How to Airbrush Vallejo Model Color Tutorial

In this tutorial we take a look at spraying Vallejo Model Color acrylic paints through an airbrush !
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[@welshparamedic]

I bought a small container of stainless steel ball bearings (small size} and put one in each vallejo paint plastic bottle. It does help mix them a bit faster when you shake them!

[@longlance67]

Its a solid thing to do, as mixing these paints can be pain if they have on the shelf for a while

[@mattluszczak8095]

Good tip bud

[@rick_bryant]

Great video Shane, and a good tip to practise different techniques on the unseen areas, gives you more confidence for the times when you are going to show them.

[@longlance67]

cheers Rick ! its all about learning and sharing what skills we have to improve our hobby ! :)

[@chris41952]

Vallejo paint is water based. I've found that distilled water with a a small amount of glycerine well mixed in does the job just as well. Also Vallejo seems to like higher air pressure. I spray around 25psi and have no problems.

[@pyurentertainment]

I was literally watching paint dry... now I want to see the rest of the tank! Great work and detail. Learning a lot.

[@longlance67]

Thanks 👍 I will have to dig out the tiger and finish it some day!

[@AD-qd7ps]

Thank-you so much for this video. I was having so many issues before, as i was using Thinner (as so many sites tell you to use this). My airbrush was constantly clogging (every few minutes - no joke) and getting poor results. I initially thought it was the airbrush as it was a cheap one, and was about to spend more money on a high end airbrush (which i would have had the same issue!). When i saw your video, i decided to give using Flow Improver ago. So glad i did, as i'm getting excellent results and no clogging! Because of this video, I can now start my airbrushing journey! :)

[@longlance67]

I've always found that their thinner only really seems to work well with their varnishes ect for everything else I use flow improver

[@miagiaxp]

I want to say thank you. I was trying so many ways to get a good spray using model color. This worked perfectly. You da man!

[@longlance67]

cheers mate, I am glad it was helpful!

[@ponymoore6140]

Very informative and impressive Shane. I started using model Colorado recently and have no yet settled on a winning formula. Think I might be having to try this Flow Improver now, fir sure!

[@norman-king]

Usefully informative (as usual). After a long break from modelling, I’m looking forward to a Xmas binge watch catch-up of all the videos you’ve put up the last few months, and hopefully build something myself.

[@longlance67]

thanks Norman ! sometimes its great to take a break from hobby to recharge and get new ideas for builds, I was hoping to do a Christmas Special this year but due to time restraints there wont be time for one this year

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Excellent video, good tip about the flow enhancer. Like you I often use unseen areas as a test bed for trying different techniques or colours. Good job!

[@longlance67]

thanks mate !

[@donfrandsen7778]

Excellent video, good to see how you used the flow improver Wow!!! Very cool!! I am impressed with Vallejo paints Well done Shane!! I learned new techniques, Outstanding !!

[@longlance67]

cheers mate!

[@bigsparky65]

Excellent workmanship Shane, fabulous tutorial, excellent information, videos

[@longlance67]

thanks Jeff !

[@ryansergeant2896]

Thanks Shane. Just getting started with air brush. Your video was a big help.

[@longlance67]

Awesome happy to be of help!! Airbrushing is great fun once you get used to it!

[@trooper1348]

Thanks for the tip! I am one of the many who had problems trying to airbrush Vallejo & was told it couldn’t be done, definitely trying this out soon!

[@longlance67]

I think a lot of people like to go out of their way to dislike vallejo without trying to work out how it sprays, once you get used to it, it sprays very well

[@zachnar0125]

@@longlance67 Amen

[@MottysMilitaryModels]

Brill tutorial matey. I've always struggled with model colour, now I know why. My next visit to emodels I'll get some of this improver

[@longlance67]

ya mate pick some of that stuff up and it will spray like a dream !

[@lumickuang7805]

You made it Shane ! Thank you again for this thorough tutorial with vallejo model color mate. Can't wait for your mirror model diamond wrecker build :)

[@longlance67]

still need to buy the kit but its definitely on my radar !

[@lumickuang7805]

Shane Smyth - scale models Sure. Happy holidays mate. Cheers

[@longlance67]

same to yourself too my friend :)

[@welshparamedic]

Thanks' Shane, not sure you will see this as i have noted this video has been up for a few years but I have just rediscovered modelmaking (Now retired!) and took the plunge and am trying to master the 'Airbrush'! Mistake number 1, I bought a cheap Chinese Airbrush. That was rectified with a H and S evolution but even so i was still encountering some problems with Vallejo paints! Was on the verge of giving up and converting to Tamiya but seen this video...bought some Vallejo flow improver and EUREKA!! So Again thankyou so much (From a fellow Celtic wet damp country too, But 'Cymru am byth!

