Mixing correct paint viscosity for airbrushing

[@PatrickVannie]

Bought your book based on this video and must say this is the first time that i have found a clear an usable explanation for paint viscosity in airbrushing. Many thanks :-)

[@gilbertnellis4840]

Hi Fred, bought the book and can thoroughly recommend it to anyone beginning airbrushing. Full of useful information and well illustrated. I have bought a few books before and they were filed with theory and very advanced techniques - your book is easy to read and easily followed by the novice. Even the introductory chapter on the history and development of airbrushing was useful. Excellent value - many thanks for tutorials.

[@pauldannenberg391]

I got the book on Apple Books because I couldn't wait, my airbrush was driving me crazy. The book really is useful and is written in plain simple English, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, finally ! :) I did a screen capture of the graph because I can't photocopy an intangible version.

[@willparsons32]

Wow, that's a great "formula table" for understanding and insuring that one uses the proper PSI/viscosity of paint. Is it possible to provide the PDF for this chart??

[@rycor9117]

@An idiot... i have the chart ;)

[@simonwillis1529]

I’m a total newbie iv not done any airbrushing yet and this is showin Iv got a lot to learn But iv seen a lot of vids and average iv seen is15 to 25 psi and your vid seems to support that to

[@BobbyDotNet]

Thank you, this makes a great deal of sense. A suggestion, mention or show from the side the approximate angle to hold the paper for the 30 second period. I could not tell if it was vertical, 45 degrees, or somewhere in between. Thanks again.

[@Artimagination1]

Thanks for the comment. It should be held at 90 degrees, but was slanted only because of the camera angle.

[@joeynuggetz]

I would imagine if you let it sit there for a bit it would absorb into the paper and skew the results.

[@Artimagination1]

Thanks Joey, your comments are much appreciated. I'm glad you found the viscosity thing helpful. Took me a while to develop (not without its critics!). Just remember, find a paint that works for you and use that as your benchmark when using the viscosity method. Thanks!

[@edstud1]

Really useful, thank you!

[@Mk.IV.b]

Two issues that become apparent - firstly the paper. Surfaces vary a lot in terms of smoothness between copy paper brands and secondly angle of inclination. Both affect the speed of the paint flow down the paper.

[@Artimagination1]

A bit late to the party, but whatever. The test is designed as a comparison between your existing paints. So long as the paper you are using and the angle of the paper (which should be vertical anyway), then you will be able to successfully achieve your 'ideal' viscosity to your mix that you know works best for you. You have missed the point somewhat, but you're not alone...

[@rostovfroisen626]

Similar issue as Paul Dannenberg but through Kindle. I managed to print the image but looking at your hand holding the book next to the picture, my first couple of prints came out about half size. I did some manipulating and got what looks close. However, a measurement (top to bottom) of the image would be helpful. I do appreciate the time and effort you put in to doing the book. Thank You.

[@kemlopatel]

It would have been nice if the book had mentioned it's A5. I bought it and have been struggling for weeks with A4 - after all, that's the standard size for a printer.

[@keeganrasmussen5647]

so about that chart. only available in the book right?

[@cajunsawmill]

Great video, Fred, very useful info.. ( Airbrushing The Essential Guide ) As a beginner your book was very helpful for me... Worth every penny and well done.. .Highly recommended to all new airbrushers... Thanks again, Fred Joey St.Pierre New Orleans, La.

[@carlmcferran9371]

Well as a technical paint rep working with paint viscosity all my life I have a problem with your method of measuring viscosity. Firstly the absorption of the paint into the type of paper used will affect the flow rate down the sheet. Secondly as gravity and mass of paint in the droplets will dictate the flow rate down the sheet, as the droplet reduces in mass the flow rate will be reduced , and thinner is absorbed into the sheet and the paint trail reduces the volume of the droplet. Therefore this not a very technical method of measuring viscosity.

[@iTzSwanK]

Carl McFerran So, you criticize his method, without offering another method instead.. I feel like you're lying about being a "technical paint rep". For starters how did you miss the part where he said he uses a certain paint (already thinned) that he compares his mixtures to. So... if he has a paint that he knows works, and he tests his paints to make sure they're the same viscosity how does the paper affect this? You're obviously far from a scientist because the paper and gravity are constants on this experiment. Yes different paper will make the paint flow differently but it doesn't make one drip faster than the other.. finally, if you're career is truly what you say it is, why are you on a beginners video to thinning paints? Seems like you just have absolutely no idea what you're saying, or you just listened to certain parts of it. Stop and think about what you're saying..

[@shaun7057]

@@iTzSwanK boom💥💥💥 shut down lol great points you bright up

[@ericbarrett6075]

Only 25 years learning and perfecting his own way of undertaking his mixing. Seems to work for him.

[@nikolajc7617]

Usefull?? only if you buy the book also.

[@ShEiP23]

I have never needed to buy a book or use paper to mix my paint. Do yourselves a favor and take the time to do some tests with your individual setups. They will be different!

