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Airbrush & Drybrush Questions from Newbie

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  • Member since
    March 2009
Airbrush & Drybrush Questions from Newbie
Posted by Ditch on Thursday, March 26, 2009 9:26 PM

Hi everyone!

   This is my first time here...so please be gentle with me. I was into building models when I was in my late teens/early twenties. So now...thirty years later I've developed an interest in the hobby again. However, a few things have changed.  (Photoetched parts, creating scratched built parts etc.) Yet much remains the same. Well, my questions are as follows: I've got a decent Badger airbrush that I've only shot lacquer with. So I'd like some advice as to what type of paints I should be using to finish plastic models with? Lacquers, enamels, ???

   Second, I was looking at a recent "Great Scale Modeling" issue with some completed tank models built by Will Lanier, and the finish work blew my mind! I noticed he said he incoperated "dry-brushing" into many of these incredible finishes. Could anyone out there explain to me exactly what "dry-brushing" entails?

   Third, I just ordered Tamiya's 1/35th scale "Panzerjager Jagdtiger" to get me back into the hobby. They suggest a list of colors to use, so keeping in mind my question listed above regarding what type of paints to use (for both air & regular brushing), is there a list somewhere to cross reference paint brands/types depending on what I should use? (Any suggestions as to brands would also be appreciated.)

   I realize I have asked a lot here, but if I could get some guidence from people who know more than I do on these few issues...I think I could fudge my way through the rest? Thanks in advance for your help!

Rich P.

Chandler, Az. 

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Thursday, March 26, 2009 10:12 PM

Hi Rich,

Welcome to the Finescale forums. Big Smile [:D]

The choices available in model paint are staggering. Each brand has it's own advantages and disadvantages and it often comes down to pseronal choice. There have been many discussions about "which paint" - Here's a recent one: /forums/1089683/ShowPost.aspx

The term "drybrushing" refers to a technique used to highlight raised moulded detail. It entails dipping your brush in the required "highlight" colour psint and then wiping off most of the paint on a rag or scrap paper until the brush only deposits the slightest trace of colour.

When gently drawn across the projecting moulded detail, your brush will deposit a faint trace of the paint on that area. Repeat until the required depth of paint is attained.

This technique is often used to highlight edges, bolt heads, rivets and instrument panel details. It can also be used to highlight raised folds in uniforms on figures.

This is an oft-suggested paint reference/matching page: http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/colorcharts/colorcharts_2.asp

Here's a downloadable equivalencies list for Vallejo paints http://www.portaldemodelismo.com/vallejo/documentacion/CatalogoModelismoEquivalencias.pdf (PDF file) This provides a cross-reference for quite a number of popular brands

  • Member since
    March 2009
Posted by Ditch on Friday, March 27, 2009 2:45 PM

Hi Phil,

   Thanks for the information! I had figured that drybrushing involved something along those lines, but wasn't sure as to the specifics. As far as what type of paint(s) to use, I'm going to check out the info you linked as soon as I'm done thanking you. So..............eh...........thanks!!!...Later!

   (Just kidding) Okay, but seriously Phil...thank you very much for the info. I can't wait to get started!

Rich P.

Chandler, Az.

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