[@longlance67]

That is great news! Welcome back to hobby! Airbrushes can be a bit daunting to get started with. But you made a great decision by getting a good airbrush off the bat. As those cheap Chinese knockoffs only cause problems and rarely work. Getting a good quality brush will have you spraying in no time

[@GraemeRWatson]

Thanks for this honest and real -world appraisal of Vallejo model colour and flow improver; very grateful.

[@longlance67]

thanks mate!

[@GraemeRWatson]

@@longlance67 I went and bought some Vallejo flow improver this afternoon and made a start with a long term planned project this evening. It's looking good so far. I'm grateful for you taking the time to show how you made up the paint ready for spraying, it's potentially going to make a huge difference to my modeling.

[@longlance67]

happy to be help my friend !

[@livelongandprosper70]

im new to airbrushing .. i had to get model colour as they didnt have the colour i wanted in air.. luckily i have flow improver.. i *would* have tried thinners, so very useful video..i will be using this in a day or two to paint my VW bus 3D print :O) i was told be several people you CANNOT use vallejo model pain in an airbrush..! your video proves thats bollocks. UPDATE i JUST used vallejo model colour tonight.. thinned just as your said with flow improver.. it worked FLAWLESSLY .. Thanks man !

[@longlance67]

cheers Rob! Ya there is a very strong misconception out there that you can't spray model air but its actually one of the nicest color ranges to spray once you get used to it

[@Quadrant14]

Great mate I have just started using my AZTEC airbrush after a long layoff {1994} and am using Vallejo , this tip about the Flow improver is vital knowledge , I will do some work tomorrow, but hey it is still Summer here in Perth-Western Australia:-}

[@longlance67]

greeting from Ireland ! what this summer you speak of ? I have never heard of this witchcraft before haaha Ya mate the flow improver makes all the difference with Vallejo

[@ronzufelt1428]

Nice video Shane. I use the hair dryer all the time also and I live in California but we don't have humidity.. Defiantly speeds up the drying. I hear a lot of people complain about airbrushing Vallejo paints and primers. I've never had an issue with them either. You can't handle them rough until you put a clear over them. If you touch them with water without the clear you can remove the paint and don't sand them either.

[@longlance67]

I think a lot of people have either never tried these paints and just heard from others they were crap or were expecting them to behave like Tamiya paints which I hear are much tougher. That would be only drawback to Vallejo that they are very fragile paints till you seal them as you suggested ! thanks Ron !

[@chrisridd9423]

I had a very frustrating day trying to thin Model Color and get an acceptable result yesterday. I got some flow improver overnight and ... wow! It works! Thank you very much!!!

[@longlance67]

Glad I could help! The flow improver is a real game changer

[@chrisridd9423]

@@longlance67 great tip on the psi too. I've been getting good results with Tamiya on ~15psi, interesting that Vallejo needs 20-25.

[@longlance67]

@@chrisridd9423 Vallejo is a much heavier pigment ratio than that found with Tamiya so tends to need more pressure pressure to shot it

[@Javauhn1]

I'm going to steal that quote, "I was surprisingly surprised." Great video!

[@longlance67]

Hahaha Glad you liked it!

[@chevyblake812]

had a bear of a time last night tryin to shoot some vallejo. thanks for the hint. made it 100x easier to do with the flow improver. appreciate it man!

[@longlance67]

glad it was helpful!

[@donfrandsen7778]

Great video and presentation Shane thank you

[@ellispawson663]

Very Cool, I tried it and now have a Very Good Paint job. Thanks Brother

[@longlance67]

deadly ! really glad it worked for you !

[@beyourselfnutrition2258]

Thank you! The flow improver solved my problem of a spitting nozzle even though i used the Model Air colors it seems neccessary to use flow improver. I've made my own with destilled water and some drops of vegetable glycerin (from my e-cigarette). Works. :)

[@longlance67]

be:YOURSELF Nutrition very resourceful nicely done mate! 😁

[@brianjoslyn7538]

Very informative, thank you! I’d tried distilled water as well as alcohol to thin Vallejo for airbrush with horrible results. Bought the flow improver and heard choirs of angels. Love your attitude.

[@longlance67]

haha thanks mate! I think the flow improver is a big game changer for the better with these paints!

[@startide]

@@longlance67 An extra question for you mate : is the ratio similar for game color line from vallejo ? I am new as well and their product lines naming schemes are confusing AF I gotta say...

[@longlance67]

@@startide yes the mixing ratio is the same for their game color and panzer aces ranges. With model air just requiring a drop or two of improver as it is already thinned for airbrushing

[@spidiq8]

That looks interesting, I'll have to order some because I've struggled to spray model colour with various thinners in it.

[@johnkelley9877]

This helps a lot. I have been using the thinner but I will use the flow improver on my next model. Thanks for sharing this.

[@longlance67]

glad to be of help, hopefully it will make things easier

[@johnkelley9877]

@@longlance67 I tried it today using one drop of Model Color and one drop of Flow Improver and the brush painting was great so I can't wait to shoot it through an airbrush.

[@russellgosselin3325]

Thanks for sharing, Shane! This is VERY helpful! Nice use of the hair dryer. I use a food dehydrator. I would recommend it to you. Just cut out the dry tray platforms with your rotary tool. Nice and toasty dry :)

[@longlance67]

that's a good idea Russ !

[@dlear85]

Glad to see this im just starting out and purchased a load of mod col, before seeing all the airbrush hate(aiming to buy one soon). This is a relief i dont need more paint

[@longlance67]

both Model Color once you get used to thinning it right, and Model Air are very solid ranges. Model Air can be sprayed right out of the bottle though it drys on the needle pretty fast so for best results add a drop or two of flow improver to the Model Air, and wipe your needle clean regularly and you should be good. Try to get an airbrush compressor with a built air tank and pressure gauge and keep your air pressure to be about 15 PSI as a good rule of thumb :)

[@dlear85]

@@longlance67 yep just need the pennies. Will be getting a tanked compressor.

[@dlear85]

@@longlance67 just did a spoon test with primer and ok so far. About to try colors

[@ArmourEmpire]

Informative vid Shane. The flow improver seems to be a game changer.

[@longlance67]

it really has changed how I do things !

[@GilVincent]

Great job, Shane! At first, I was surprised when you kept saying "tinner", but then realized it's your Irish pronunciation. :) Great video and very educational on spraying Model Color. Thank you.

[@longlance67]

Gil Vincent haha ya we Irish don't tend prounce "th" the same way as everyone else 😂

[@ponymoore6140]

Haha, love it 😀😀

[@militarymodellerpaul5932]

Really great how to Shane.

[@longlance67]

thanks Paul !

[@clydelourensz4077]

Thanks Shane. Great video.

[@longlance67]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@KentsPaintShack]

Very good tutorial I've been using the flow improver good stuff

[@longlance67]

it makes a massive difference ! I tried it for thinning for brush painting and works ok for that too

[@rickconnel532]

That was an answer to a? I had about model color.Thanks for tha information.It will save me alot of money.

[@longlance67]

happy to be of help !

[@seychellesman1delta]

Thanks for video. I am grateful for your tutorial 👍

[@longlance67]

thanks mate!

[@zerovalon6243]

Thank you. This is what I was looking for.

[@nicholaspoplawski601]

M

[@nicholaspoplawski601]

Thanks for the help.first time in 20years.! R.s.v.p. Sgt Nick. A tips about humid temp.Florida ,USA!

[@larrygaye5627]

Thanks, I needed this quick tutorial. Muchas gracia por sus trabaillo.

[@longlance67]

cheers!

[@titaniumhen]

Shane, This video was very helpful for me. I have not used Vallejo paints yet, but I will try them soon. By the way, your work looks great. Henry from California USA

[@longlance67]

Thanks very much for the kind words mate! Vallejo model color through the airbrush does take a little trial and error. But once you get your head around it, you can get some great results! Their model air series is very easy to use and only needs a drop or two of flow improver for quick results

[@ITOWords]

Great tip Shane, I've got loads of vallego model colour but always shied away from airbrushing with it, I'll have to dig out the flow improver

[@longlance67]

would strongly recommend you try them out once get used to ratio of flow improver and paint I think you will be pleasantly surprised

[@charcoal59]

Great vid Shane, thanks

[@longlance67]

no worries mate, glad you enjoyed it

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

i took my notes here, i am very impressed! i find that vallejo model air sprays good enough for me, but the normal paints by vallejo are not easy to work with. ill get me some flow improver and conduct some testing :)

[@longlance67]

thanks Michael ! would really recommend giving it a go !

[@kevinaylesbury1969]

Awesome vid mate no bullshit straight up and into it , subscribed mate look forward to seeing all your vids past and present , Thank you very much for sharing , loved that tank fans what you did !! 🇦🇺👍

[@longlance67]

cheers mate and thanks for subcribing !

[@kevinaylesbury1969]

Thank you mate for you time 😊🤝🇦🇺 and the reply mate

[@junglelands9119]

Shane, I also live in Ireland so the hairdryer is your best friend lol. Great video mate as always.

[@longlance67]

Junglelands thanks mate! Where abouts are you ☺

[@junglelands9119]

Shane Smyth - Armagh mate

[@longlance67]

ah nice ! haven't been up that way before only been as far Newry lol but do plan to visit the Gaints Causeway with herself some time

[@Druss39]

Nice tutorial. And great tip. Will have to give the flow improver ago.

[@longlance67]

thanks JC ! you should get a good result !

[@panzerpete4389]

Very good tutorial thanks so much

[@longlance67]

thanks my friend glad you enjoyed it !

[@stevie65able]

Shane - can you hear that sound? It is the sound of me crying over here in Australia. The day before I watched your video, I tried spraying Model Colour with disastrous results-lumps and spots all over the place. I had added lots of thinner and only a little bit of flow improver. Now I see why that didn't work, over thinned paint drying out as it hit the airflow from the nozzle. Funnily enough, when it does spray well, it is smoother than Model Air. I have ordered some GSI Mr Color paint for this aircraft project I am working on, but I will certainly try this on another project. You have no idea how grateful I am for your great video.

[@longlance67]

cheers mate, really glad to be of help! You will love the GSI colors they are very good too!

[@stevie65able]

@@longlance67 Was able to try the Model Color using your suggestion on the aircraft project, worked a treat. Much smoother. Funnily enough, I have been able to spray both lacquer and acrylic on this kit with no ill effects. Light coats does the trick.

[@stevie65able]

@@longlance67 Funnily enough, in the 14 months or so since I posted this comment to you, I have almost exclusively gone over to using GSI Creos paints. 99% of my painting is with GSI , but I still use Vallejo for brush painting. I find Vallejo too inconsistent to use reliably, or you have to use convoluted mixtures to make it work.

[@marcosfernandeznanita7150]

Awesome video my friend, thanks for sharing...

[@longlance67]

cheer mate !

[@BrettG64]

Great video Shane. I am one of those unfortunate souls that can't get any type of Vallejo paint to spray. I think in my case climate plays a huge role. My climate here is very dry and pretty warm most of the time. Every time I use Vallejo it clogs my airbrush... it starts to cure in the cup and clogs. It really is a shame, because I really like their colors and the finsih is great for decals and weathering. Great video though, and I may just have to bite the bullet and experiment some more...

[@longlance67]

do you use flow improver when you spray ?

[@richardhewitt6081]

Very useful - thank you!

[@longlance67]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Juan_Rivera835]

Hi Shane,, thank you! I tried your tutorial and it worked perfectly,. 50/50 paint mix at 15 PSI and went on mice an smooth. Stay safe and healthy.

[@longlance67]

great to hear that it worked well for you! thanks and stay safe too my friend!

[@liberator2408]

Great video mate

[@longlance67]

cheers mate

[@rltech9760]

Thanks for the great video, it answered a lot of my questions as well. I'm about to buy a Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush and can't decide on a nozzle size. Do you think these paints+flow improver would work with a 0.2mm nozzle or should I be looking at a 0.4mm? Also which size nozzle are you using in this video?

[@longlance67]

the 0.2mm nozzle is great, though it takes a little getting used to, as it requires pretty exacting thinning to prevent clogging, but with a healthy amount of flow improver in your paint it should not prove too difficult to get the hang of

[@soerenfeddersen3560]

Interesting, I use the Model color for some colors. My Vallejo Airbrush thinner is about 70% Thinner with 30% Improver. And then I add 50% of this to the Model Color or 30% to the Model Air and it works well enough. Nice tutorial as always :D

[@longlance67]

thanks for sharing your way of thinning !

[@jerryzhang3686]

I want to buy all model colors for my airbrush painting . Is it possible ,like no model air, model colors only for my airbrush ?

[@rcdfo]

Thanks for the tip.

[@longlance67]

Happy to help

[@kevinlarkin8586]

Hi Shane left you a message on Facebook buddy, Merry Christmas have a good one mate.

[@ongunpalaoglu3688]

Hey, I am really impressed. I was unable to find the combination for the model colors. I was using Vallejo airbrush thinner, 1:5 and and same amount of drops with flowimprover. 1) Why don't you use thinner for model colors(not the air series) 2) I use very low psi less 10. why do you use high pressure. I will definitely try yours as well thank you :) !

[@tomatoes3]

Wow, this could be the answer for many of us who struggle with Vallejo. Did you say you were even using a point.2 needle ? . Going to have a try in the morning thanks Shane .Regards John .

[@longlance67]

cheers mate, the only thing that vallejo paints don't do too well is spraying in damp conditions this includes their model air range too, but that's the only con with these paints I've encountered

[@tomatoes3]

@@longlance67 Had a play this morning, most impressed, used an Ultra with a .4 needle and an Infinity with a .15 I used both types of paint. I keep my cave at around 50 F more when I',m in there. Thanks for your posting , one happy Vallejo user.

[@Goldchucker1]

Hi Shane: Apparently you prefer to use Vallejo Flow Improver over Vallejos' paint thinner. I'll try that next time. I've been useing both in my airbrush. I haven't experienced any problems, but I'm always up for trying someone elses methods. Thanks for the tip. Chuck

[@longlance67]

hey Chuck I've always had kind of hit and miss results with airbrush thinner with the model color range but the flow improver it is very stable and constant in its spray I've found in my own projects. But above all always use what works best for you!

[@DrewsModels]

I love using Model Air but have not tried Model Color through an airbrush. I am currently building a F-86D which will be aluminum. I may try the Model Color glossy black as the “primer” instead of ordering Vallejo gloss black primer. Have you airbrushed the glossy black before?

