How To Airbrush For Beginners!

Come along with me as we go through the basic use of an airbrush to get started in the wonderful world of airbrushings. Check the chapters below to jump to the section you need help with.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:08 - Setting Up Your Airbrush
07:21 - Attaching Your Airbrush To An Air Source
11:32 - Setting Up The Air Compressor
15:06 - Controlling Your Airbrush
16:31 - Practice Painting With Water
19:57 - Different Types Of Paints For Airbrushing
24:18 - Why We Prep Your Airbrush Paint
25:41 - Thinning Airbrush Paint
27:27 - Filtering Your Paints And Loading The Airbrush
29:05 - Practicing Dots And Lines With Paint "Finally"
31:43 - Painting Spoons And "Why"
35:26 - Cleaning Your Airbrush
42:01 - Taking Your Airbrush Completely Apart
43:04 - Putting It Back Together
47:03 - Important Information
Check Out The Links Below To Check Out Some Of The Items I Used In This Video.
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
Wicked Airbrush Paint Primary Colors amzn.to/3omQooq
Portable Airbush System amzn.to/433xXnM
Createx Airbrush Cleaner amzn.to/3qcg5s3
Stainless Steel Strainer For Your Paints amzn.to/3MwIfFN
Iwata Airbrush Cleaning Mat amzn.to/3MUAZ7W
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be
affiliate links. If you purchase a product or services with
the links that I provide I may receive a small commission.
There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting
Paul's Railroad so I can continue to provide you with video content.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (it's free)bit.ly/PaulsRailroad

[@bladerj]

you survived independence day ! glad you found a new healthier hobby.

[@PaulsRailroad]

I don't know why people keep getting me confused with Will Smith. LOL

[@bladerj]

@@PaulsRailroad auhuahuahahha good one

[@CorporateCornholio]

@@PaulsRailroad I think it has to do with how you slapped those cheap big box store paints, that was savage.

[@dragonsbreath6080]

Literally 1st thing that came to mind when I started watching

[@petermuller6923]

I'm starting airbrushing and watched dozens of beginner and advanced videos, most on much bigger channels. There were many good videos, few bad ones, but this video was by far the best. There was no other video that could show all the important basics in just 45 minutes and i did not find anything wrong about your techniques. I still learned some new things, e.g. noone i watched explained, that you measure working pressure, while the trigger is pushed (even though it feels absolutely logical, after you showed it).

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I am glad that my video was helpful.

[@lanalorenzen]

I'm 72 years old. I'd love to be the Grandma Moses of airbrush painting! I live within the most incredible national parks in the contiguous United States: Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef with the Grand Canyon North Rim just a few hours away. Southern Utah has some of the most spectacular geology and state and federal parks in the world--absolutely world class. I want to paint them in such a way as to do them the justice they deserve. Thank you so much for helping me start on this journey, Paul!

[@PaulsRailroad]

That is awesome. I so badly want to visit the area you live in someday.

[@user-ud5xw8ox8g]

You GO girl! Paint ever beautiful scene you can find.

[@AussieVeteran71]

Once you’ve mastered those parks , you should take a trip to Australia and visit Uluru and the 3 sisters and areas in Northern Territory and Western Australia as they are in the north of Australia (tropical regions) , but the closer you go to the coast you meet up with one very angry Aussie the Salt Water Crocodiles and you’ll also see the less dangerous Freshwater Crocodiles . While in the south like Victoria had several volcanoes and has a lot of granite rock mountains which are spectacular when wet just like the north area , and South Australia and New South Wales has some great areas as well and don’t forget Queensland with the Glasshouse Mountains and the Daintree Rainforest -- just recently Uluru had waterfalls and that’s a rare occurrence

[@paigeparadigm8172]

I need a grandma! Especially of any kind of painting! You are amazing! Learning new skills especially with art is so much fun! I am planning on going full van life next year and hope to visit all the parks! I can see why you want to learn airbrush for the ombré in the horizons. Go girl! Hope it’s going well for you, learning something new always gets frustrating but keep at it! A lady like you will have this mastered in no time! You’ve got real life experience

[@Beth-dl6br]

I’m not far from you, kinda sorta, near Scottsdale. How are you coming along with your airbrush painting?? I’m kinda a Moses myself it’s been forever since I did airbrush in school. Trying to get that going again…. Thankyou for your input!

[@JacobS-vb3rp]

Just bought my 1st airbrush.Waiting on it to come in the mail. Your video has been super helpful. Especially with the assembly/disassembly of the brush itself. Just subscribed. Looking forward to seeing More videos. Keep up the good work 👍

[@michaeljones9195]

This is the best air brush how to Channel I have seen so far. I wish the Channel was avaliable ten years ago. The air brush Channel fully explains the use, the cleaning, how to mix the paint, and the important of filtering your air brush paint. I was very impressed the detail was explained. Good job on your part. Infack, the Channel should be shown at a art class. Mike

[@PaulsRailroad]

Wow. Now that is a compliment. Thank you so much. And thank you for watching. I am glad my video was helpful. Take care.....

