My first airbrush! Help!

Hi tbhalomaster,

I have a general rule on thinning. I always use the recommended brand to paint. I have used other brand thinners that work just as well, but this is only in an emergency and always throw out the remainder of the mixed paint after wards. I use all types of paints and don't stick to a particular brand or water base/enamel, so it can get expensive, but it does last for a long time. To clean the airbrush I use Lacquer thinners from the hardware store as this is a much cheaper alternative than using the brand name thinners. At no stage should you use this to thin your paints as it will react with and melt the plastic. It is designed to be used with household paints, but cleans your airbrush a treat. You can buy the Humbrol Thinners in a large can that should last much longer than the glass jars. I hope this helps

Cheers and Merry Christmas

Leo P

Thanks!

I have a question, though, when you mix a colour of paint, from the same brand, with thinner of that brand, how long can you store that paint, ready to be sprayed? I have a good amount of jars, so I could mix it, and spray a bit later, or save some for touchup. I wouldn't have to worry about compatibility, as I'm pretty dedicated to Humbrol.

Thanks, eh?

As long as the container is air tight, it should last for an extended period. This is especially handy when you are mixing two different colours together, as we both know how hard it is to match them again when we run out. you might need to re-mix the thinned paint when re-applying and if it gets a bit thicker, just add more thinner.

Cheers Leo

As Leo mentioned earlier, I too believe in sticking with the paint manufacturer's recommended thinner for thinning paint only.  I had a bad experience once with an enamel Zinc Chromate and mineral spirits.  After using their thinners I haven't had a problem.  I primarily use Testors Model Master Paints and I stock up on their airbrush thinner when I find it on sale.  After my painting session is finished for the day, I immediately run a jar / cup of mineral spirtis through the AB.  I then disassemble the brush removing any parts / o-rings that might get damaged by a stronger solvent and clean the remaining parts with lacquer thinner.  I do not know if the thinner will effect the o-rings and such, but I try not to push my luck.  I may be a bit anal about cleaning my AB, but I have never experienced any of the problems I've read in this forum.  In fact, the only problems I have had in airbrushing were operator error.  It works for me and I hope this helps 

Regards,

Michael B