[@longlance67]

I have not tried gloss paints through it be have put gloss varnishes through it using the same thinning method and it worked fine for me

[@MOS6510Models]

This came up on my feed.. flow improver!!! *runs off to buy some*

[@longlance67]

can't go wrong with a few bottles of it in your toolbox as its a game changer

[@MOS6510Models]

Shane Smyth - scale models ratios the same as using thinner So it’s like milk.. brilliant

[@longlance67]

@@MOS6510Models yes or as close to it as possible

[@MrTom271]

Very nice. Thanks

[@longlance67]

thank you ! :)

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

I have never had a problem Airbrushing model color but I use Vallejo airbrush thinner 71.261 and a couple drops of flow improver 71.262 I never use any more you can change the paint quality its really a Kind of soap in a way . But I do use flow improver for a lot of things for many years but only in drops .

[@longlance67]

funny enough I've found the soapy results when I used to use 71.261 it was one the of reasons why I do all my thinning with flow improver now, reserving the normal thinner for varnishes ect. It is interesting that the opposite was your experience shall have to more experiments with my own paint mixes! thanks

[@madddog6790]

It's winter here in Northern VA, but with the gas heat, the air is so dry that I'm throwing 1" static electricity arcs whenever I touch anything grounded :). BTW, it's humid AF here in the summer, so I run a dehumidifier in the area I paint in, it works wonders with drying--don't know whether you have those in Ireland. Also, a couple of months ago, I watched a vid about using thinner for the model color line, and got some very successful results with it...but I don't remember what the ratio was at this point :). I normally use water & flow improver.

[@longlance67]

aye I am very familiar with the climate my Mrs. is a native of Virginia so I know just how intense your humidity is. Ours is somewhat similar and the dehumidifiers do work here too in normal circumstances however my workshop has sprung some leaks that are proving very difficult to find its source so that is the main cause of my problems

[@madddog6790]

@@longlance67 Ha, talk about small world then...I'm sure it's an interesting story how a daughter of the Old Dominion ended up married to a fine son of Erin such as yerself :).

[@allanstott6999]

"Don't really give much of a s**t either way." I do dig your style Shane.

[@longlance67]

cheers mate! glad you enjoy it! :)

[@johnblack9885]

Do you add flow improver to Model Air? Even though they are pre-thinned I’ve found they could use a bit more thinning.

[@longlance67]

Yes I use it with model Air too, and it works a treat! You only need to add just a couple of drops and it vastly improves their spray performance!

[@zergslayer69]

I'm planning on using the model color primarily for hand brushing. What do you suggest I thin it with (if at all?) and what ratio would you use?

[@longlance67]

I just use tap water for thinning when brush painting, as for amount of water, I tend to just dip the end of the my brush into the water and mix it into my paint

[@frankgurnee4292]

Just starting airbrush and models; this was extremely helpful. Slightly off topic: how to you thin your model colors for brushing? Water, Vallejo thinner, Vallejo flow improver, or some magic elixir? Thanks.

[@longlance67]

I just use good old tap water, for ratio of water to paint. I use the back of my brush, dip it into the water and mix it into my paint so just a tiny amount of water goes a long way, even a drop or two can be too much

[@BunnyUK]

Hi, what product are you using as the Flow Improver? I didn't catch it...

[@EricSemmelmayer]

Just tried spraying Model Color Field gray using IPA as the thinner and it went on beautifully. No tip dry ups, no sputters or much over spray! no flow improver needed and IPA is dirt cheap

[@longlance67]

IPA is one of the most versatile mediums out there for modelling, it can be used for thinning Tamiya paints very well too, and works well as a pigment fixer for weathering. Its just a shame it is near impossible to find here in Ireland for whatever reason

[@stevedutton1967]

nice video i am just starting with airbrushing model color i have some lifecolor acrylic thinner is this ok to use as a flow improver ? any advice appreciated

[@longlance67]

I am not sure if it would work, you could experiment with it with an old model or the underside of a model to see how it works, though my rule of thumb with paints with the airbrush is not to mix different brands of thinner and paints as often they don't together as well

[@Ebergerud]

I airbrush Model Color - I prefer Golden Fluid Colors which are very like MC but better in my view. Golden recommends using Airbrush Medium - maybe 50%. Use a bit of retarder if you like - Vallejo makes it. They also make "thinner medium" which is white and is Airbrush Medium. Or you can get Golden High Flow which airbrushes like a dream and carries a heavier pigment load than Golden Fluid just as Model Air has more pigment than Model Color per volume. All hand brush great as you'd guess.

[@klonik79]

Is that flow improver fancy pants name for drying retarder? I use combination of thinner (for model color (white milk looking one) not airbrush thinner (transparent) , those are 2 different types) and few drops of generic acrylic retarder (it is Koh-i-nor Brand if I recall correctly) for about same effect, for MC Air I use depending on age just drying retarder or in combo with AB thinner.