[@ronp924]

I am new to airbrushing in fact I haven't used the airbrush I bought yet. I'm very impressed with your method of teaching, I will definitely be back!😊

[@yvonnedare6124]

I am so happy I found you! Thank you so much for this. I just bought my first airbrush and had no real idea how to even use it. This is something I wanted to do years ago, but with a controlling husband who wouldn't let me do it, I never got to. I am divorced now and I do what I want! . This is one of those things. I had no idea I could strain the paint. Awesome idea, but now I have more tools I need to go get lol. Very VERY informative and I was able to follow along with you. Thank you so so much!

[@ronp924]

Good for you. You go girl life is too short! It sounds like you're finally on the right track, keep it up!!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Awesome to hear that you are now able to follow your passions and thank you for your kind words. I am glad my video was able to help. Enjoy the learning journey of airbrushing.......

[@shawnmcandrew6923]

Great video easy style to follow and very detailed. THe Hobo freight fortress compressors are really quiet and surprisingly good.

[@chrisdriffield9012]

Very clear explanation and very helpful. Thank You.

[@kakarrot62]

This has to be the best video i have seen on how to setup and use your airbrush. Great job Paul and thank you very much!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Wow. Thank you so much for the compliment. I am just glad the my video is helpful... Take care..

[@wavve311]

Great video. You provided a lot of information but you did it at a very good pace. Now I want to find new of those Iwata mats.😀

[@theartfullycrafty]

Thanks! This was really helpful!

[@antonywhittaker4558]

Paul what a great informative video thanks

[@philmarsden8932]

Great guide Paul thanks. I've started printing my own wagons and learning to air brush them, you've given me a better idea of what is going on when I do. Also the teardown is extremely useful as I've been nervous of doing that up to now.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Phil. I am so glad to hear that my video was helpful. Thank you so much for the kind words. They really do help me want to keep on doing this when I know I'm helping people. Take care and happy railroading.....

[@slammingjack2242]

I'm needed this! I about ready to start painting. This helped me so much.Thank you! I will follow you, to watch you videos. Thank you again!

[@PaulsRailroad]

That is awesome. I am so glad I was able to help. That is why I love doing this...Take care and happy railroading....

[@KALELFPV]

Thanks Paul! Excellent Tutorial!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you for you kind words. I am glad my video was helpful.

[@Norbees-imagination]

It was very thorough and comforting. To your shock I am considering this just as a back up solution for those clients who come up with like"could you change the color of my switches and the radiator" right when I would thing that this room is completed 😂 I am more of a solvent based sprayer so hope airbrush works well with those just fine.

[@nathanhoupapa5513]

Love your well thought videos. Great explanations. New subscriber - thanks for this great tutorial.

[@Chavo.209]

Great video just getting started and this should help a ton

[@abduljaleelalashi1022]

Thank you for your explanation fully, I just started using airbrush and I needed to know how and when, what and where, and you give it all to me, Thank you so much for your effort and help. Best regards from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

[@CLLynn-oi2ki]

Thanks so much, Paul! Great video!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you for taking the time to watch my video and leave a comment. I appreciate it very much. I am glad the airbrush is working well for you as it still is for as well. Take care.

[@GettnErDone96]

Thank you, Paul, for taking the time out of your day to help me, and many others better understand the basics of getting started and how to properly care for your airbrushing equipment! This video will definitely help make it all A LOT less of a headache as I continue with my new airbrushes. I have liked, subscribed, and have even downloaded your video so I can easily share it to others that may just be starting out along the way, and I will definitely be going to your channel for more learning videos. It was very straight forward, to the point, and easy to follow along with. So, again. Many thanks Paul! Looking forwards to watching more of your videos!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Jonathan. Thank you for the kind words. I am glad that my video was helpful.

[@lunhil12]

Oh boy what a learning curve it was for me. Always clogging, spattering or not spraying. Felt I wasted my money and so frustrated. Keep at it and make mistakes, you'll learn. Now I can't imagine how I got along without one.

[@paulpelosi3379]

Fantastic video, thank you for sharing.

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it very much.

[@andrewkeeney701]

Very happy I came across your video. Excellent review, thank you much! Andy K.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you Andrew. I am glad it was helpful...

[@UnityByNature]

Nice tutorial!❤

[@francinehudak4017]

What a wonderful descriptive video. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together. I will be checking back and I have subscribed!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you for the kind words. I am glad that my video was helpful.

[@m9029]

Thank you so much, am fumbling my way through my first airbrush experience and learned a ton!

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are welcome. Thank you for watching. You will get it. Just be patient and take your time. It took me a long time to become proficient using an airbrush. But I didn't have anyone like me to help. LOL. Just kidding. Airbrushing can be challenging at first, but it is fun and brings your modeling up to a whole other level. Take care...

[@stevestammet1616]

Very thorough and informative. My new kit comes today. I will teach myself how to airbrush to compliment my acrylic pour projects. Thanks for the great video!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Your are very welcome Steve. Thank you for watching and commenting. I am always happy I can help out a fellow guitarist. 😁

[@dnapasin1]

Many Thanks for sharing.....Great tutorial vid!!

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching. I appreciate it very much.....

