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Vallejo vs Vallejo Air

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  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Fox Lake, Il., USA
Posted by spiralcity on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 3:40 PM

patrick206
Good info, Spurs, THANKS. Createx I believe might be from Badger, is that correct?

No, Createx is it's own brand.

http://www.createxcolors.com/

 

Here's the PDF formated catalog.

http://www.createxcolors.com/PDFs/Createx_Catalog_2014.pdf

 

 

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Fox Lake, Il., USA
Posted by spiralcity on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 3:25 PM

OK, I just read not to shoot Vallejo Model color with my airbrush? Well, I already have and had no problem. I'm not sure who said it couldnt be done or not to do it, but that info is misleading and basically false. 

I could only land FS35189 in the Model Color and not Air Color, so I used it and bingo, perfect flow, no problems, I simply thinned it with Vallejo thinner, nothing special.

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Monday, January 18, 2016 11:41 AM

I'm sorry that you don't understand about copyright laws. My builds are restricted to those who appreciates seeing a build and giving out constructive criticism without being offended by folks like you. 

You forget it may not meet your expectations. Gosh who knows... it's probably too artistic for your taste.

Show us your builds since you think you're better than everyone here. Oh wait... you won't because you're in fear you may get in trouble with your own "magazine competitor."

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Sunday, January 17, 2016 5:29 PM

Createx... gotta look for that.

  • Member since
    March 2013
Posted by patrick206 on Sunday, January 17, 2016 4:55 PM

SpursN17
 
patrick206

One thing to really be aware of, Vallejo products should be thinned ONLY with their proprietary thinner, or water. Alcohol or other brand thinners with alcohol base, will definately turn the Vallejo into a gummy mess, the airbrush can be cleaned with lacquer thinner or acetone, but you'll be at it for quite a while.

 

 

I've been using Createx Airbrush Cleaner to thin Vallejo paints (both ModelAir and ModelColor), it thins out really nicely and seems to stop tip dry a bit as well.

It seems a strange thing to use to thin paint but it really is a good thinner. I've also used it succesfully in Tamiya, Lifecolor, and Xtracolor Acrylic (as a Brit it does my head in when colour is spelt without a 'U'! :-) ) paints and it sprays nice and smooth.

The reason that Vallejo gums up when anything like alcohol is added is that it's a vinyl based paint. I also know this as I experimented with a lot of different potions to thin Vallejo and spent most of my time digging gummed up paint from my AB. Now I've found the Createx AB Cleaner I won't use anything else.

 

Good info, Spurs, THANKS. Createx I believe might be from Badger, is that correct? I'll scout around a bit and see where I can locate it for a try. It'll be a nice thing to have something with that much adaptability.

Color/colour, your choice, either works, (but with a U does sound more propah.)   (:>)

Patrick

 

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Sunday, January 17, 2016 9:54 AM

Wait...you say you can't post your builds because of a competitor's website? If you refuse to post your builds, then why are you here?

LOL! This all makes sense. 

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Sunday, January 17, 2016 9:16 AM

If you say you are a "professional modeler", then we haven't seen any of your "professional" builds posted on FSM yet. Try posting some of your builds instead of being arrogant.

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Saturday, January 16, 2016 9:45 AM

Do you even have a real job? Sounds like you're a "professional model builder."

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 8:43 PM

FJ_

 

 
BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Oh the horror! Not even Humbrol, Lifecolor or White Ensign!? Kidding....

 

 

 

Nah. Basically if I can't thin it with Mr. Leveling thinner I don't airbrush it. Humbrol will, but I pefer to avoid enamle because of the longer curing time and I'm often working with deadlines.

 

 

LOL! I didn't know this hobby has "deadlines" that you speak of....

  • Member since
    October 2006
Posted by JunJon on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 6:44 PM

Dash8

Epic, lot of money right there JJ

 

 

It took me a year to fill my shelf. I just love there wide range of colors.

  • Member since
    August 2015
  • From: Essex, England
Posted by SpursN17 on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 6:09 PM

patrick206

One thing to really be aware of, Vallejo products should be thinned ONLY with their proprietary thinner, or water. Alcohol or other brand thinners with alcohol base, will definately turn the Vallejo into a gummy mess, the airbrush can be cleaned with lacquer thinner or acetone, but you'll be at it for quite a while.

I've been using Createx Airbrush Cleaner to thin Vallejo paints (both ModelAir and ModelColor), it thins out really nicely and seems to stop tip dry a bit as well.

It seems a strange thing to use to thin paint but it really is a good thinner. I've also used it succesfully in Tamiya, Lifecolor, and Xtracolor Acrylic (as a Brit it does my head in when colour is spelt without a 'U'! :-) ) paints and it sprays nice and smooth.

The reason that Vallejo gums up when anything like alcohol is added is that it's a vinyl based paint. I also know this as I experimented with a lot of different potions to thin Vallejo and spent most of my time digging gummed up paint from my AB. Now I've found the Createx AB Cleaner I won't use anything else.

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 5:13 PM

Oh the horror! Not even Humbrol, Lifecolor or White Ensign!? Kidding....

  • Member since
    June 2015
Posted by OldGoat on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 4:36 PM
I had absolutely no issues thinning Vallejo Model Color to use in an airbrush. Next time I will use the larger, .5mm nozzle and needle in my old Paasche Talon.
  • Member since
    December 2015
Posted by Dash8 on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 2:22 PM

Epic, lot of money right there JJ

On the bench: Revell Euro Fighter 1/32

Ontario, CANADA

 

  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by Hokey on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 2:01 PM

FJ_

I don't use any Vallejo in my airbrushes, but I love it for brush painting. I know lot's of people who do like MA and get great results. I just would skip trying to force MC to airbrush.