[@longlance67]

I am not entirely sure what they put into their also I feeling theirs probably a bit of matt medium in there too

[@steveo5463]

Great vid Shane. I just started back into the hobby and bought Vallejo model color. I saw this video and glad I did as I used the flow improver and it went down great on my first model. Do you use the Vallejo air brush cleaner to clean your brush?

[@longlance67]

really happy to be of help my friend, I use Vallejo Airbrush all the time and for use with Vallejo, Citadel and AK paints works great for these

[@nekodegozaru951]

I plan on starting on airbtushing and I want to use Vallejo Model Air since I found a good deal of a set in Amazon. I have some questions (say that I've got a flow improver as well) 1) Model Air can be thinned with water right? How well does it (water) affect (paint+water thinned+flow improver mixture) the results. Or should I just stick to flow improver? 2) Can I just clean the air brush with water or should I use thinner for better results and maintenance? Thanks. PS. not my first time airbrushing. Just my firat time using water based polyurathane paints in general.

[@longlance67]

to answer your questions: 1/ if you have flow improver use it over water, though model air can be thinned with water, I've found my best results with just flow improver, as model air is already prethinned and can be sprayed straight from the bottle you ever need a few drops of improver to get the most out model air. 2/ definitely buy their cleaner, and decent set of airbrush cleaning brushes, out of all the elements of airbrushing, airbrush care is the most important. You should only ever use water to rinse out colors from your cup when changing colors during a painting session for a beginner the water bases paints are a little more forgiving then alcohol based paints in terms of thinning, just bear in mind to work in thin layers of paint while spraying which is something you pick up in time :)

[@nekodegozaru951]

@@longlance67 Good to know. Another one I forgot to ask: How about the pigmentation of the the Model Air vs Model Color? I've read that Model Air has finner pigments and lays cleaner on the surface than a thinned Model Color which still has "bigger" pigments (even thinned) than the Model Air. Is that true? Thanks

[@Daisy-ef6bq]

2:24.. yeah that's me, I've had a horrible time spraying Vallejo acrylics and would've said they are useless for airbrushing. I usually do around 10% flow improver, 20% airbrush thinner, then 70% model color paint. I get a few minutes of spray time if I'm lucky before the brush clogs and it stops spraying and I have to empty the cup, strip & clean. I'll try the 50% flow improver 50% paint though and hopefully that'll improve things. Thanks.

[@longlance67]

I've found my own best results by using only flow improver for thinning their paints and dropping the thinner all together

[@Daisy-ef6bq]

@@longlance67 Thanks. I gave it a go, a big improvement on what I was doing before. I think my main problem with Model Color was I just wasn't thinning enough. I've got a big bottle of thinner and flow improver. I'll try 25%/25%/50% paint and see how that works. Thanks.

[@josephjoestar5444]

Base coat pink is good for reds too

[@0311uli]

Thanks for making this video. Just wanted to ask since I'm coming from Tamiya since they lack the color selection that Vallejo Model Air has, what would be the ideal mix ratio since from what I read on the comments and you mention in the video, you only one or two drops of flow improver. Also, what would be ideal mix ratio w/flow improver when doing a gloss or satin varinish and at what psi? Thanks for answering my questions.

[@longlance67]

So for thinning Model Air its pretty straight forward as it is sprayable out of the bottle though will clog a needle very quickly, for good results I've always found 2-3 drops will get a good end results. So for spraying Vallejo varnishes and surface primers I would instead thin them with their Airbrush thinner, roughly 50/50 is good benchmark for ratios. For PSI settings I've found that their primers and varnishes like to be sprayed under high pressures in short blasts. I tend to set mine up at 20PSI for this job

[@0311uli]

@@longlance67 thanks for the response. This will help me get started with Vallejo. Since don't get me wrong, besides lack of selection Tamiya is a breeze to work with. I hope with your directions, Vallejo will be on par experience wise.

[@0311uli]

@@longlance67 I just did a test with both Model Color and Model Air and I have to say you're on the mark. Tested Calvary Brown from Model Color and Insignia White, Light Blue, and RLM Brown from Model Air. With Model Color, you were right. I had to do a 50/50 ratio to get what I was getting with Model Air. I did 15 drops of Airflow improver to one to two medium or large 'globs' of paint after mixing it on the bottle. Then, I mixed it together on the airbrush cup and got the milky form that I always got with Tamiya. Used 21 or 22psi and it worked like a charm. I was in awe of the quality of the paint. The Tamiya paint looks cheap against Vallejo. I did notice with my airbrush if I pushed it above 23psi it would start choking up and spit, but below that, worked flawlessly. With Model Air, used the same PSI as Model Color, though to experiment went down to 18psi and still got a nice job on both pressure levels. I did a mix of 3 drops of Flow Improver to eight drops of paint wow...the item that I painted looked lovely. I did notice these paints even with Airflow improver, quickly dry up the needle. Had a q-tip dipped with Airbrush cleaner, and cleaned that up. Besides that, I've become a believer in these paints. Thanks for making this video.

