Experience with Vallejo Air Paints?

I just used my first bottle Vallejo model color tonight painting the hull of my dreadnough and had a little spitting.  I don't know if it the ratio of thinner to paint was the problem or the airbrush.  I mixed it to what I thought was the consistency of milk.  Didn't have the problem using Tamiya paint.

I haven't tried the "Model Air" line.  (As a certified Olde Phogey, I just don't like airbrushing - largely, I'm sure, because I'm not particularly good at it.) But I have used the Vallejo line that's designed for hand brushing.  I haven't used enough of it to form a firm opinion, but so far I like it a lot.  And it does offer a good assortment of browns.  

My personal favorite paint brand is PollyScale, but it's been discontinued.  So far my two choices for replacements are Vallejo and Lifecolor.

My . I've started using Vallejo Model Air paints a few months ago. I have had no trouble at all spraying them. I've brushed them on small parts only but they seem to do the job well there too. Have not had to thin any of them except for the flat black. It was spitting a little while spraying so I added two drops of distilled water to the paint cup of my gravity fed Aztek and mixed it in with a toothpick. The problem was solved. No more spitting. So far, every color that I have used went on smooth and did not leak under the blue painters tape I use for masking.

Before that, I used craft acrylics. They were a lot cheaper, but I got tired of having the hit or miss problems of  thinning them down. Other than that, they worked OK too. For some reason, I don't use a lot of enamels except for small parts in cockpits, and landing gears.

Hope that this helps.

Jim   

I have airbrushed Vallejo Air with success on armor models,just don't try to thin with alchohol,BIG MESS results.

what Tojo said no alcohol! I have found a few things with these that might be helpful

1. Shake stir or what ever make sure it is thoroughly mixed

2. Use vallejo brand thinner the hobby lobby here sells the thinner so thats one less thing to order

3. Make sure the thinner and paint are also mixed thoroughly

4. I have also airbrushed there paint designed for hand brushing you just have to really thin it almost 90% thinner to paint

Hope this helps some

Good info, guys- Thanks!

I can't wait to try them out!

Dave,

You already know I use a good amount of Vallejo paints for brushing.  I have found out exactly what Clint (Rambo) says regarding airbrushing the regular paint.  You really have to use their thinner.

Steve

David I've sprayed both Vallejo Air and Tamiya and hands down the Tamiya works better right from the bottle. With the Vallejo I had to try a few things until it sprayed as smoothly, I guess I don't see the advantage of the Vallejo. Now brushing Tamiya is a whole other issue.  

One reason I like the Vallejo "brush paint" line is the sheer number of colors.  As noted already, there are lots of browns, tans, and buffs - and just about every other color imaginable.  Maybe the best way to buy them is in sets.  I bought the "American Revolution" set from Squadron.  So far I really like it.

jibber

David I've sprayed both Vallejo Air and Tamiya and hands down the Tamiya works better right from the bottle. With the Vallejo I had to try a few things until it sprayed as smoothly, I guess I don't see the advantage of the Vallejo. Now brushing Tamiya is a whole other issue.  

Don't you get spitting or clogging spraying Tamiya with out thinner?

John- Agreed.  I don't think I could run out of color choices with Vallejo!  I always love spraying (and brushing) with Model Mastey Acryls, but I need more variety....let's hope the Vallejo stuff performs well enough to make me a convert...

Jibber- I have to agree with Clint...I like Tamiya paints, they make a good finish, but I don't recall ever being able to spray a Tamiya paint straight from the bottle.  They're usually way too thick for my airbrush...which is a shame, since I'm lazy!

Steve- I've also tried the Vallejo brush paint...by mistake.  I thought it was for airbrushing, until I went to use it and realized how super-thick it is...needs serious thinning.

Either way, I'll get a chance to see how they work pretty soon, and I'll be sure and post my impressions here.

Got some more prep work to do on the Golden Hind parts...and while I'm not planning on posting a full-on WIP for the build, I probably will make a thread for it, just to highlight some of the, well, you know...highlights.  :)

Thanks for the input, y'all...very good to hear!

Dave