model painting?

Hey all, i forgot one thing that i want to airbrush- model airplanes. I'm going to be doing mostly testor's models, and they recommend using testor's paint. i don't know if any other paint would work to stick to the plastic. So if i use testor's paint, should i just take the bottled paint and really thin it up?? How much should i thin it up, and should i just use paint thinner???


oh i'll probably be using a paasche VL brush

Thanks guys

[lsabourin]

JD, I've been modeling for what seems to be forever. I would stay away from Testors paint. Pain to get flowing and clean. The paint is also very thick. I would go for the Tamiya or Hobby Colors. They can be nicely thinned with rubbing alcohol (~40%) and dry time is quick. So after you build, clean your model with soapy water and dry. This step is more critical if your building resin kits. Then prime it with Tamiya Buff or Medium Grey. Then apply your base color.

L

so then the ratio of paint to thinner would be 4:1??? or not?

[lsabourin]

For example, 1oz (30ml) would roughly get 1/2 oz (15ml) of rubbing alcohol. So ratio would be about 2:1. Of course you would never use this much paint but it's an easy example. Once you've tried it and ajust your pressure you'll find a good ratio that works for you.

L

[rowie]

Spot on L

2:1 or higher, depends on pressure and the paint.

The only paint I have ever found to work brilliantly is the Tamiya range, it just works.
The model needs to be cleaned throughly or you will have all sorts of issues.

And L has mentioned another very important step, use the primer, it will make life so much easier.

[wump]

i sell grex nails guns all day so of course i push their nails so that's probably the reasoning behind the testor paints. I have heard also that the Tamiya paints are great! what do you know about Chroma Airbrush colors?
Chroma Airbrush Colors - BLICK art materials

[rowie]

Wump, I don't know anything about those paints at all mate sorry, But where scale models are concerned it would take a great deal to move me away from Tamiya colors.