wing_nut

Thanks for all the responses.

Doogs... sounds like it is a go.  I have never been one for priming but is it recommended in this case?  You say "durable' so does that mean it holds up well to some light masking?

I would highly recommend priming.

I've never had a problem with masking over Vallejo. Strangely, the only problem I've ever had was applying decals to Vallejo+Future with a Future overcoat. The Micro Set ate right through the stuff. Never had it happen before or since, but moral of the story is that using a different clear coat is maybe a good idea. 

DoogsATX

1 - You CAN airbrush model color. Don't pay attention to the "larger pigment" stuff. It airbrushes fine, even through a .3mm needle that has shown fickleness with airbrush-ready metalizers. Honestly, since I'm more used to its behavior, I find that Model Color airbrushes BETTER than Model Air, since Model Air is all about the tip dry.

2 - DO NOT used distilled water to thin for airbrushing. Don't thin enough, and it'll clog the brush. Thin too much, and you'll be having runniness issues all over the place.

3 - You need a thinning medium that's not as watery. I know some people have had great luck with Liquitex Airbrush Medium. I personally use Future at a 1:1 ratio and find that it lays down a smooth, semi-gloss, durable surface. I overheard at the LHS a few weeks back someone saying that they've found Testors acrylic thinner to work well, but I haven't tried or experimented with this in any way.

4 - Vallejo paints won't reduce to ridiculous levels the way Tamiya paints will. Drop below a ratio fo 30% or so paint, and it starts to show, at least in every way I've ever tried.

As far as being durable...I have not had problems with it since I started using future and spraying over primer.

Thanks for all the responses.

Doogs... sounds like it is a go.  I have never been one for priming but is it recommended in this case?  You say "durable' so does that mean it holds up well to some light masking?

1 - You CAN airbrush model color. Don't pay attention to the "larger pigment" stuff. It airbrushes fine, even through a .3mm needle that has shown fickleness with airbrush-ready metalizers. Honestly, since I'm more used to its behavior, I find that Model Color airbrushes BETTER than Model Air, since Model Air is all about the tip dry.

2 - DO NOT used distilled water to thin for airbrushing. Don't thin enough, and it'll clog the brush. Thin too much, and you'll be having runniness issues all over the place.

3 - You need a thinning medium that's not as watery. I know some people have had great luck with Liquitex Airbrush Medium. I personally use Future at a 1:1 ratio and find that it lays down a smooth, semi-gloss, durable surface. I overheard at the LHS a few weeks back someone saying that they've found Testors acrylic thinner to work well, but I haven't tried or experimented with this in any way.

4 - Vallejo paints won't reduce to ridiculous levels the way Tamiya paints will. Drop below a ratio fo 30% or so paint, and it starts to show, at least in every way I've ever tried.

I have read somewhere, that AB-ing Vallejo Model Color is NOT a good idea.  Supposedly the pigment with in the paint is larger, and even thinned does not lend well to airbrushing.   That was the reason Vallejo released there Air line of paints.  The pigment is finer, allowing for smoother airbrushing.  I have never tried to use Model Color with my AB, but I do love the Vallejo Air.

Mad-Modeler

Doesn't Vallejo also have a range of colours designed for airbrushes that are ready to go out of the Bottle.

I think it is called "Model Air".

They do. And it is awesome.

But, as to there Model Color line I have not tried A/Bing them but I DO thin them with a little distilled water when I brush paint them. I see no reason this would not work for A/Bing too.

Although, as always experiment on a scrap piece of plastic or scrap model first.

Hope this helps.......

Scott

Doesn't Vallejo also have a range of colours designed for airbrushes that are ready to go out of the Bottle.

I think it is called "Model Air".