How To Get A Glass Smooth Finish When Airbrushing Plastic Models

[@SamMillett]

I often just google questions and tap links on videos that address my exact issues. The hitrate for these turning out to be Barbatos Rex videos, without me even knowing, is insane.

[@hayj8741]

Your videos continue to either prevent or help fix issues for guys like me getting back into modeling. Was getting terrible orange peel with Tamiya laquers mixed right but your technique fixed it right away on redo. I just subscribed to your Patreon forum for this very reason! Thank you again for all you do for this community sir!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you my friend

[@ujona]

I have been learning a lot on channel and glad that I found it. It is a blessing to see how generous you are with prizing your followers so we can enjoy this art like you do. I brought the Aztek Airbrush a while ago but never had a chance to do any hobbies since life has been that busy. With my special needs son, I want him to experience the joy of model building as well as airbrushing the correct way. Thank you Barbatos Rex!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you my friend. It's a wonderful hobby to share with your children. I got my start from my dad in the 70s. It's lasted this long. God bless you

[@Datadog-1]

The detail oriented work of modeling could be very good for your son. I hope he enjoys it. Just make sure to wear respirators and have good ventilation.

[@I-Saw-It-Online-Hobbies]

Thank you for putting this video out! One of the biggest issues I have is paint that doesn't lay completely flat and smooth. sometimes it looks grainy, etc. Next time i break out the airbrush i'm trying this!! Man I wish I could still find Model Master paints. Grew up using Testors. Now switched primarily to Mr. Hobby

[@barbatosrex9473]

Check out my Mecha Empire paint line and MCW Finishes, they manufacture my paint line. It's designed after Model Master enamels. You will be happy with them for sure

[@I-Saw-It-Online-Hobbies]

@@barbatosrex9473 I definitely will!

[@allanlowe9346]

This vid is great!! Finally solved why my finishes have been inconsistent thanks to you Robert. You should get some kind of award for the best channel on KZbin.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you my friend

[@lastshadow9351]

Great! There's also something that you are doing, that because of how long you've been painting, it's just become second nature to you. When you're doing your final coat, you're creating a wet paint line and every pass you're overlapping and connecting that line until you've covered the whole surface. It may seem elementary, but if you get thin spots between pass lines, it will show as dull spots in the dried surface. In small scale it's not as noticeable, but if you're painting something like a table, you'll get dull stripes.

[@davidrankin8427]

@lastshadow9351 good to know. How would you best address this? I see many folk keep rotating the model 90 degrees across layers to ensure more evenly applied paint across multiple layers

[@lastshadow9351]

@@davidrankin8427 You have to have good side lighting to see that the wet line is fully connecting and start from the side closest to you and work towards the back or where the exhaust draw is. On a model you can get away with turning 90 degrees, but when you get larger, you'll end up with a checkerboard. On small stuff as long as the wet line is touching the finish will flow together and self-level.

[@lastshadow9351]

@@davidrankin8427 Also I'd say that you need to paint consistently to build the skill to lay down a good paint job. Even when you get good, if you haven't been painting for a while, it takes a bit to get good results again.

[@PewPewMonkey1994]

Your guides are the only ones that I actively search for when I need help on any techniques. Thank you truely for all your hard workin in the videos.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you, I appreciate the kind words

[@BiggerBrotherGames]

I don't come back to a video to comment very often, but this technique made a big improvement to my finishes. Thank you for all the helpful videos!

[@prauwnsauce]

got my tooty recently and just finished my kit, found your channel when looking for tips on how to paint the little guy and can’t thank you enough for sharing your knowledge

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks buddy, much appreciated

[@greegtraut460]

Once again great video. I bought the no name compressor. I have bought both proton airbrushes with number 3-5 needle.These videos have taught me so much. I’m so thankful

[@barbatosrex9473]

Glad to help out fellow hobbyist. Thanks for watching

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

I picked up my Procon Boy a couple of weeks ago and I love it. My main issue is not thinking that I'm still using a rattle can. I think I spray from too far away.

[@stinkybritches9104]

I have that same problem.

[@meticulous_al]

Favorite airbrush channel.

[@lesgl]

I recently sprayed some of the new formula Aqueous Gloss Off White with just the regular 110 thinner and it dried rock hard with a great glossy finish... no Levelling Thinner..great paints

[@dwgeer13]

Robert you slow pass seems very fast to the rest of us. Love you videos and learn a lot from you.

[@karl53133]

I'm now getting these finishes largely down to you and your videos have helped me more than all the others put together that I have watched ...

[@chuchuchip]

I had gotten the strainer funnel years ago for my siphon feed airbrushes & old paint. The paint didn't dissolve completely & clogged the siphon tube. This funnel would strain out the chunks when I filled the siphon jar. I would put the chunks in am empty bottle with a little appropriate thinner to dissolve them with a stirrer. Stopped my clogging problem.

[@curtwatts8620]

I'm just getting back into modeling and using my first airbrush from TimberTech. Thanks for all the help. It truly is a learning process but you're helping me thank you.

[@MultiLEGODOG]

Using your techniques, Work like a charm! Thanks

[@robbroy]

Excellent video sir. ! To add to one of your points I have found over many years to apply even matt paints as if they were gloss ie light initial coats then finishing wet coats. They will of course dry back and go matt but by applying them as if they are gloss leaves the smoothest finish possible. Love your work man. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@aChubbyHedgehog]

Love the videos so far! Found the channel today and it's been really helpful to someone trying to learn more about model kits

[@barbatosrex9473]

Welcome aboard my friend

[@paperwasteland]

Another vid, another chance for me to learn new things. Thanks Rex!

[@barbatosrex9473]

You're welcome buddy

[@tannervanbaale1893]

You are the greatest KZbin personality in its entire history. You have transformed my work with all the information you provide. Just wanted to thank you and let you know how much I value and look up to you.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you so much Tanner for the kind words, it's very much appreciated

[@Me4king]

Great tips! I struggle with getting mirror finishes particularly for chroming. It's either not reflective enough or I overspray and it drips.

[@dwhitford6966]

Ordered the .3mm GSI Airbrush. Should get here Friday or Monday. Thanks for the videos

[@giannipolini2544]

Thanks fir the video. I would add that with a glossy plastic spoon it’s super easy. In real life you don’t have that surface. If you want a glossy mirror finish, without orange peel, you have to prepare the base. 1) primer 2) primer sanding 3) primer (if you sanded fillings etc..) 4) primer sanding 5) primer fully cured 6) primer sanding 7) clean surface with alcohol or be super careful to avoid dust 8) first coat 8) sanding 9) second an third coat 10) 3 coats of gloss varnish 11) varnish fully cured 12) polishing compounds fine 13) polishing compounds finishing 14) buffing with a soft cloth I’m not critical here, great tips, but you should explain the difference between a superglossysmooth spoon and a real model

[@DansModelBench]

Picked one up shortly before you did and yeah, its a great quality airbrush.

[@rickgregory9616]

This was a great help! Thanks for the painting tip - and the airbrush back-flow cleaning tip! I was blocking the end with my finger. I just tried your tip of loosening the nut - works great! Thanks!

[@robertjohnston8290]

I’ve got the same airbrush at .3mm. I’ve been looking a .2mm replacement set, so I can use both. They are rare, or unattainable at most vendors.

[@SRCE2070]

I just wanted to say thanks! I went back and watched your acrylics video and it really helped me a lot, I only use water based paints because my wife hates paint fumes. I'm getting great results and able to enjoy my hobby all year long. I paint car models and RC hardbodies. I know you do a lot of reviews on many different products, I think you should do a video on your favorite budget must have products for airbrushing, Basically everything that would be needed that are your favorites and are budget friendly.

[@ozstrider]

Thanks for the vid. I struggle to get smooth, consistent paint layers down on my car models but I gave this a shot and got an excellent result. Still a few sneaky bits of dust unfortunately but I can sort those out. Looking forward to some of the paint reviews in the future, especially that Born paint.

[@stephentaylor1030]

Like you said, DUST!!!!

[@Kamikaziidare]

Does normal commercial grade Acetone or Lacquer Thinner not damage the rubber o-ring seals on the airbrush?

[@timcarson8146]

Congrats Lori! Great video Robert...as always.

[@kudukilla]

One other thing to remember, and often forgotten when working on models as opposed to the spoons is surface prep!

