Using handpaint (emanul paint) techniques instead of airbrush

For the majority of my modeling life (50+ years) I've painted with a brush and still do it on occasion (especialy on armor). I always use flat paints to handbrush as they tend to flow together better and leave less brush marks. You also need to figure how much to thin the paint as it helps the flow (When opening a new bottle of paint I'm going to brushpaint with, I always add three or four drops of thinner and mix it in before I do anything else). Another thing to remember is that lighter colors will streak or leave brush marks - thin the paint and apply several thin coats instead of 1 or 2 thick coats (let them dry beteen each coat) - hope this helps a little.

While I'm not about to give up my airbrush anytime soon, there's something simple and zen-like about painting with a brush. With a bit of care it can come out pretty nice:

Stab underside, 1/48 Spitfire, Acrylic:


Regards,
Andrew

LIZHEN - When you find out how please let me know. I ahve tried the brush thing many times and always get brush strokes. I have tried thinning the paints more and keeping thinner in the brush. I even tried keeping a wet egde on the area and still I cannot get it too look like an airbrush surface. I have seen some really nice cars done with a brush that look just as nice as an airbrushed car. Good Hunting!!!

thanks for the reply. i have advanced my knowledge to another step. haha

I have to disagree with Steve simply because I have seen some models that I was amazed to find were brush painted. It is possible; I can't do it, can't even come close, but it is possible.

Here is a link to an article on the FSM site that might get you started:
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/default.aspx?c=a&id=285

IMHO, there have been many models posted in this site that have been brush painted that look very good. My feeling that successful finishes are acheived by talent, because the techniques are just common sense.....proper brushes, high quality paints, properly mixed and thinned, etc.

I think that there is no substitute for airbrush finishes, especially when you consider the value of effects such as preshading, weathering and accenting. Most modellers who advance in the hobby eventually get going with the airbrush. You get a better paint job, period.

Just my

Steve