[@RackCrossStudio]

Thanks Paul! You did a good job to help get me started air brushing 👍🏻

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are so welcome. I am just very happy that my video was of help... Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it very much. Take care....

[@dopeshades4134]

Thank you so much! This was a fantastic instructional video.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hi Dope Shades. Thank you for the kind words. Helping people is the very reason I started this channel and it is always nice to hear when I am to to help. Take care....

[@shjh1000]

hi enjoyed this video, i am 75 just starting and very frustrated, i am going to have a look at more of your content. many thanks john h,

[@PaulsRailroad]

I am so glad to hear this video was helpful. This is exactly why I create these videos. Take care and God bless.

[@larryfetterman3528]

Awesome Job Thanks Larry

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you very much Larry. I appreciate the compliment. I am very glad that my video was helpful. Take care and happy railroading......

[@dimitribalkhoven3660]

Great video for someone (me) who is completely new to airbrushing. Thank you so much for your time and tutorial, it really helped me out. Can't wait to watch more of your videos. Greetings from The Netherlands.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you for the kind words, and especially for giving your time to watch my video. This is why I love making videos. To help others out..Take care.

[@peterbradford5987]

Great Video. Thanks. It’s been very helpful. 👍

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Peter. I am so glad to hear that my video was helpful. I love hearing that because that is why I started this channel, to help others. Take care and happy railroading.....

[@In2-Tech]

Great video Paul, I am new to airbrushing and appreciate your content on this subject.

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching...

[@ronp924]

I'm 74 years old and a newbie, I love this video and I will definitely be back to watch more. Keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍👍

[@PaulsRailroad]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@victr121]

This is such a good, complete video. Really well done.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you very much. I am glad it was helpful.

[@thomasinlondon2849]

Video was very useful, thanking you dearly for making, uploading, and sharing. Subscribed!

[@PaulsRailroad]

I am glad it was helpful. Thank you for watching and subscribing. I appreciate it....

[@5809AUJG]

Wonderful video...for me, 70 years old, a traditional painter who uses actual brushes in oils! I recently got talked into getting a good air brush set, and have been wondering, how do I use this thing? This marvelous video has taught me how to get started. THANK YOU! I've subscribed and liked! Now I know how to get going with this new medium. I'll keep on with your videos, and see where this takes me. Many thanks!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you for watching and subscribing. It is hard for me to put into words how it makes me feel when I find out that I have helped someone. It is humbling that is for sure because I am definitely no expert on the subject. I just share what I have learned over the years in hopes of helping others. So thank you so much for reaching out to me and letting me know that I am helping. That means the world to me........Take care.

[@Norbees-imagination]

Respect to you dear colleague!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you...

[@polakdai]

Thank you for this video. Its been incredibly helpful :)

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it very much....

[@aljensen7779]

Terrific video - thanks a lot for making it.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you for watching it. I am glad it was helpful.

[@northerngm6431]

Great video! Just what a beginner needs to watch to be successful sooner!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you soo much. I appreciate you giving me your time to watch my video and I am glad it was helpful. Airbrush is a wonderful hobby in and of itself. It's a big learning curve but it is worth. Take care.

[@bobkuest1368]

Video and descriptions are so clear.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Bob. Thank you very much for the feedback. That is the only way I can get better. I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and comment. Take care...

[@madaxe606]

Fantastic tutorial. I wish I’d watched this before trying my hand at airbrushing - I’d have saved myself a lot of headaches!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks for the great comment. I know how much I struggled in the beginning, long before youtube was a thing and I enjoy helping others. Comments like this what keeps me going. Thank you again. Take csre.

[@chriswilkins9168]

Thank you so much for this. I had so many questions about setting up my airbrush and watched a lot of videos but yours was by far the best. I didn't know whether to set the pressure to 20 psi before or using the airbrush and no other beginners video covered that. I have primed my miniatures this using using an airbrush for the first time. The paint I had seemed to have bits in after I thinned it using distilled water and that clogged my airbrush several times but all in all, a positive experience

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Chis. Thanks for the kind words. You said you are getting clogs from contamination in your paints. Are you filtering your paint before you load your airbrush. Filtering in my humble opinion is one of the most important things you can do when painting with an airbrush. Thanks for watching and for the great comment.

[@johnmacdonald6220]

Thanks for your help, much appreciated.

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@mw8653]

Thx for making a clear easy to understand video was a big help.

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are so very welcome. I am glad it was helpful. This is the very reason I started this channel, to help others. Thank you again...

[@Jonston17]

Let me just say, this was incredibly helpful. Very thorough, extremely "dummy" friendly, and could be a full master class somewhere. Also, being a lefty myself, I had to sub because the cool cats need to stick together. Thank you sir.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you my fellow South paw. I am glad the video was helpful.

[@Thegame8over]

Thanks man good video

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad you found it helpful....

[@Gynra]

Excellent video!

[@PaulsRailroad]

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

[@philsullivan3679]

Thanks!

[@godwincachia8175]

Superb video

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you very much....

[@eastcoastrailroad8209]

Excellent video

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you very much. And thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it very much.