[@rubensandoval8528]

Congrats, Lori!!!

[@animalyze7120]

Pro tip, the air should never stop while in use, the only movement you have is the spray amount dictated by forward and backward movement of the trigger, the AIR always stays on, this aids with drytip prevention and is the #1 bad habit stickler air brush professionals train their students out of doing. Never stop the air once you begin.

[@robertjohnston8290]

I’ve had a problem with grainy surface, especially in recesses and corners. It took me awhile to figure out the paint was drying as it hit the surface, or before.

[@stevelacina582]

I recently learned that to get a super glossy clear coat you need to put down a soft “tac” coat first. Light coats on top of that and you’ve got it. I believe that “tac” coat is the secret to any good finish.

[@karl53133]

Tamiya paints are excellent I tried just as a experiment to see how wet I could get away spraying a spoon almost socked it and it still didn't run and actually turned out looking excellent even then ...later Ps... Love your passion for paint and colour im like that I can happily spray my plastics spoons just to be amazed at the results im like hmm look at that magnificent I really get a kick out of the finishes especially the clears over the metallics like wow....

[@barbatosrex9473]

It's all about the paint my friend isn't it 😀

[@karl53133]

@@barbatosrex9473 I'm finding that getting as much out of that same with weathering and effects as the actual building itself...All the best bud Ps...Also ment to say I hope the wife is on the mend and doing well now bud .

[@kennedygauger4680]

If you want a flat appearance after painting and/or decaling with a gloss paint, can you spray with a flat varnish like Dullcote? If so, is it uniformly flat, or is better to start with a flat paint? Thanks, Kennedy

[@dustincollier6145]

Great video picked up that airbrush over a year ago when I seen it on your show liked it so much I know picked up the .5 airbrush with the trigger to do my bodies. Keep up the great work.

[@titithierry920]

Merci de nous avoir montré cette technique de peinture.

[@ViciousXUSMC]

So excited to try this. Something I tried rattle can and wet sanding on, then tried enamle and hand painting and sanding, trying to get reflective mirror like look and failing. So ordered my first airbrush and hoping to finally get the results I am looking for. Saw your other video about chrome paint, that is what I am going for. I learned that I need a gloss black base coat in that video, you would think white would be best! But in my own tests the base coat only mattered when the top coat is thin, and thats maybe my issue my coat was so thick that instead of reflective chrome I got more a stainless steel gray/silver color. To 100% this and make sure you get a mirror like finish, would you add any sanding at any point? I am thinking sand my plastic with 2000 grit, then gloss black base coat, then chrome top coat, and then clear coat and use a car polish to make the clear coat perfect and pop. I assume with being able to spray so nice with an airbrush that I wont need any sanding between any coats, just polish the final clear?

[@barbatosrex9473]

Chrome must go on is super thin mist coats depending on the brand. Black is a must for the base. I use Tamiya Spray Can Gloss black TS-14 for my black base lately. White works but you'll get a ghost type of chrome where it looks more white than chrome

[@horze3494]

I can’t believe it never dawned on me to just use acetone instead of lacquer thinner to clean out Mr hobby stuff thanks!

[@dfsfdsfsdfsdfsadsdfsfdsdsf3587]

Nice, this is exactly how I air brush. I have an old airpro tank compressor with water and oil separator.

[@chrisdonnelly7319]

Congratulations to the winner and best of luck next time

[@Steven_Rowe]

I use an Iwata Revolution CR .5 needle and 20 psi and have problems spraying gloss enamel, I get orange peel. I'm mixing the paint 50 50 perhaps even more thinners. Is it paint viscosity problems or technique. Your painting is brilliant

[@robertmartel8373]

Another interesting video. I learn something new from all your videos. Thanks Rex

[@ThePudge1976]

Great tip! I've struggled to avoid at least one patch of orange peel. Would you recommend the same technique for applying clearcoat? I simply don't seem able to lay it down smooth.