FJ What do you use to AB and why?

  • Member since
    June 2015
Posted by OldGoat on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 11:18 AM

I just used Model Color to paint a desert Sherman II. I sprayed 916 Sand Yellow over Plastikote T235 gray auto primer. I mixed it with Vallejo retarder, and thinned it with MM Acrylic thinner. 

I found that it works best when not thinned as much as Tamiya. The retarder does it's job well and it takes a day to properly cure. I built up the coats slowly and it looks great this morning.

Due to all the PE bits and bobs, I will hand paint the camo pattern.

  • Member since
    March 2013
Posted by patrick206 on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 12:04 PM

JunJon

 

In the long run. You might end up something like this...

The only solvent material I have is the Mr. Surfacer 1200. This is still the best primer on my stock.

 

 

JunJon

I've run out of Vallejo Air, need it in a hurry, have to buy on line. Could you please spare about 600 bottles from your stock? 

Wowzza, you are loaded up. Very neat job of organizing by the way.

Patrick

  • Member since
    May 2015
Posted by KillinMeSmalls on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 1:41 AM

I don't spray with Vallejo for base coats and such, but I do use their primers and they thin quite well with their "airbrush thinner". I usually thin 1/1 and spray between 14-18psi. Never had issues out of my A/B

- Smalls

On the Bench: AirFix 1/72 Spitfire mk1/mk2a

 

 

  • Member since
    October 2006
Posted by JunJon on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 11:34 PM

 

In the long run. You might end up something like this...

The only solvent material I have is the Mr. Surfacer 1200. This is still the best primer on my stock.

 

  • Member since
    September 2008
Posted by mbh8585 on Thursday, December 17, 2015 9:02 AM

Really appreciate all the advice!

 

  • Member since
    August 2012
Posted by AndrewW on Thursday, December 17, 2015 7:59 AM

I have found I can use liquitex flow aid with water (1 part flow aid to 20 parts water) as a thinner.  Water neat makes the paint too 'wet' for my liking.  Too much flow aid will affect paint adhesion negatively.  Their proprietary works nicely too, but is of course pricier.  I have found no substitute for their airbrush cleaner, which is incredible as a paint stripper, though I do use an ultrasonic cleaner with soap and water for a deep clean.  I avoid Vallejo primers like the plague, they behave like a sheet of rubber and lift too easily.  Instead, I use AK Interactive white primer, as I like the way it behaves and takes sanding.  Just my 2 bits.

Life is hard, it's even harder when you're stupid - John Wayne.


  • Member since
    March 2013
Posted by patrick206 on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 11:55 PM

I agree with Phil H, Vallejo Model Air is designed for airbrushing, Model Color is suited for hand brushing. I have thinned Model Color with water and Vallejo thinner, it takes a considerable amount to properly thin it for airbrushing, but it did work OK.

One thing to really be aware of, Vallejo products should be thinned ONLY with their proprietary thinner, or water. Alcohol or other brand thinners with alcohol base, will definately turn the Vallejo into a gummy mess, the airbrush can be cleaned with lacquer thinner or acetone, but you'll be at it for quite a while.

No need to ask why I know this.

Patrick 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 7:46 PM

mbh8585
If so, what thinner would be recommended? (I still have a lot of the Tamiya thinner...)

Do not use Tamiya acrylic thinner with Vallejo MC or Air. It will turn the paint into a sticky ball of goo.

  • Member since
    September 2008
Posted by mbh8585 on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 7:26 PM

Thanks a lot.  

 

  • Member since
    September 2008
Posted by mbh8585 on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 7:25 PM

Great advice, thanks so much.

 

  • Member since
    August 2012
Posted by AndrewW on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 6:57 PM

Definitely use the air line for airbrushing, I find I can thin about 30 percent for a normal color coat, and I can brush paint with it decently.  I have havily thinned (60 percent) and sprayed the model color line when I have needed that particular color, but it's not too easy.

Life is hard, it's even harder when you're stupid - John Wayne.


  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: England
Posted by P mitch on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 2:36 PM

There is a huge difference in the paints. if your going to airbrush use the air ones. The "normal" Vallejo are really quite thick and would take a lot of thinning for airbrushing. Its nothing like Tamiya, you cant mix it 50/50, its more like an artist oil paint in thickness to give you an idea.

I'm sure someone has thinned it but I personally wouldnt as you could never be sure of the mixture. To be honest if you used to Tamiya and you like it look on Ebay there will be lots there. If you want to try Vallejo you'll almost end up with two sets of paint one for the airbrush one for the brush.

Vallejo are very good paints and the "normal" ones will last a long time.

Hope that helps

Phil

"If anybody ever tells you anything about an aeroplane which is so bloody complicated you can't understand it, take it from me: it's all balls." R J Mitchell


  • Member since
    September 2008
Vallejo vs Vallejo Air
Posted by mbh8585 on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 2:11 PM

Getting back on the work bench and my local hobby shop that sold Tamiya, closed.

Looking at Vallejo (specifically one of the box sets), but dont know if you can use those paints in airbrush.  Do you have to buy the Vallejo Air, or can you use the Vallejo and a thinner.

If so, what thinner would be recommended?  (I still have a lot of the Tamiya thinner...)

Many thanks.

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