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

Just found your channel and subscribed. I’m waiting for my first compressor and airbrush from Amazon to be delivered. So this video was brilliant for me, thank you for taking the time to explain these procedures in a way that newbies like me can understand. Cheers Neil from England.

[@PaulsRailroad]

That's awesome. I can't wait till you get started in airbrushing. It will be frustrating at first. But give it time and you will get the hang of it...

[@TheOctabreaker]

I just got mine and I'm hoping to do some air brushing this weekend! This video seem super helpful and I can't wait to use my set up!

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

@@PaulsRailroad Thanx Paul. Gonna have my first go today, really looking forward to trying it out. There are so many little projects I wanna use it on; like u say patience I have to learn to walk before I can run and my dear late mother said “practice makes perfect”. Thank you again Paul. Edit: spelling error.

[@pattyanndoyle502]

Awesome thanks so much

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome Patty. I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and especially to leave a comment. I am glad my video was helpful. Take care....

[@marymadalenem2351]

Nice presentation.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the kind words..

[@troycheers6415]

I watched this video as my tutorial to learn how to airbrush. Followed the instructions, spent 2 minutes practicing and was able to do all my undercoating without any issues. Great video, highly recommended if you’re looking to learn. Thanks for making my beginner experience so easy.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Troy. I am so glad to hear that my video was able to help you get started in airbrushing. Knowing that I am actually helping others keeps me going. Thank you so much... Take care.

[@burgermaster4u2]

Paul…..many many thanks at last a tutorial iv watched from Start to Finnish.…i had to come to find out how to fix my air brushes which were not letting paint through….i now know what I was doing wrong…thanks to you and your easy to follow instructions…for that I'm Truly grateful.many thanks Dave….

[@PaulsRailroad]

That's awesome to hear. I am very glad my video was helpful.....

[@ohzcustoms3095]

Thank you for your videos and tips

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome. And thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it very much.....

[@ohzcustoms3095]

@PaulsRailroad I got a problem with my airbrush, I noticed today when I was trying to use glow in the dark paint I can tell my airbrush was spitting out the paint like short bursts instead of an even flow, why is that?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Ok that could be from several reasons. First. Make sure your airbrush is clean from your last painting session. Tear it down if you haven't already and make sure the needle is clean and all of the areas from the paint cup forward are clean with not dried paint. If you are good there then make sure you are thinning your paint to approximately the viscosity of milk. Which is just a little thicket then water. If we are good there, then you will need to adjust your air pressure. The best way to do that is to get a paper towel or paper and start spraying your paint while slowly increasing your air pressure until it stops sputtering. Also try painting without the end cap / needle protector if you are able to remove it on your particular airbrush. Paint can gather there from regular use and get dislodged and give you a splatter effect sometimes. Just be careful with your needle tip if you remove it.

[@macarenasotelobieg4743]

Thank you so much. I just started practicing today with my airbrush and the pin came off and I was like nooooooooo!!!!!! It brokeeee. Now, thanks to you I know how to fix it if it happens next time! blessings Sir!.

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are so very welcome. I am so glad my video was helpful. That is why I do this. Take care.....

[@Debunked421]

I like to mix in the cup because I'm cheap and don't waste paint in a mixing cup prior. I'll do this with expensive paint. Cheap craft paint I'll strain and mix in a cup.

[@julibug1954]

This video was delightful, informative, and fun to watch. I really enjoyed it while I learned a lot about air brushes. I will purchase through Amazon from your links. I have a siphon air brush that I am scared to use. Now I will paint with water and no harm done. Wonderful!! Thank you. One question. The Createx paints come in opaque and wicked as well as other types. Is the Wicked easier to learn with or does it matter?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Juliebug. Thank you for the kind words and for watching and commenting. I appreciate it very much. As far as paint goes. You are correct. Using a good airbrush specific paint like Createx is easier to learn with. I gravitated towards createx early on when I first started out because it is one of the biggest and better known brands of airbrush specific paints and it didn't hurt that was the paint carried by my local hobby store. Enjoy your new adventures in airbrushing......

[@BobBlarneystone]

Thank you for the comprehensive tutorial. I'm completely new to this craft, but perhaps I can offer a tip. To clean the nozzle and possibly other parts, It might be useful to use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. To economize on cleaning fluid, put the cleaner in a small steel cup, place it in the ultrasonic cleaner tub, and then add water to surround the steel cup. Then drop the nozzle in the cup and turn on the cleaner. Give it some minutes to work, and this should break loose any dried deposits. I have another tip that may be of interest, but I'll need to test it first.

[@PaulsRailroad]

It's funny you mentioned the ultrasonic cleaner. My brother in law uses just recently started using one to clean his airbrush and says it works pretty good....