[@barbatosrex9473]

This should work for clear coat too. I've switched to 2K for my clear coats and never looked back. It goes down perfect every time

[@markkuhn1297]

Great video. I have one question, please. If I spray clear gloss over a matte painted object, would I get a glossy end result? Thanks for your time.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Depends on the clear used. Standard hobby clears will take a coats. Let the first coat fully cure then apply the 2nd coat. If you are using a 2K Gloss Clear then just only 1 coat is needed

[@Justicecustomlures]

Congratulations Lori 🎊. Thanks for the video Rex this was very helpful 😊. Rex have you ever considered making your mech colors in acrylic paints.

[@insidemyshop]

Great info. Your tips and techniques are invaluable to beginners like myself!

[@greegtraut460]

Congratulations Lori. Another great video I’m so going to try

[@HoboHeaven]

Did you thinn the Tamiya Color you spray at 11:33?

[@barbatosrex9473]

Yes

[@barbatosrex9473]

Check out my video on how to airbrush Tamiya's paints

[@HoboHeaven]

@@barbatosrex9473 Yep, watched it after I post my Question. Got not so good Results today with the Lacquer and Mr. Hobby Thinner. Think my 0,2 Airbrush was too small.

[@giorgionapoli2398]

Nice video! Did you use Mr color thinner for all three colors?

[@barbatosrex9473]

I did, check out my video on Mr Leveling Thinner

[@vincentduong1465]

Tbh, it’s really easy for practicing on spoon, it will be different on gunpla piece

[@FTWBIFY6667]

It has the new car shine 😂! Good video keep them coming ❤️

[@robertlafontaine4238]

Great video! Thank you for taking the time to do it!

[@barbatosrex9473]

You're welcome Robert 👍

[@bbaz6729]

I am going to start a "Down Town Deco" kit. What paints do you use for that? Tamiya?

[@OwlNightGaming]

You have so many informative vids - i still suck at candy paint but keep trying to improve using your technique. Would you perhaps be able to tell where you got the gaianotes paints? They seem rather impossible outside japan :(

[@jeffallen3382]

Congratulations Lori!

[@ernstl1310]

Great vid, it helps me a lot. One question, can this technic be used for Vallejo Acrylics also, or how to I proceed with that type of colors. Appreciate your answer. Thx

[@ImaPoBoy2012]

Congratulations Lori DeWolfe on winning an awesome airbrushing package. Many thanks to Rob for all you do for your community.

[@rikito99]

Thank you for your tips! I just started learning airbrush recently. One thing id like to ask was does quality of the airbrush really matter much(?) I found that my stock airbrush, somehow gave me speckles whenever i paint. Or perhaps its the problem with how thin the paint is? Thank you!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Without going into details about why your getting speckles, I'm going to tell you that the quality of the airbrush matters. Just start out with a good one. When I started with a cheap one I almost gave up on it all together. Then I bought a GSI Creos Procon Boy and my world opened up. I couldn't believe the difference. I just kept thinking I should have just bought a good one to start. You don't have to spend a fortune on one. Spar Max makes a good airbrush for cheap and my favorite GSI is currently $85 on Amazon. Do yourself a favor and grab a good one. It's the best advice I can give

[@rickgregory9616]

Can you answer a question on Tamiya X-22 Clear? What is the best Thinner: Tamiya X20, X-20A, or Mr. Color? And is the thinning ratio the same with Clear as it is with paint? (I usually do a 3:1 ratio - 3-parts thinner to 1-part paint)

[@dwightatnorthernstar1820]

would you use this same technique for pure acrylics also ?

[@barbatosrex9473]

Check out my video on airbrushing acrylics here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZbdmYGlmsd0aLs

[@dwightatnorthernstar1820]

Thank you for your response...

[@doublenickelbob]

Congrate Lori. Great video Robert ,keep them coming I'll keep watching.