[@naphaneal]

it's unfortunate, that the book lacks this kind of essential information. it should've been included.

[@brucecampbellforpresident1393]

So , Read the book?

[@hobbylyfe4716]

What if you laminate the sheet? Will it still work

[@Artimagination1]

No. You need a 'level' of absorbsion from the paper to give a gauge to measure from.

[@tubedepateadent]

Just bought a Kindle digital edition of the book and I can't figure a way to print the page containing the graph with my Kindle for PC. So I will make a screen capture of the graph and print it. Could you give me the exact length, in millimeters, of the gray PSI bar at the bottom of the graph, on the paper version of the book. I will then adjust my printer to get this exact length. Thanks.

[@michaelhalbert9264]

Truthfully, this video helped with air pressure, but not how to thin the paint. I will buy the book though.

[@Artimagination1]

Thank you Michael. The trick to thinning the paint is covered in the book. Ideally, to work at about 25-35 PSI paint should flow down the length of a piece of A5 paper in about 30 seconds..... hope this helps.

[@michaelhalbert9264]

It does, thank you. And I am buying your book this week. Thanks again

[@michaelhalbert9264]

What I'm looking for is a ballpark number to begin to thin--1 to 1 or 2 to 1 or something

[@Artimagination1]

Hi again Michael. Giving you a figure on thinning your paint would be irrelevant as many different paint manufacturers have very differing starting points. For example, Hansa pro-colour is ready thinned to be sprayed at 25-35 PSI, yet wicked colour need thinning about 30% to match that. Like I said before, do the drip test on a piece of A5 paper with 3 drops. Ideally, top to bottom in about 30 seconds would give you a good, working viscosity to work at around 25-35 PSI. Hope this helps.

[@michaelhalbert9264]

what's A-5 paper?

[@kaptkrunchfpv]

Seems like the angle of the paper, the type of paper etc influences this test.

[@thelaundrysomethingsomething]

Is there somewhere I can download this graph paper?

[@moeshickenyay]

Jacob Jorvang i was a l3 go get a pretty good screen grab, and saved it as a pdf file that I just print off, now I don’t need to buy the book. Email if you want me to send you the file.

[@thelaundrysomethingsomething]

@moeschickenyay I would, but how?

[@RalphCunha]

moeshickenyay..... is there a way that you can send me the PDF, please? I'm trying to do some car modeling and maybe jump into either planes or ships. It's a hobby that we both love and we have an amazing bond together for working together. Thank you....

[@RetroGaragePhoenix]

Is the book available in the US at any retailers? Amazon etc?

[@tawfikhikmi4003]

Bodyworx25 y

[@rycor9117]

I got it from Amazon. Most of the information is free on the internet or airbrush groups.

[@Magic3DPrinting]

Just bought the electronic version of the book but how am I supposed to print the chart for thinning? Could someone email me a copy to scale otherwise it will be difficult to calculate the proper dimensions . Thank you!

[@Artimagination1]

Hi There. Don't worry too much about exact air pressures, it's only a guide +/- 5 PSI either way. You need an A5 piece of paper (half A4) and place 3 drops at the top. There should be enough volume to run the fully length of that paper, so just timing (30 secs) will give you the ideal PSI. Hope this helps.

[@chrisgriffith1573]

The biggest secret behind airbrushing... taking all your audio out of sink of all your videos!

[@Artimagination1]

Chris Griffith must be your system. All working fine on mine!

[@boobizzy4173]

Thanks brother!!!!

[@boobizzy4173]

What set pressure do I use for auto airbrushing?

[@Artimagination1]

Hi Ras. Thanks for liking the video. If you are referring to automotive airbrushing, then really you need to work at a slightly higher pressure to deal with larger volumes, greater distance (from the surface) and thicker (heavier pigmented) automotive paints. Obviously, a bigger nozzle too. As a guide, I would suggest between 30-55 psi, depending on paints and set up. All this is covered in the book. Thanks

[@jeffleblanc8850]

You mix it so it works well that’s the easiest way unless you are a chemist

[@BennyCFD]

There's no formulas or tables. There are too many variables, like are you using a .2 .3 .5 needle. What pressure are you using. Some people use low pressure like around 15psi or 25psi or higher. All you can do for your particular need is to experiment see what works for you. Always, always, always before spraying your project try it on a plastic spoon and see if it works.

[@richferraro4422]

Impressed with the video and purchased the electronic book from Amazon. Could you tell me the measurements for the thinning chart? I'm sure this is crucial for accuracy. I tried printing it but it came out very small. Sorry if dumb question, not real computer savvy!

[@Artimagination1]

Hi Rich and thanks for buying the book. The scale of the chart is A5 (half the size of an ordinary piece of paper... foolscap I think). Standard paper will do as you are measuring against a 'known' viscosity or benchmark. Hope this helps.