[@soulbrother3299]

Awesome very detailed! Uncle teacher👍🏼👍🏼💯..edit..subscribed!!👍🏼 edit thought about my comment not to offend! Professor teacher!!😊

[@ralphrenzetti22]

As a modeller, I’m surprised you only two brands of paint designed for airbrushing. My goto paint is Tamiya. One other thing to add to you system is an in-line moisture trap that I mount on the airbrush, it’s almost like adding a handle as well as removing moisture.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Ralph. I hear ya. I have tried many, many different types of paints through my airbrushes over the years. The reason I only mentioned what I did is because you need to keep in mind the context of this video. I crreated it for the very beginner and I didn't want to over inundate someone brand new to airbrushing. Oh and you memntioned the moisture trap. I have one that came with my Iwata Eclipse Kustom and to be frank it just doesn't feel all that comfortable when I have it attached, plus I make sure to open the moisture trap on my air compressor regularly so I'm not very worried about moisture getting into my airbrush and consequently my paints. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate all the feedback that I can get from everyone. It keeps me on my toes. Take care.....

[@user-jt5pv3ln4c]

I missed the Amazon site for the quick release connections. Can you give it to me please. AWESOME videos!!!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks for watching. There is a link in the description of the video that will take you to the quick releases.. Thanks again..

[@vaughanza]

Thanks for a great video, just starting out to airbrush my resin prints. May I ask what you print on your FDM printer because you have the resin printer with far better quality for trains etc. Thanks

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks Vaughnanza for watching. I'm glad my video helped. I actually have two resin printers and I use then for small detail parts that I want super high detail on, including some rolling stock. When I started out all I had was an FDM printer and so did most people, therefore the items I were creating at the time were low detail. And now I use it mainly for buildings and items where I don't need high detail. FDM is still cheaper than resin and it's more durable. I then detail it out with the resin items. Thanks again. Take care and happy railroading.....

[@fatherjack1148]

I have been using airbrushes since my early 20s I am now 70, I actually ran the airbrushing department on a pottery factory where I trained people in airbrushing ceramics. I did the same at a couple of other factories where I painted cold cast resin figurines. I actually began airbrushing in my back yard in the 1970s when my first 'paint job' was my crash helmet. I am currently 'attempting' a sort of 'custom paint job' on my Kawasaki bobber, It's being done in far from ideal circumstances, as I have neither a spray booth or even a shed/workshop, I'm using rattle cans for the primer and base colour and am doing it inside a very small out building which used to be for coal back in the day. I have just enough room to fit my tank on a turntable and be able to turn it, so long as I keep the door open and stand just outside!! the airbrushing work will be done indoors using water based acrylics, should be fun, as despite my long use of airbrushes I don't recall ever using acrylics for custom paint work. SO, as an acrylics 'noobie' I have a couple of questions that I hope someone may be able to answer. what sort of clear coat can I use as my top coat when I finish? how can I be sure that it will not 're activate' the paint that is already on? I have a nightmare scenario in my head where I hit it with some clear and wash away the art work. Bearing in mind this is on the petrol tank of my motorbike so it will need to be hard wearing and petrol resistant. Also, I have decided to have a dabble at doing some artwork on canvas and art board, I have been practising the "real flame effect" as I want to use it on my bike. I watch videos and try to follow them, the issue I have is, for example, in one video the chap applies some black as the smoke for his flames, he then applies some bright orange to begin shaping the flames, followed by 2 reds one opaque one candy, and some bright yellow. When I spray the orange over the black it just sinks in to the black and vanishes, I allow it to dry for 24 hours, and the same thing happens, I know I am doing something wrong, any ideas? Cheers folks.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hello Father Jack. Ok. I will try to answer you the best that I can. I mainly paint models with my airbrush so I don't have an extensive experience with what you are doing. As far as painting flames over a black base, I haven't seen the video that you mentioned of going straight orange over the black. If it were me. I for one can't do free hand flames, I would have to use stencils to at least start with and I would put a white base down before the orange. Again I didn't see the video so I don't know how they were doing it. As far as the acrylic paints go. Check out paints made by Createx. Thay make automotive acrylic paints. I use their paints all of the time and am in fact about ready to create a video painting a 1/64 slot car using thier candy2.0 paints. Their not terribly expensive either. As far as a top coat goes. I would not use an acrylic based clear because it will not be durable enough. You need to use something like a 2k clear coat. That is the name brand. It's a two part clear coat that comes with a hardener in it. It is very durable. And they sell it in a rattle can so you don't have to measure out the clear and hardener and mix them. All of these items can be found on Amazon. I hope I answered at least some of your questions. Take care, and thanks for watching and reaching out to me... I would love to see your tank when you have it finished...

[@fatherjack1148]

@@PaulsRailroad Thanks Paul, that was indeed very helpful, I have used 2k clear before but through a spray gun, wasn't aware they do a rattle can these days, I shall certainly check them out. Never really been into modelling myself, even though I airbrushed cold cast resin figurines as a job for years. Done lots of 'cheap' custom paint jobs on motorbikes over the years for myself and others, as I retired 5 years ago, I think it's about time started the hobby I promised myself I would have for years before retirement. going to try to get into art work on canvas, or any surface than can be painted just for my own enjoyment. Saw an excellent 'custom painted' toilet seat a while back!! Thanks again my friend.