[@davidlanham5914]

Sorry if you've answered this below. Do you tend to thin Vallejo primers? If so, do you use thinner, water, or flow improver?

[@longlance67]

I put a few drops of vallejo thinner maybe a third thinner to primer and spray at a highish pressure of about 20psi

[@Allessio777]

I am a little confused about the best use of Vallejo THINNER MEDIUM, AIRBRUSH THINNER, and FLOW IMPROVER. I have been using the Thinner Medium to thin Model Color, and the Airbrush Thinner to thin Model Air. Are you suggesting that FLOW IMPROVER is the better thinner for both Model Color and Model Air?

[@longlance67]

In my experience I've gotten the best consistent results with flow improver

[@Johnny-tt8zc]

I’ll try this on my greyhound tomorrow 25psi with a .3 needle or a little higher psi?

[@longlance67]

20-25 psi is a good bench mark to start from, if your getting to much paint or its going on too heavy you can reduce the pressure a little. But it should behave well at those pressures

[@AngelCastillo-le3mc]

hey man, do you think i can apply this method with vallejo tranparent red to do some candy effects with the airbrush?

[@longlance67]

Yes you can indeed I've experimented with Vallejo transparent red on a silver base when I working out a metallic red for some HH Blood Angels but what I found is the result is more pink than red, but perhaps a darker metallic base colour might fix this

[@AngelCastillo-le3mc]

@@longlance67 thanks man!

[@Nortradax]

It must be the climate, I just spray my acrylics with water, including Vallejo Model Color, and have no problem at all. The only one I had problems was Tamiya. The finnish was like sandpaper.

[@longlance67]

it must be climate, as anytime I used water to thin for spraying it would never work for me, as for tamiya paints, I've got a few in the stash for my Tiger project but have never used them before so I can't comment on why you got that result

[@hazardtrooper2791]

I use Vallejo model air, and I was told it was pre thinned but I can never get the really fine line no matter how much paint I limited or much I drop the psi. Does it need to be thinned and can I use water to thin it. I’m working on a panther G and I can’t get the camo nice without splotchy edges

[@longlance67]

model air is indeed prethinned and can be spray out of the bottle for general coverage, though it goes down heavy as a result. for finer work you need to add a few drops of either thinner or flow improver, also the finer the paint the lesser the air pressure too

[@hazardtrooper2791]

@@longlance67 thank you so much, i dont have money to buy thinner so i managed to get a half decent thin line with minimal overspray thingi

[@longlance67]

if you can get your hands on distilled water or IPA (maybe will work best experiment with a test piece first) you should be able to thin your model air with those fine, just add a drop or two at time till your happy with the spray

[@claytonmcclain182]

Awesome video Shane. but come on tiger? what happened to Sherman's? hahaha all kidding aside I stopped putting those parts in tigers. And I've NEVER painted them. well black that's it. Again awesome tutorial.

[@longlance67]

hahah not to worry I have two Sherman's on the go as well ;) I normally would just have coated the area black and left the parts out but I kinda wanted to do as much with this model as possible including painting and weathering underside of the hull also it was test for my home made red oxide colour thanks mate :)

[@gamerhalim4717]

Thanks 🙏 for your guide. From Indonesia 🇮🇩 (do I need Vallejo thinner for mix paint)

[@longlance67]

I would recommend their Airbrush Flow Improver for thinning for airbrushing

[@gamerhalim4717]

@@longlance67 thanks 🙏

[@RonUSMC]

Shane, what happens when you use more paint than flow improver? When you are overthinned it pools up I saw. Do you encounter any drying on the tip? What size nozzle/needle were you using, type of airbrush? I just got all my Vallejo Model Colors out of storage.. over 200 of them, and needing to figure out how to use them, lol.

[@longlance67]

RonUSMC if you put too much improver to paint it runs or pools, if you use too much paint it will clog or not spray at all, that is why it's important to test your mixture on a piece of paper till you comfortable thinning by eye My airbrush is a Harder and Steenbeck Evolution CR plus with a . 2 needle

[@RonUSMC]

Great, thanks. I'm guessing that you would just use a little less flow improver with their Model Air line or would you do it straight?

[@longlance67]

model air can be sprayed straight from the bottle but you can get better results by adding literally a drop or two of flow improver into your cup

[@nelsonfalsetegarcia397]

where can I buy vallejo paints in the US? I can't find any online store that sells it

[@carlmitchell3431]

Nice one Shane informative what air brush do you use please .