[@DZ32100]

I have a quick question sir? Can you run automotive paint through an airbrush? I'm thinking about fixing little scratches on paint

[@michaelscarola50]

Great video! Will this technique work for spraying clear lacquer on a model car body? I have Gunze Super Clear III clear lacquer.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Yes, same method

[@barbatosrex9473]

It should be. If the car kit is white plastic then I usually skip the primer and just spray directly on the car body

[@kennedygauger4680]

Do you use Mr. Hobby leveling thinner with Tru-Color paints, also? Thanks

[@barbatosrex9473]

Yes, I use it on every solvent paint I own. I did a video exclusively on Mr Leveling Thinner

[@terrygli]

Hello I am new to your channel but I have been learning a lot. Can you tell me who has the lowest price on the createx wicked colors. Thanks Terry

[@mikefowler7895]

Where u get your airbrush stand I like that

[@sasho89]

Another useful video, thank you. I'm a beginner and stick to car models, but I have a few questions if you can help? If I am doing a 2k clear coat after the colour, do I need to achieve the mirror finish? Currently I am using an iwata Eclipse HP-CS and have a 0.3 and a 0.5mm needle. For 1:18 scale model cars, what size needle do you recommend? And same question for 1:43 scale models? I can't find a fan cap for the iWata Eclipse so will be looking to upgrade to the Grex you have previously demonstrated.

[@michaelscarola50]

How does this Mr. Hobby Creos PS-289 airbrush compare to an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS?

[@DanteEhome]

The price on the airbrush really makes a diff. Do you suggest amature buy a 150 dollar airbrush?

[@victorvallone6620]

all of testors model masters unique colors are now in rustoleum spray cans at home depot? i think so

[@karl53133]

May I ask do you clear coat over the LP 48 as love the colour but marks so easy ...!! I airbrushed correctly at 50/50 mix several coats with 5 mins in-between and left 2 days to completely dry but no still marked easy when building was on top of Tamiya gloss black which was also totally dry ...!!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Actually no clear coat on top of it

[@karl53133]

@@barbatosrex9473 Well I thought that as it's lacquer paint after all ...!! Just wondered why it's so soft what am I doing wrong ...?? as love the paint itself plus I want to use powder for heat marks on bike exhaust...etc but thanks for the reply appreciated it bud

[@strictlydiecast785]

Can you use this same technique for water based paints as well? Thanks!

[@barbatosrex9473]

No, it's a different technique, watch this video for that kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZbdmYGlmsd0aLssi=v8nnD8RU_xq-BzQ1

[@dwgeer13]

Congratulations Lori

[@peterwaghorn40]

Love this video and all your videos you do a great job

[@mmouseav8r402]

I just came across this video because I'm trying to use Alcad's gloss black for metallics, and it's very grainy. I thin my paint 2:1 and it comes out smooth for flats, but grainy with gloss paints. What PSI do you spray at? I am at about 18 PSI.

[@scottp9425]

So in the video U say lm looking down an spraying at 20 psi. Does that mean U have set your pressure at 23 psi?? Because when lm using my airbrush if l set it at 20 when spraying it drops a bit lower. So l often wonder when people say the airbrush is set at 20 psi does that mean there spraying at 20 an set the tank slightly higher. Or do they set at 20 psi an spray at like 17 psi.?? It only drops very slightly but there is a drop there. So l would like to know if U want to spray at 15 do U set it a bit higher so when it drops its at 15 psi. I never know what the Real pressure is?? I think this would make a great video, cos lm sure lm not the only 1 wondering about this issue. Thanks your channel has been so helpful, so l thank U for all the videos on your channel. An 1 more thing, l think U should really invest in some decent paints!! LoL obviously lm being sarcastic, U have enough paint to start a paint No a hobby shop. Because if U add all the boxes of models U have a hobby store. REX'S HOBBY STORE!! Cheers Aussie Skot.

[@barbatosrex9473]

When I set my air pressure I dial it close to where I want it then I release the air from the brush. It drops a bit so I dial it up slowly till I get to the exact pressure I want

[@maxcalderon9221]

Hello went on Amazon looking for a paint booth for airbrush. There different kinds of paint booths. Which piant booth do you recommend purchasing

[@Bigjoe76]

I’m airbrushing tamiya paint on model car at 20psi and my paint job is getting tons of little specs in it. Why would this happen and how can I fix it.? Thanks in advance

[@barbatosrex9473]

Specks? Send me a Pic to my email

[@PatrickKend]

My favorite paint by far (when I can find the right color) is Tamiya Acrylic. When I get it right it lays down great and leaves an incredible finish. The only problem is if I mess up the paint job I’ve ruined a model. I know you can strip it but I’ve found Tamiya to be very hard to strip completely. I thin my Tamiya with 91% alcohol. If anyone has any tips on how to easily strip Tamiya acrylic I’d love to hear it.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Check out my video on stripping paint from plastic models. I get Tamiya off with 91%. But check the vid for several options

[@PatrickKend]

@@barbatosrex9473 thank you. You are literally the person who has shown me everything about airbrushing just by watching your videos.