[@dwightatnorthernstar1820]

Good stuff Paul, thanks. However, my city says not to wash out airbrush paints into the city drain as it causes problems in the lines and water treatment plant . I dump mine into a paper towel or a container to take to recycle facility. Also, thin coats on the spoon will prevent that look you showed on the spoon.....:):)

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Dwight. Thanks for the comment and the info. I don't have that type of ordinance specifically about airbrush paints and not being able to clean them in my utility sink. Just keep a couple of things in mind. One. The paints I use are water based acrylics. I'm not using any solvent based paints. Second. The amount of paint that I rinse out of my airbrush is so very miniscule. It's not like we're dumping gallons of paint down the drain. Also as you saw in my video, when I did use a solvent cleaner, I used a purpose made jar to capture said solvents. I hope you don't feel like I'm attacking you. I'm really not. I just don't want anyone to think that I'm poisoning our environment is all. Also you are completely correct on the spoon. Thin coats, let it flash. I'm also sure you would agree that using a primer first would also help immensely. Again thank you very much for commenting. Take care and happy railroading........

[@johnhope6428]

Hi Paul, just found you channel, I do wood work and use sanding sealer and French polish, could these be used in an air brush,tia

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey John. I am not 100% familiar with either of those products. You can run dang near anything through an airbrush as long as it is able to be thinned enough. I almost always go for a milk like viscosity. Definitely make sure you wear a respirator though. I know most wood working chemicals are not something you want to breath in, especially if you atomize them in an airbrush. Also I don't know what type of chemicals you would need to clean your airbrush for the items you are talking about. I have a feeling they may be pretty caustic so I would not buy an expensive airbrush. Caustic chemicals can damage the o rings in your airbrush over time.

[@cferry04]

Hi. I have a question. You mentioned priming. Do you have a video? How do I do that? I want to prevent those spots.

[@PaulsRailroad]

No sir. I do not have a video over priming. Sorry......

[@BareBottom]

So I am trying to Airbrush a 2" Thick Cedar Counter Top, but it is the Cavities inside the wood I am trying to detail, with a different colors of paint, and then I want to pour clear epoxy to fill in all of the holes and structure inside of the wood. is there a way that I can post a picture of what I am working on? So I am attempting to do a 3-D or a depth effect. The last counter tops I did a just filled the cavities with different color epoxy, and then clear coated. This time I want it to look similar to the inside of an aquarium with all of the plants and algae

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Danny. If you would like to share your pics, you can do that on my Facebook page for all to see. Just follow the links from my KZbin page. Thank you for watching.

[@OminousIllustrations]

what do you do when you want to change colors so they won't mix? is there some kind of procedure to clean the airbrush before using a different color?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hello again. Ok color changes. First off I when I'm painting something I try to start with my lightest colors first then work my way to the darkest, if I can. That way if I don't get it perfectly cleaned between color changes then it's not usually noticeable. However for color changes. As mentioned in my previous reply, I rinse out the paint cup with hot water real quick. I stick my finger in it to make sure I get any stubborn paint that is sticking to the paint cup. I dump out the water, rinse and repeat a couple of times. I then hook the airbrush back up and spray the remaining water out. I usually follow up with just a few drops of airbrush cleaner and spray that out. I load my new color and spray into a paper towel or something to make sure there is no color contamination and you're good to go. I know it seems like a lot, but I can have a color change in 2 to 3 minutes.

[@ritekeith]

I do oil and acrylic painting. I would like to touch up and enhance those paintings with some airbrush techniques. Will the mediums mix and blend?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Keith. To be perfectly honest with you. That question is a bit above my knowledge. I have done some oil painting on canvas with regularly brushes, but I have never tried to airbrush over the hand brushed areas. I know it takes oil paints an awful long time to dry, so you may take a chance of the oil painting running if you begin to airbrush over it and if in turn it gets too wet. I think you should give it a try, only because now I'm curious if it will work. 😁 Thanks for the great question.

[@ritekeith]

Thx, Paul. I know you can’t put acrylics on top of oil painting you can oil over acrylics. Since you can use ‘regular’ acrylics while airbrushing, I expect I can airbrush along side my brush work then oil over that once it’s dry to take advantage of oil painting techniques. I’ll have the best of three worlds. So, thank- you. You have helped me answer my own question. Lol.

[@Ray47nl]

I know this is an old video, but i still hope someone can answer my (noob) question. I live in the Netherlands and i found that artists are using gesso primer for their canvas. After looking online i found someone who used the gesso primer also with a brush on warhammer models. Here they have "Van Bleiswijck gesso primer" and it is very cheap compared to e.g. vallejo primer. But i am not sure if it would be possible to use a thinned version of this gesso primer on model cars and airplanes.

[@germanshepherd13]

Hello!! I didn't get a chance to watch the whole vid yet but can tell it will be extremely helpful!! Are you from PA? The keystone logo caught my attention!!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks for the comments and for subbing. And no I am not from PA, but I am a very close neighbor. Did a lot of camping and trout fishing in PA as a kid and just always loved the PRR equipment that I saw.

[@germanshepherd13]

Hi neighbor!! Im near Enola train yard. Watched the whole vid today and extremely helpful! Nice format, great editing and love the chapter breakdown. Kudos brother

[@germanshepherd13]

And yes, great trout fishing😀

[@glenwardgross366]

Dear Paul; Have you ever used Dental Floss on the AB side like the teflon tape on the compressor side? Something I read or hear years ago. Retiring...... Paasche has been in a box for years.Time to play. Thanks.

