Paint brand - Vallejo Model Color

I hate to be a damp rag on a newly kindled fire but Airbrushing Model Color is not for the faint of heart and not for the beginner at all. It's really it's own beast to try and master.

oldermodelguy

I hate to be a damp rag on a newly kindled fire but Airbrushing Model Color is not for the faint of heart and not for the beginner at all. It's really it's own beast to try and master.

 

 

edit greg pointed out i put wrong thing flow improver not retarder thanks

My opinion.... start with using Tamiya. It is very forgiving and predictable. Get some builds under your belt then try other things, if so inclined. 

I agree with everything above, even Bakster's idea to just start with Tamiya. It is so nice to spray.

That said, Vallejo has a wonderful color selection and if you really want to go for color availability (as I did), then I'd suggest ordering some Model Air colors online. I know you want to get building, I know you probably have to pay shipping, but as per the above, I think it would beat trying to spray Model Color by a long shot.

You want to buy the colors you want, Vallejo Airbrush thinner, and Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver. Do not buy Vallejo'retarder' as mentioned above. I believe he probably meant to type Airbrush Flow Improver. Vallejo Retarder is meant for keeping Model Color, Game Color, Panzer Aces, etc from drying out so quickly on our pallets. It isn't meant for airbrushing and in my experience, causes more trouble because it is so thick.

Rambo

Look for AK Real Colors they spray just like Tamiya and are color matched so no having to try and mix the exact shade you need.

 

Good advice! If I were shopping for a new acrylic brand, it would be AK Real Colors.

Same here. I'm ordering a few bottles of AK Real Colors to try out; I like the way Tamiya paint sprays, but am really tired of mixing colors. The price of the AK at Scalehobbyist is almost the same as Tamiya. 

If you are ging to spray Model Color,make sure to use their thinner and their Flow Improver.It does take some practice,like it was said, get used to the Tamiya 1st

I agree with Tojo, Tamiya is so easy to use and get used to, very forgiving and lays down some really nice finishes. As you say, this is all relatively new to you, and I think trying to overcome the issues with Vallejo will only increase the time to become comfortable with the process. Once you have the basics down, you can move on to whatever type you wish.

I've not tried the AK, but have heard nothing but the best reports from those that are using it. If it's that much like Tamiya but has good color selections, you might well consider it. Best of luck with your efforts.

Patrick

Thanks for the advice fellas, this is exactly why I asked these questions, I had the impression Model Color would be finicky and just one more variable in this equation I don't need at this point in time :)

Looking at prices on BNA Models, the AK paints seem a wee bit more expensive than Tamiya :( Bad news for someone like me who's on a student budget.

Ugh the idea of mixing paints to get the right shade (looking at you Tamiya!) at this stage is very daunting...

So if I go AK, same deal right? