[@TheHughyg]

What do you use to clean out your airbrush after the hairspray?

[@grimthoughts]

As always...amazing. Very nice job.

[@mycroftwells3804]

Would you say that the hairspray technique is superior to the masking fluid technique?

[@Asianlolita]

How do you clean the hairspray out of the airbrush?

[@officialclownbusiness7788]

that rust looks amazing! I'm going to have to try that on the undercarriage of one of my model cars. thanks for the tip. :)

[@fredhandrix]

Very, very, very nice work !

[@jmkas1]

Would a dullcote layer before the hairspray provide any benefit?

[@cheech381]

Excellent! never heard/seen that technique done B4. (GW likes to shelter us mortals from these master methods I think!) But is there anything special u must do 2 clean a brush/airbrush that u've used ur loving tools with? I mainly use acrylics.... PS I'm glad I've found U on here.. U really make me want 2 pull out my old Tamiya Tiger Tank & do that "Kelly's Hero's" diorama project I've promised myself I'd do ...1 day... :) Keep up the great work I(we) really appreciate it.

[@TheSteamBigot]

I have a question and hopefully you still monitor these comments. How long does the paint have to dry after you apply it over the hairspray?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@jaja1818 because clear coat will not dissolve when you wet it with water.

[@dc9828]

I had never thought of that. Thanks. I am just starting to weather my models. Great tip

[@errarehumanumest3810]

QUESTION I am using enamel paint since acrylics seem not to stick to the plastic of my model kits. Using enamel paints for the silver base coating and later for the camouflage, how would the hairspray method be done in this case?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@spidiq8 I cleaned mine out with water, worked perfectly. If you feel there's a bit of residue in there then perhaps give it a squirt through with your usual cleaner. I had a can of badger spray cleaner which I used to use, that would clean just about anything out !!

[@freshoutafolsom20]

cant seam to find a video for makeing your paint look faded any help ive done the rust i just dont mwant my paint to look new useing flat & mat color still looks tow nice when test spraying

[@ScaleModelMedic]

I don't airbrush any of vallejo's normal paints, just the model AIR range. Their normal range doesn't lend itself well to airbrushing at all. The hairspray stays wet for quite a while. As you see in the video, I only use a little bit in the airbrush. I just washed it out afterwards it was fine.

[@matthewcaruk4599]

thanks for this video. Very informative. How do you clean your airbrush after running the hairspray through it?

[@grantjohnstone9787]

I would assume shampoo would do the job.

[@Myles0Harcourt]

Would you suggest using enamel or acrylic paints?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

absolutely do not use enamels as the water won't get through

[@Myles0Harcourt]

Thanks :)

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@flyboyfx you shouldn't have any problem using acrylic over acrylic ! I don't know anything about this krylon stuff though - do a test on the underside of the tank first.

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@furloph rock salt is a good technique but this gives you complete control and lets you model things like scratches etc.

[@haiichuu]

What gloss varnishes do you recommend?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@Peterraev Hi Peter, don't use enamels !!! they will not allow water to pass through and wet the hairspray beneath ! This could be a disaster for you. There is nothing wrong with using enamels UNDERNEATH the hairspray but acrylic is what you need over the top of it :) cheers, Jon

[@leifashley]

If for some reason the model got wet, would this be an issue with the hairspray under the paint?

[@ScaleModelMedic]

yeah possibly, you could potentially "float" a large area of the base colour. it probably wouldn't come off but it would wrinkle in places. over time the resin hardens in the hairspray but there's always a risk

[@greencarelandscapes]

would this work on the vehicle itself i.e. on corners and stuff......... paint the whole tank first, then paint rust on topof that coat, followed by hairsray, then a coat of original tank colour, then scrape it off? im working on a c7p polish artillery tractor and want to give it a bit of wear n tear?

[@calebnichols7509]

is the panzer gray acrylic or enamel?

[@pirkkalapalolento5968]

What is the name of the music playing on back?? I have heard it somewhere else as well but never found out the name of it.

[@jaja1818]

can i ask why hairspray rather than clear coat??

[@hsippog]

Nice and clear. The only improvement would be to give some approximate recommended drying times for the hairspray/ paint as you go along.

[@ScaleModelMedic]

@Nanabunga I don't actually know if Adam did "invent" the hairspray technique or not. It's been around for a long time, I've not actually seen Adam post anything on the boards which used this method. For me the true master of this technique is mr Michael Rinaldi. His recent models on Missing Lynx have been nothing short of incredible. He is the reason I started using the method, after seeing what can be done with it.

[@link670]

Very interesting, while I can't use this right now (I play 40k tyranids) I'll certainly keep this technique in mind if I ever go mech.