[@PaulsRailroad]

No sir I have never even heard of using dental floss. I've never had an issue even with older airbrushes to where I needed to worry about that. Very interesting 👌 Thanks for the great question.

[@pdmaheshsharma]

can we use Solvent base paint and 2k clear which we use for auto-painting

[@PaulsRailroad]

You sure can. Just make sure you use the proper cleaner to clean your airbrush when you are finished.

[@pdmaheshsharma]

@@PaulsRailroad Thank you so much for your time

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are very welcome. I am always happy to help.

[@robertlemaster156]

I am brand new to airbrushing. I got two airbrushes. One of them I got because it was cheap and it had a .5 nozzle. Even with thinner and flow improver the STYNYLREZ Primer I bought clogs the .5 really easily. Do you have any suggestions?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Robert. My first question is. Have you used any other paint that has been properly thinned through that airbrush. Thinned paint that you know works fine through your other airbrush. If that clogs the .5mm airbrush also then there is a problem with the airbrush. It could be a bent needle. That would be the first thing I would check. Put the needle on a flat surface and see if there is any wobble towards the tip. Also before you even start any of the, mess around with you air pressure settings. A larger needle opening is going to need more air flow than a smaller one. So try increasing your air pressure more than what you are used to using when painting with a .35mm needle set up. I hope this helps. Take care and thanks for watching and commenting...

[@robertlemaster156]

I didn't think of increasing the airflow to adjust for size of the needle. I had only heard of it for using white primer. I think that is a really great tip. Thank you. What is a little crazy is that I first tried out craft paints to just practice thinning and for their low cost. They worked really well so I moved on to toys to try primer with. My cheap airbrush is one of the styles that you can switch out different nozzle thicknesses. So, I switched to the .5 nozzle per STYNYLREZ's instructions and that is when I started to have problems. I thought that maybe I wasn't using enough flow aid. Anyhow, thank you for the tips and I will let you know how it works out. @@PaulsRailroad

[@williammueller768]

I just got my first air brush and the question I have is - Do I need to go through a full clean breakdown each time I want to change colors. Or, do I only have to clean the paint cup with cleaner and use the compressor to push out the remaining cleaner and residual paint

[@PaulsRailroad]

Just clean the paint cup and run water or airbrush cleaner through it, until it runs clear. A hint for ya. When I'm painting a projector that had multiple colors, I try to start with my lightest color first and work my way to my darkest. That way if I don't get the airbrush completely clean then the darker color will cover up the lighter one. If you can that it. Take care and thanks for watching.

[@HMac411]

Any special considerations for thinning and using acrylic-polyurethane automotive paints in my airbrush? Painting a car model and want to use the factory OEM paint color.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Unfortunately I do not. I have never used actual oem factory paint. I use createx acrylic paints that are used for custom automotive applications. I would suggest checking out their website or youtube channel. You may find something there that could help.

[@HMac411]

Thank you for the response. I'm a little befuddled about the different paint chemistries and their suitability for airbrush applications @@PaulsRailroad

[@PaulsRailroad]

I am the same way. I paint just models and I paint in my basement wearing just a respirator so I shy away from any lacquers or such heavily chemical based paints and still with water based acrylics.

[@ysteinEngan]

J Mascis sure knows a lot about airbrushing.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Ha. Well I do play guitar, but I can't sing for you know what. Take care.

[@xbleriot]

Hoping it's not a stupid question, but does the lid need to be installed on top of the cup when painting, or the cup needs to stay "open"? I love your videos by that way.....

[@PaulsRailroad]

Not a stupid question at all. And no the lid does not need to be on the airbrush paint cup. It's purely preference. I put mine on because I don't always pay attention to what I'm doing and I have spilled paint because of that. So just be careful if you decide to paint with the lid off. Thank you for watching and for enjoying my videos.... Take care and Merry Christmas..

[@nittneylion84]

How do you clean your strainer?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Troy. I just rinse it out in the sink real good. I have an old toothbrush that I use to help clean the filter screen.

[@dragonsbreath6080]

I just ordered my first airbrush from Amazon with the portable compressor. The project I'm working on won't cooperate lol😂 tried water based craft paint, no go. Acrylic paint leaves brush strokes and not even coverage. Only 2 options left. Air brushing and a rattle can of paint.

[@PaulsRailroad]

An airbrush is a wonderful tool. Just keep in mind, like with any new tool it will take practice to get the best out of it.

[@glenwardgross366]

AB Painting Rule. Filter, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. If you do not understand the first three rules then reread then until you understand the rules so you can master ABing. I am in a lot... of activates that requires, Safety, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. If you do not understand the first three rules then reread then until you understand the rules so you can go home alive. Hope this helps.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Thanks you sir. I always stress the need to filter your paints. That usually fixes 90 percent if not more of the issues most airbrushers face. Thanks again for the great comment. Take care and happy railroading.....

