Everything You Need to Know About Airbrushing

Whether you're new to the modelling or looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about airbrushing, from choosing the right tools and paints to mastering the techniques. Ready? Let’s get started.

What is Airbrushing?

Airbrushing is a painting technique where paint is atomised using compressed air, allowing for smooth and detailed application on surfaces. It's widely used in scale model painting to achieve professional-grade finishes. In this guide, we’ll focus on airbrushing for beginners, covering essential equipment, paint types, thinning methods, and painting techniques.

Choosing the Right Airbrush

For this tutorial, I’m using the Harder and Steenbeck Evolution Silverline. It's a gravity-feed airbrush, meaning the paint is fed from a reservoir above the body. This model comes with a 0.15mm needle and nozzle, making it perfect for both fine details and larger surfaces without needing constant needle swaps.

Why Harder and Steenbeck?

• Interchangeable needle sets: Compatible with higher models like the Infinity or Ultra.
• Removable color cup: Makes cleaning easier, a big plus for airbrush maintenance.
• Simple assembly: The nozzle and cap fit snugly, improving overall performance.

Airbrush Setup

To connect your airbrush to a compressor, you'll need an airline. Most airbrushes use a 1/8-inch connection, but some compressors may require a 1/4-inch adapter. For added convenience, I use a quick-release valve for easy detachment.

Safety First: Masks and Ventilation

Airbrushing releases fine paint particles into the air, so it's essential to protect yourself. I recommend using the Model 7001 mask with A2 9200 filters, designed to handle spray vapors effectively.

Paints for Airbrushing

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular paints used in model airbrushing:

1. Tamiya Acrylic Paints

Tamiya paints require thinning before airbrushing. Use Tamiya X-20A thinner for best results. These paints are known for their smooth finish but need proper thinning to avoid clogs.

2. AK Interactive Real Colors

Also acrylic lacquer-based, these paints require thinning with AK Real Colors High Compatibility Thinner. They offer excellent coverage and durability.

3. MR Paint (MRP)

Pre-thinned for airbrushing, MR Paints are lacquer-based and ready to use straight from the bottle. Clean-up requires acetone or cellulose paint thinner.

4. AK Xtreme Metal

This enamel-based paint delivers a metallic finish. Thin it with white spirit or odorless turpentine.

Primers for Scale Models

A good primer creates a smooth base for your paint, ensuring better adhesion and durability. Here are my top picks:

1. Mr. Surfacer

Available in various grades (e.g., 1000 for airbrushing), this lacquer-based primer must be thinned with MR Color Self Leveling Thinner.

2. AK Primer with Microfiller

Pre-thinned and ready to spray, this primer is ideal for filling minor imperfections. Clean-up is similar to MR Paints—acetone works well.

3. AMMO One Shot Primer

This acrylic-based primer is less toxic and ready to spray but may not provide as smooth a finish as the others.

Varnishes: Sealing Your Work

Varnish protects your painted models and enhances their appearance. Here are two varnishes I frequently use:

1. AK Gloss Varnish (Acrylic-based)

This pre-thinned varnish is sprayed in light layers to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. A dust coat followed by two thicker coats works best for achieving an even gloss.

2. Mr. Color GX100 (Lacquer-based)

Thinned with MR Color Self Leveling Thinner, this varnish can be tricky but produces a high-gloss finish. Apply in light layers to prevent melting the underlying paint.

Thinning Paint for Airbrushing

Thinning paint is crucial for smooth application. For Tamiya and AK Real Colors, I recommend adding thinner directly into the paint bottle for long-term airbrush use. For MRP Paints, no thinning is necessary as they come pre-thinned.

To mix paint and thinner directly in the airbrush, backflush the airbrush by pressing the trigger to create bubbles in the cup. This ensures a smooth, clog-free spray.

Air Pressure: Finding the Sweet Spot

For most paints, I recommend a working pressure of around 18 PSI. Higher pressure can cause paint to dry mid-air, creating a rough, frosted texture. Lower pressure may result in spattering, especially with metallics.

Airbrushing Techniques for Beginners

1. Basic Layering

Start by applying a light dust coat of paint to your model. This prevents flooding and allows you to build up the paint in layers.

2. Thinning and Flow

To avoid spattering, ensure your paint is thinned correctly and maintain a constant air pressure. Check the spray pattern to see if it's smooth and uniform.

3. Black Basing and Marbling

This technique involves applying a black primer and then layering paint in random patterns to create texture and variation. It’s perfect for achieving a pre-weathered look.

4. Controlled Spraying

Keep your airbrush about 10-15mm from the model for optimal coverage. For fine details, move closer, but be cautious not to flood the surface with paint.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining your airbrush is key to consistent performance. After each session:

• Return unused paint to the bottle.
• Use the appropriate thinner (e.g., acetone for lacquer paints) to clean the color cup and needle.
• Flush the airbrush with thinner to remove any remaining paint.

Cleaning after every session will ensure your airbrush is always ready for the next project.

I hope this guide has given you a solid understanding of airbrushing for beginners, from choosing the right equipment to mastering essential techniques. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll see your airbrushing skills improve dramatically. For more detailed tips and tutorials, check out my model making for beginners series on my YouTube channel. Happy airbrushing!

Looking for a model work stand to keep both hands free during your airbrushing? Check it out here.