[@ablebaker8664]

Virginia Crellin I had exactly the same issue and thought I'd check here. Thank you very much. Brilliant book BTW. I'm really enjoying it.

[@kennyd4193]

Greetings Virginia! I also have just purchased your book for my Amazon Kindle. I fully intend to read the entire book, but for now I would like to gain a better understanding of your Paint Viscosity Guide Chart. If I may... "Half the size of ordinary paper" has me confused. When I set my printer paper tray to "A5" (as per your instruction in your video), the paper dimensions are 5 3/4" x 8 1/4". These are obviously not the dimensions you suggest which again were "Half the size..." which would measure 5 1/2" x 8 1/2". I'm sure you understand my confusion because the size of the paper will certainly influence the result. What am I missing?? To be more specific, I pour my paint straight from the bottle into my airbrush and it won't even spray regardless of air pressure. Then, I thin it, reduce the pressure and it sprays, but is obviously too thin because it is extremely translucent. Through trial and error I always find the proper viscosity, but need a repeatable method for measuring the proper viscosity to prevent over or under thinning. To that end, one unknown I need to resolve for is the intended dimension of your chart. Sorry for any frustration that I may have added . Very much looking forward to significantly improved results after having completed your book! Thanks in advance sir! Ken

[@ablebaker8664]

Kenny Davis Fold a piece of standard letter bond 8.5x11 in half you then have a height of 8.5 inches. The height of the drip track is the important dimension. So, if you print two test graphs side by side in landscape mode you get two on one sheet. The drip length can be calibrated then from a known standard. If you have a "spray ready" paint with a known viscosity you can use the length of its drip line as the benchmark by which to gauge the paint that you're reducing. or you could actually use milk... if you have an abundance of patience. I suggest whole milk... After fussing with 2% and skim milk with variable results I stumbled upon dairy industry references that surprised me a bit. Reduced fat milk actually has a slightly higher mean viscosity than whole milk, and all milk has a viscosity that can vary greatly over temperature. Whole milk at about room temp is close enough to use... but spend some time with it and take... oh... 50 to 100 data points. Drop size can also vary with milkfat percentage and temperature. A higher viscosity fluid will tend to also have a higher surface tension and make a slightly larger drop... So be consistent about what you use and the temperature. Other factors can include the relative humidity and the finish of the paper. Provided that you use the same type of paper under comfortable shirt sleeve temperature conditions the only thing you might need to compensate for is relative humidity... which shouldn't be a huge concern unless you live in either a very humid or very arid climate. The real trick using this method is to use it a lot for a while to become familiar with the results you should expect. Once you get familiar with it you won't even so much need to print the chart... You'll become able to look at the drip line and have a good idea of how it will behave. Translucency can be caused by many factors. Is the paint sufficiently heavily pigmented to suffer reduction properly? A weak paint won't produce good results when reduced. Is the paint already translucent? Some colors are easier to reduce than others because of the opacity/translucency of the paint you begin with. How do you reduce it? Water isn't the best reducer. I use a reducer that is 75% water 20% rubbing alcohol (70% the cheap stuff) 5% vegetable glycerine. This produces a reducer that is wetter than water but also has good film qualities. For medium I use Plaza or Liquitex artists acrylic gloss media. 30 parts acrylic media 60 parts water 5 parts rubbing alcohol 2 parts vegetable glycerine Or you can just buy Liquitex, Golden, or Createx reducer and airbrush medium. I mix my own because I'm a cheap date and I enjoy hacking all the things. Try lots of stuff until you find a comfortable solution for you. After all... you're the one that'll be using it.

[@kennyd4193]

Able Baker Outstanding reply! Your attention to detail is impressive; I really do appreciate your being so thorough. I’m actually using a brake caliper paint called “POR 15” that is in use widely. This paint is intended to brush on, but I love the color, so I have been trying to use it in air brushes to spray small 2 x 2 automotive badges with limited success. It is I believe a urethane based paint. The manufacturer suggests using only their thinner which I have tried, but it seems to dry to slowly, probably my fault??? Haha. I have thinned it with acetone with greater success, but the manufacturer specifically states only use acetone for cleanup. I too have a habit of hacking. Lol! Thanks!!

[@MrElvin1963]

I just wonder if anybody tried airbrushing milk?

[@vesli222]

dude if u make video about airbrush and u use drop test,where can i find this file for printing.ffs...

[@moeshickenyay]

Really washed out lighting just when you show your graph, buy the book.

[@steviepeers8602]

Wacth the Video till the end... I didnt ffs

[@breakfastbuddy5]

just use milk and , take the time

[@kevinwebster7868]

LOL!! This useless video should be titled,”Hey everybody, buy my book.”

[@BennyCFD]

This is way to involved. Most people use the same psi, and judge viscosity visually......

[@billfrater1948]

Not helpful at all, just a ad for your book.

[@kevinwebster7868]

LOL!! This useless video should be titled,”Hey everybody, buy my book.”