[@xxx_rude_dogg_xxx9806]

This is like a beginner teaching beginners. lol This is the 1st video ive seen of you and im guessing you paint models etc. lol

[@PaulsRailroad]

You are correct. I paint models. I am not an artist and never claimed to be one. I've learned everything through trial and error. I never had anyone guide me or teach me. So if you are a professional and my video seems too simplistic for you then I apologize, but it is not geared towards those that are already well versed in using an airbrush. It is geared towards the complete beginner that just wants to paint his or her models without wanting to "master" the airbrush. Thank you for watching and commenting. I honestly do appreciate the interaction.

[@EddieRuane]

Do you use a spray ventilation booth or wear a mask while airbrushing? Just starting out want to make sure I’m being safe!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hi Eddie. I wear a respirator when I'm airbrushing. I would love to have a nice booth some day. Their kinda pricey.

[@EddieRuane]

@@PaulsRailroad thanks for the reply

[@kimmarie5442]

HELP!!! When I set in the trigger and then go to put the needle in, the needle gets hung up after the trigger. I can see it is through thru the trigger but won't go farther. 68 newbie with ideas! What am I doing wrong? Thanks so much for this. I wanted to learn this because the gifted airbrush blew air constantly so I figured maybe the trigger wasn't in right. I love this video! I'm just stuck.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Kim. Sounds like perhaps the trigger may not be seated properly. It can be a real booger trying to get that swinging little post in straight on top of the air vavle. Let's start by checking that. With the needle out, when you push down on the trigger does it actually move down a little bit and spring back up when you let up on it. If it doesn't, then you will need to play around with taking the trigger out and putting it back in until you get that little swinging post below the trigger straight down in there on top of the valve correctly.

[@kimmarie5442]

@@PaulsRailroad I'm on it! It never did either so I'm working on it now! thanks for such a prompt reply!!!

[@kimmarie5442]

should the valve rod move fairly freely in the valve body. it seems a bit gunky...very technical term!

[@PaulsRailroad]

Yes it should move up and down Smoothly. Kinds like clicking a Bic pen type of spring feeling, just without the click of course. 😁

[@kimmarie5442]

could I soak it in something? I took off the valve body and then put the trigger in so i could make sure it was going in the hole. Then I put the valve body back on and it may move that rod a bit but if the rod does move, it's not a slide and it doesn't move back easily. Should I just invest in a nice airbrush? What would you recommend?

[@casscamden740]

fingers crossed that this video shows how to install the needle cos theres no instructions how to set it up

[@chrisdriffield9012]

Just to add, I have been using an airbrush for a while and I have struggled with jumping in thinking it was straight forward. I wish I had spent more time looking at tutorials such as yours before going headlong into airbrush disappointment whilst seeing how others get great results and being frustrated of my attempts

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Chris. Thank you so much for the kind words. I am glad I was able to help. I remember my early days of frustration in learning myself and I want to help others avoid as much of that as possible so they don't give up.... So thank you for the comment. It reinforces the reason why I do this. Take care.

[@johncater7861]

Perhaps you've done this somewhere else before but there is no mention of safety by way of respirators. I'm new to airbrushing and have found that a dust/COVID P2 mask simply won't cut it. There are a myriad of respirators out there and equally a lot of filters and cartridges etc.

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hi John. Yes I have mentioned using a respirator in other videos that I done. I should have mentioned it here as well. Thanks for catching that. I am planning on making an updated airbrush tutorial video and I will definitely include that.

[@johncater7861]

@@PaulsRailroad thank you very much.

[@Zunip182]

Water is free, but for filming purposes, amd just to improve the production of the video

[@SingleTrack66]

No water trap on the compressor????

[@PaulsRailroad]

Nope. I've had then on before and one inline on my airbrush hose and none of the. Have ever had any water in them. I also open the drain plug on the tank every 6 months or so and yet to have any water come out. I'm thinking it's because I have it located in my basement that is a constant temp year round because my compressor that I have in my garage I have to empty every spring without fail.

[@SingleTrack66]

@@PaulsRailroad fair enough. Where I live and with my set up it’s essential. If I don’t bleed off my compressor every two weeks or so, I have rusty water coming out. However I use my compressor at the job site running nail guns primarily.

[@OminousIllustrations]

is there another way to clean an airbrush? do you need an airbrush cleaner? what if i just use liquid soap and water?

[@PaulsRailroad]

Hey Ominous. If you are using water based acrylic paints then for the most part you can get away with just soap and water. I use primarily water based acrylics and my first step is just to rinse the airbrush with hot water. I then use airbrush cleaner. Just because I'm very OCD and want to make sure I get it super clean.

[@WayneRayChavis]

💯🫶🤟🎨

[@user-br6wx8vy3s]

Is there any cost to subscribe.

[@PaulsRailroad]

You can subscribe to any KZbin channel for free.

[@Dude_Slick]

To paint that spoon unprepped A tack coat would have made a huge difference.

[@user-dm7xo6zl8p]

T h a n k y o u ❤

[@biffo1960]

Wow it’s the guy from Area 51

[@PaulsRailroad]

Really! Dr. Okun? Well I guess that better than Santa..........