[@longlance67]

Thanks Carl ! I the Airbursh I use is a Harder and Steenbeck Evolution CR plus with a .2 needle

[@basicminiaturepainting]

Despite the fact ive never used a airbrush,i enjoyed the video

[@longlance67]

thanks mate !

[@violetg4310]

Hi : ) I’m new to airbrushing so I’m still trying to get the hang of it. How do you get it to come out as a pencil line? I’ve used it with different psi and i haven’t achieved that. Thanks.

[@longlance67]

so the best way to get a fine pencil line with your spray is down to several aspects that interact with each other all at once: firstly ensure your airbrush needle and nozzle are clean, any dirt or dried paint here will create rough spray line. Also the finer the needle diameter the finer line you can achieve. Thinning is also very important, for thinning my paints I tend to gravitate towards the ratio of 30% paint to 70% thinner, this has always been a good rule of thumb for me on my own projects Air pressure and Trigger Control round out the basic points, I tend to keep my air pressure at 12-15 PSI for fine work. Trigger control is quite important, with a double action airbrush which I would recommend for the level of control it offers, it is good to get used to varying the amount of paint to air with good trigger control, you want a small amount of paint coming out of the brush to get those fine lines. hope this helps, the best way to learn is just spray away and get the feel for your brush but these are the values that have worked out for me

[@violetg4310]

Shane Smyth - scale models Shane Smyth - scale models Hi & thank you for the reply : ) its greatly appreciated. The lowest l’ve used is 20psi maybe thats why and my needle is .3mm, I got the Master Airbrush from Amazon since i heard it was good for beginners. Yes it helps a lot! Thank you : )

[@angelmedina8144]

Se agradecería subtítulos en castellano. Muchas gracias por sus magníficos tutoriales.

[@piloto5248]

hay en espanol tambien muchos tutorias sobre air brush paint

[@Joetime90]

So you use the flow improver over the thinner? I've been thinning the heck out of my paints and trying to basecoat some Warhammer models, and been fighting with pressure and distance. Its either too runny or too thick and gets clogged up. Shoulda watched this before I bought a big ol' bottle of the thinner lol How would you approach a grey tank with some orange panels? Make sure I cover the grey panels with white before I add the orange color to it? I'm using a .3 needle I believe.

[@longlance67]

I prefer flow improver for paints, for model air I just add a drop or two, but if your using citadel paints thin it at a ratio of 50/50 and spray with light, short coats as even if you thin your paint correctly it can still be very easy to put too much paint down and it will run. So small amounts of paint at a time is your best bet As for orange you'll get your best results with a white base coat

[@Joetime90]

@@longlance67 this helps a lot, thanks a bunch! Greetings from the US.

[@longlance67]

no worries mate happy to be of help!

[@PhaniKumarBhamidipati]

Thanks for the nice video. one question, do the paint chip off when rubbed with finger or with your nail?

[@longlance67]

Thank for the comment! Vallejo can be a fragile paint so a lot of care has to be taken hnalding it

[@PhaniKumarBhamidipati]

Shane Smyth - scale models thanks for the reply. So how can we avoid the paint from chipping off? Varnishes will help?

[@longlance67]

varnishes would be best bet to save your work

[@guraykera8920]

@@PhaniKumarBhamidipati use primers

[@PhaniKumarBhamidipati]

@@guraykera8920 Hi thanks for the reply, I am using primer, Vallejo grey primer, but I am still facing the chipping issue. I don't have an airbrush so was using a brush to apply the primer without thinning down straight from the bottle.

[@lofomut]

How long it takes till the colors are fully dried after mixing it 50-50 with flow improver?

[@longlance67]

it depends on your climate, its your working in a shed or basement without heating it can take hours, however in normal conditions it dry to the touch in about 30mis or so

[@labalbi]

Great . Where did you get this rotating plate ?

[@longlance67]

the turn table is by trumpeter

[@GrahamWalters]

I've been doing this for a while, penny for penny you get more paint for your pound

[@longlance67]

true that I find thinning model color goes way further than model air for mileage

[@TheBlackFrog79]

I use vallejo "airbrush thinner", it does the same effect of "airbrush flow improver"?

[@longlance67]

their airbrush thinner will do the job but I find that it does tend to slog the airbrush far worse than flow improver tends to do

[@TheBlackFrog79]

Thanks! but...can I use color + airbrush thinner + airbrush flow improver or I have to use just one of them to thin the color? (I can't see big difference between them. Flow improver is also a thinner?)

[@longlance67]

you can mix them if you want, I have always found that the thinner gave less then stellar results for me when it came to paints, so I just use it for thinning varnishes as flow improver cant handle it

[@jerryzhang3686]

Are the model colors gonna dry fast ? And can I use a small cup for the color thinking stuff instead of using the airbrush cup?

[@longlance67]

they dry to the touch in about 20mins faster in warmer weather, not sure what are asking me regarding the cup ?

[@jerryzhang3686]

thx man， I figured this out