[@barbatosrex9473]

@@PatrickKend thank you for the kind words, it's very much appreciated

[@smartinezai]

What's the difference between lacquer and acrylic lacquer?

[@956miggz]

Thanks for the regular content! I always learn something new. I picked up the procon boy .2mm. You mentioned I can change the needle to a .3mm. Are needles universal? Where can I find the needle alone for these airbrushes? Do I need to change anything other than the needle to convert the .2 to a .3? Thank you!!

[@barbatosrex9473]

It's a kit that includes the needle and nozzle

[@ModelCarWorkbench]

Great video, does this same technique work with ready to spray paints? Like splash?

[@barbatosrex9473]

Yes it does!

[@youtubeblogger3088]

Can anyone assist me in my time of crisis ha? I've airbrushed a few pieces and the paint seems to have been far too runny and instead of not painting like a pro and re mixing... I went right ahead and totally crapped up the pieces. Hoping that a drier mix would paint over it and only making it worse for myself. So, the question is, can I paint over a watery paint job? Does it need stripping or sanding. I'm a newbie to all this. What's concerning the most is that the models underside is totally covered in the runny colour I buggered up with.

[@Sarutobe12]

Amazing paint work big guy

[@moogun9419]

Nice!!! With Tamiya x-20a thinner does this work too ?

[@barbatosrex9473]

Absolutely

[@moogun9419]

I'm going to try your technique, because with the Tamiya x6 my rendering is matte and grainy… :-(

[@barbatosrex9473]

@@moogun9419 make sure it's not XF because that's flat

[@moogun9419]

@@barbatosrex9473 it’s X , end with your technical it’s very better ! Not perfect, but there is almost no grainy effect and the paint shines. :-)

[@barbatosrex9473]

@@moogun9419 that's awesome. It will only get better from here

[@hinge777]

interesting, i thought i was doing a good job, but i see that i can improve! thanks!

[@BrentWoodward]

Just picked up that airbrush for $130AUD delivered! Thanks for the recommendation! Looking forward to trying the technique because I'm getting rough finishes 😢

[@joaquimt.duarte2538]

If you use a compressor with a air deposit check inside for water, the needle partially clogging or lack of an air extractor also makes that

[@BrentWoodward]

@joaquimt.duarte2538 thanks for the reply. I worked out that I wasn't thinking the paint enough. All good now!

[@WillyDragonBlue]

Did you read one of my old comments where I asked to know, how do you get that shiny finish that you use so much when applying chrome? Thanks really thanks ! XD

[@bilbs87]

How about if you're trying to cover a large surface area while retaining high gloss? Do you need to keep in close? I'm struggling to cover an RC car shell

[@barbatosrex9473]

Same idea but you might Want to consider a fan cap

[@richie7370]

Hey Rex...do you sand your body's before priming

[@scottvanwaterschoot859]

Just watched this and thank you for the guidance. Did you say that you thin your paints at 6 parts thinner to 1 part paint? Thank you

[@Syclone0044]

No he says at least 50:50 and then he said perhaps even 40:60 (4 parts paint , 6 parts thinner)

[@acenbabon2968]

Hello, i tried this method exactly as you do in this video and it works perfectly however i can’t get the same result when i use mr surfacer as an undercoat.

[@barbatosrex9473]

If you use a Surfacer it has to be a super smooth one like 1500. Also if it's dull wait for it to dry then do it again

[@acenbabon2968]

@@barbatosrex9473 I see. I did use mr surfacer 1200 so there’s that. Thank you so much for the advice sir.

[@davidsmithson9236]

Congratulations Lori.

[@col72]

Great demo ,this is channel is awesome,new subscriber.

[@lucamicalicapparelli4825]

Hi, great technique. Do you pull button all the way back or just experientially giving the right amount of paint when painting light and/or wet coats? Thank you.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Hello Luca, that's my grandsons name. I pull halfway when putting down the Mist coat then all the way for the heavier wet coat