Can I Airbrush an Enamel over an Acrylic?

Dave, you should have no trouble painting the canopy frames with enamel after dipping them in Future.  I've done many that way and found no problems at all.  Give them a couple days to cure after dipping and then mask according to whatever method you use.  At that point, you will be ready to start painting them.  Good luck to you!

Gary

Thanks, Gary. By the way, I've been using Testor's Airbrush Thinner. I'm not sure what the chemical composition is, but should I use mineral spirits instead?

Dave

I love Testors airbrush thinner, but cannot always find it at hobby shop. I have learned to thin Testors enamel with hardware store stuff- but!  There is a type of generic thinner sold these days that is worthless. It is not water clear, it is milky. It has particulates that contaminate the paint!  Since the containers are typically not clear, I have learned to ONLY buy stuff labeled mineral spirits or turpentine. I stay away from anything just labeled "paint thinner."

Me too, Don. I just bought some xylene. Testor's airbrush thinner is good and it's available here but expensive (something around $9.00/pint)! I've used mineral spirits but mixed a batch of Model Master zinc chromate with it and the paint coagulated. So I got the airbrush thinner but I'm running out of that. Got the xylene in a gallon can which should last me for quite awhile  and I've read that it works well with enamels

As Gary said, it's ok to use over Future. I do it all the time but let is cure a few days. I have heard of cases where the next day the canopy is masked and the Future is pulled off when the tape is removed so let it sit curing at least 2-3 days. Do your self a favor and save money by using Pure Gum Spirits Turpentine from Home Depot for thinning enamels. It's relatively inexpensive and works like a charm. I use lacquer thinner to clean the airbrush. Lacquer thinner will also dissolve dried caked enamel or acrylic paint from the air brush.