SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

Airbushing Vallejo Game Color Paint

1118 views
14 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2015
Posted by wadams on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 1:41 PM
Thanks Mutt Very useful info Warren

Warren Adams

  • Member since
    May 2019
Posted by muttb0ne on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 12:12 PM

I almost always use Vallejo paints, either of the Air, Metallic, Game paints an washes, an the whole line.  I just have found them to be perfect for me as far as acryllics go.

That said, I do use some others, including but not limited to Tamiya colours such as the XF-series, which are not airbrush-ready, an I thin my Vallejo paints the same way; trial an error.  Usually I start with a 50-50, but in my experience, even different colours, especially metallic paints, are thinner than others.

I have always had a box of cheap plastic spoons on hand to play with ratios.  I start with a 50/50 for most paints besides metallic type colours, an add to them when the consistency is about like that of 2% milk. At about or near 18psi on my compressor an airbrush, that is the sweet spot.  FOR ME. I've had a friend with exactly the same tools as me crank his compressor to 27psi to get the same result.

The IMPORTANT thing to remember:  not all airbrushes, not all compressors are the same, even within their own model numbers.  You do NOT have to be spot-on with ratios.  What IS important is to thin the end mixture to that of watered-down milk.  You can ALWAYS add paint, i.e., add layers.  You cannot remove them.  At least not easily at all.

Don't get caught up in the numbers.  Just thin with appropriate thinner for the type of paint you are using, an test with a scrap piece of spru or plastic spoons.  (Spoons are great because you get a good indication on how light will play with the colours because of the convex/converse angles).  Spray what is comfortable.

Remember that even too-thin mixes can be added between coverages, but too thick will cause issues with airbrushes an whatever needle you are using.  Favor on the side of too thin, an add passes/application of colour or add a drop or two of paint.

Over time, you will get a "feel" of what works an what doesn't.  I almost moan when I see posts about "you have to have 13% of this to 27 1/2% of that", because while it might have worked for that person, it will not ever work for another.  Work with what you are comfortable with, an remember always that this is supposed to be a fun hobby for YOU, no one else.  We are our own worst critics, an I get that, but this is supposed to be a stress-relieving entertaining activity, not a race or show of muscle.  It's just like building furniture...measure twice, cut once.  Same with thinning.  Err on the side of thin.

Good Luck!

Mutt

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 8:32 AM

wadams

Thanks. I an new to the Forum and trying to learn how to navigate through it. Warren

New?  Your profile indicates you joined in 2015?

As far as navigating goes, I recommend scrolling down the list of forums to find the right one for any given subject.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2015
Posted by wadams on Friday, May 24, 2019 7:13 AM
Thanks. Now I just need to learn how to navigate my way around in it. Lol Warren

Warren Adams

  • Member since
    February 2015
Posted by wadams on Friday, May 24, 2019 7:12 AM
Thanks Warren

Warren Adams

  • Member since
    February 2015
Posted by wadams on Friday, May 24, 2019 7:12 AM
Thanks. I an new to the Forum and trying to learn how to navigate through it. Warren

Warren Adams

  • Member since
    February 2015
Posted by wadams on Friday, May 24, 2019 7:10 AM
Thanks for the info. Warren

Warren Adams

  • Member since
    November 2004
Posted by snapdragonxxx on Friday, May 24, 2019 5:23 AM

Just so that you know, Vallejo Game Air is the same range as Game Color, but formulated for airbrushes.

you can thin both ranges with bog standard tap water if you wish, but it does make sense to have both types for figure painting as some detail is easier with paint brush than air brush.

As an aside, for the ID yellow/prop tips on Japanese Aircraft, one of the Game Air Yellows is an exact match to the original colour! Sometimes you have to look outside your normal sphere!

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:59 PM

Game Color, like Model Color, is designed to be brush-painted. It is rather thick so it can cover in one coat, yet has pretty amazing self-leveling and detail-enhancing qualities.

It can be sprayed by thinning using the same products you'd use to thin Model Air (Vallejo Airbrush Thinner and hopefull Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver). You will need to thin very agressively. As noted by others above, there isn't a ratio. In my opinion, neither Model Color nor Game Color (nor Panzer Aces, etc......) will airbrush as nicely as Model Air regardless.

Don't despair though, folks spray it all the time. It can be done. I'd start at 22-24 PSI and .4mm minimum needle/nozzle and work on your thinning from there.

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:49 PM
Post in the painting section you'll get a better response

 

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: AandF in the Badger State
Posted by checkmateking02 on Thursday, May 23, 2019 4:55 PM

Welcome to the Forums, and good luck with the painting.

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Thursday, May 23, 2019 1:35 PM

Hey,welcome to the forums.

  • Member since
    July 2011
  • From: Armpit of NY
Posted by MJames70 on Thursday, May 23, 2019 12:43 PM
Also, there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ ratio that will give ideal results just by following someone else’s formula. Airbrushes, air pressure, and weather conditions can make the needed amount of thinner vary significantly. Best way - learn by doing, with your equipment.
  • Member since
    July 2018
  • From: The Deep Woods
Posted by Tickmagnet on Thursday, May 23, 2019 11:32 AM

Don't know if this will help I haven't watched it and I don't use that brand but it's a video specific to thinning that paint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PM0C4xCu_4

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2015
Airbushing Vallejo Game Color Paint
Posted by wadams on Thursday, May 23, 2019 10:05 AM

Hi Guys

I am looking for info on thinning and Airbrushing Vallejo Game Color Paint. I find everything on Model Air but not Game Color. I am looking for the proper thinner and ratio amount. Does anyone have info on this. 

Warren Adams

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.