SPA Modeler

I have slowly acquired the things I need to airbrush paint my next build except for paint. Looking for recommendations here since I am a beginner at the hobby and painting. I'm looking for primer, paints, and clears that don't have to be thinned just ready to pour and spray. While learning to paint I'm not sure I want to learn to thin properly right away. I'm taking it one step at a time. Trying to challenge myself with each new project. With that, the next car will be one I can prime, paint, and clear. Any recommendations on airbrush friendly paints is appreciated.

Tamiya paints tend to be pretty much ready to go after mixing...I also enjoy the Vallejo Model Air line as they are ready to.go straight out of the bottle and it's easy to manage exactly how much comes out of their squeeze dropper bottles.

Jeeves wrote:Tamiya paints tend to be pretty much ready to go after mixing...I also enjoy the Vallejo Model Air line as they are ready to.go straight out of the bottle and it's easy to manage exactly how much comes out of their squeeze dropper bottles.

Thank you. This is where I will start!

Corvetteguy71 wrote:

Jeeves wrote:Tamiya paints tend to be pretty much ready to go after mixing...I also enjoy the Vallejo Model Air line as they are ready to.go straight out of the bottle and it's easy to manage exactly how much comes out of their squeeze dropper bottles.

Thank you. This is where I will start!

I'd have to agree. Tamiya, Vallejo Model Air, Ammo of MiG, AK Interactive and Hataka are what I use.

You guys airbrush Tamiya without thinning? Seriously?

In all honesty, thinning for airbrushing is a fairly simple skill to get a handle on.

Just a suggestion, but a good idea is to get a kit that you really won't care about to use as a test mule for paints, glued, techniques, etc. Use it for practice to get decent on whatever, before you try it on a project that is more near and dear to you.

Stikpusher wrote:You guys airbrush Tamiya without thinning? Seriously?

In all honesty, thinning for airbrushing is a fairly simple skill to get a handle on.

Just a suggestion, but a good idea is to get a kit that you really won't care about to use as a test mule for paints, glued, techniques, etc. Use it for practice to get decent on whatever, before you try it on a project that is more near and dear to you.

That is some solid advice Stik. Thinning is an important part of airbrushing. And yes, I do thin Tamiya. With Gunze laquer thinner actually.

Jeff, at least on the clear I would suggest to get some Alclad II Aqua Gloss, or, maybe even better to aquire in the States: Future (Pledge) floor polish. Shot it straight from the bottle! Maybe THE gloss used by most modellers. Also great to have a coat of Future on the model before getting the decals on. Then, after dry, seal with another coat of Future.

Clear parts, dipped in Future, will even improve in clarity! Just prevent the Future from pooling in corners!

Airbrushing paints will greatly improve the finish the look of your builds. Each of us has (and maybe still has to) go to some time of getting the curve. Thinning is necessary on most paints that are to be airbrushed. There is no science. You will master thinning rather fast!

Thank you for the advice folks. Stik I absolutely agree with you on a practice project and that was the plan. Nothing fancy with large panels or areas so that I can practice.