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I thank you all for your input. I think that the most likely culprit may be me adding too much thinner! I seem to be over thinning for some reason. I haven't been real careful about thinning-just a dropper full of paint, another of thinner, mix it up and away I go! Getting lazy and impatient in my old age
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On my workbench now:
It's all about classic cars now!
Why can't I find the "Any" key on my keyboard?
There's an enamel retarder in the Floquil line. Still Testors. I've used it in nail polish and lacquers too. Not quite as effective with them but was just enough.
Another thing to watch for is a burr on the tip of your needle. Doesn't take much. Happened to me early this year. I kept getting a rough finish and didn't understand why. Was using paints and thinner I've used many times. I kept adjusting the mix and air and it didn't help. When I stopped for the day and cleaned the brush I noticed the tip of the needle dragged when I wiped it down. There was a very slight burr. I gave it a quick polish and tried again and everything was normal. I don't remember the needle hitting the trigger or anything when I used it last but it must have.
Just saying, that's something else to look for. It may just be lack of humidity.
Tony
HawkeyeHobbies 20psi or less? I'd say 15 or less. try mixing in some retarder. I usually stray from 3-6 inches from the surface.
20psi or less? I'd say 15 or less. try mixing in some retarder. I usually stray from 3-6 inches from the surface.
Hi Gerald,
Not knowing what airbrush Jim is using, 20PSI is a "safe" baseline value which should work with almost any airbrush. 15PSI may not be sufficient for some models, (eg. Badger 350, Paasche "H" or "VL") as they may not draw paint (depending on how much it's been reduced) at that pressure.
I'm not sure about retarders for enamels (Jim is using MM enamels). Gunze Mr Retarder? I believe I've read somewhere that naptha (lighter fluid) can be used as a retarder for enamels. (?)
For a visual the paint should appear wet when you spray it on then dry quickly.
Bill
On the Bench: Trumperter Tsesarevich on deck Glencoe USS Oregon
The paint is drying before it reaches the model. Usually caused by thinning the paint too much &/or spraying from too great a distance. For MM Enamels, I rarely thin more than 20% thinner unless I'm doing mottle at very close distance with very low psi. For normal painting, I usually spray at 15-20psi from 4-6".
Regards, Rick
Gerald "Hawkeye" Voigt
http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/
"Its not the workbench that makes the model, it is the modeler at the workbench."
Sounds like the paint is drying before its down.
Phil has the trouble shooting narrowed down. Do not adjust anything and just spray closer and possibly slower passes. Do this on scrap plastic or styrene stock.
If this does not cure the issue then start adjusting one thing at a time, next logical step would be to set the pressure lower.
This way you will pin point the problem and make notes of any adjustments for future reference to fine tune your system.
Hi Jim,
This problem is more prevalent with acrylics, but it's not limited to acrylics.
It's often caused by spraying from too great a distance, at too high an air pressure, airbrushing insufficiently thinned paint, airbrushing when the ambient temperature is too high or the humidity very low, or any combination of the above.
I would suggest airbrushing from about 4-6 inches from the subject, at about 20PSI or less and see how you go.
I seem to be having this recent problem-sometimes when spraying flat enamels(MM), I end up with a chaulky, dusty finish that will actually brush off with a cloth or brush. I considered myself experienced but I think part of the problem is with my eyesight. I don't see as well as I used to and it's hard to monitor what's going on at the surface, I don't see this happening until it's too late. I can't figure out if I'm too close/too far, pressure set too low/too high, too much/too little thinner or if I'm spraying on too much paint all at once. I never seemed to have this happen in the past!
Help with your advice/opinions!
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