Surface Primer Application with an Airbrush Video

That's a great tutorial.

I'm a modeling noob. Kinda wanted to stick with acrylics so I can be "water" based all the time. Mainly I am/want to build u-boats. From 1/350 up to 1/72. Those 1/72 kits are large and worry-some in my mind in terms of primer. (or even finish coat I guess)

I tried Krylon rattle can on a space shuttle and didn't like the thickness or the "over spray" dust I got. so I think I'd rather air brush but of course I only own small type air brushes.

So can you offer further suggestions based on my situation - at least to start with?

I would love to be able to afford the Iwata sprayer he was using in the video, if I only had an extra 350 smackers.

I decant the Tamiya Surface Primer and spray with my Iwata. No spray can match the performance of a good airbrush. However, when I feel lazy, I just use a spray can with an OK result.

Extremely well done tutorial.

You answered some questions I had about spray patterns and why my Iwata with a larger needle/nozzle installed doesn't perform as I'd have expected it to.

The brushes you showed us aren't in my modeling budget either right now, but it's sure nice to know what it will take to get the job done one day.

Thx.

Very well produced video.

Thanks

Thanks to everybody for your comments

Paul

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrdcVbQE5fUvTKxMbhnN_KQ

I was wondering about the Iwata RG3 you recommended in the video. I notice there is an Iwata RG3 and also an Iwata RG3-l-x, where x is needle size. Beside being very different in price, one appears to be high pressure, the RG3 appears to be of the HVLP domain  - I am trying to get a good solution for primer, clear coats, Alclad II, etc. and am wondering if this is a possible way to go ( if I convince myself to spend the $$) - which one do you recommend in this case?

Hi Paul,

Enjoyed your video as I have all the others - personally though I marvel at your website and what you can do with the Unimat - inspiration for me (yes, I have a Unimat 3). Along with other questions here, I have and use a 0.6 mm nozzle/needle for the H&S Silverline which I use for primer coats. I don't have an Iwata RG3 and you mention there is a difference. I've been happy with 0.6 mm so what is the difference ( needle shape, bevel, pressure etc,),  I believe I get the overspray pattern you show needed but maybe I don't cause you certainly get a great finish. Great inspiration for me.

Josey, The RG-3 should be the one you want.  From your description of what you're needing, it should do the trick.  If you like a conventional feel, the HP-BE2 is a great airbrush as well, just don't know how available it is anymore.  The last one I bought was a couple of years ago.

Bick, It's not the tip size that makes the difference.  If you look at the parts breakdown you will see a lock ring  (#4 Green Arrow).  That is because the aircap (#1 Red Arrow) is adjustable to alter the character of the spray pattern.  So you can really tighten it up to minimize the the overspray.  Most conventional airbrushes do not have this adjustment.  The HP-BE2 is set up the same way.

Hope this helps,

Paul

AHA!! Thanks Paul. More like a commercial gun wherein you can change the spray pattern from fan to circular. Best

Paul, I am reading that the RG-3 requires a 1/3 HP minimum compressor. I have a 1/6 HP and have little interest in buying another compressor.

Was wondering if your could shed any light on this, particularly the rating of the compressor you use with your RG-3? Or perhaps if one of the other 2 airbrushes (not mini air-guns like the RG-3) might be suitable for use with my little 1/6 HP Sparmax? TIA for any additional insight.

I am finding this thread fascinating, btw.

Greg,

I use a tank compressor and set the regulator somewhere between 18-25 lbs.  I think the HP-BE2 that I showed probably needs to have a pretty steady airflow as well.  You might be able to use the Kustom TH.  It's a bit different in that it has an interchangeable head that lets you spray a fan pattern as well as a round pattern.  I think the fan is a bit of a gimmick...I didn't find that it worked all that well, but the round pattern works quite well for larger areas, not as large at the other two, but a huge improvement over a more conventional airbrush.

Paul.

Thanks very much for your input, Paul.

Hi Paul,

I saw your video and enjoyed it very much!   I had a question about the currently available RG-3's -  in the US, they are selling for hundreds of dollars, but there are many sellers, on eBay and Amazon, in Japan that sell them for around 130.00, albeit with a 1.0 mm tip.  The larger spray is not a drawback for me, as a good portion of my models are large scale ships (by large scale, I mean 1/96 and 1/100), but I do smaller models as  well.  I have a 60 gallon compressor in my shop, so CFM is not an issue, but I'd appreciate your thoughts before deciding on a purchase.  Thanks so much for taking the time to make these videos and answering our questions.

Here is a link to a page on amazon that lists the gun so you can see the model I am referring:  www.amazon.com/.../ref=sr_1_2

Please note I'm not connected with this seller in any way, and the link is just there so that the product can be identified.  You may be able to find the product cheaper on eBay or elsewhere.

I bought mine from HLJ. But its HP-TH. Also I used it for priming also. Its a fantastic brush.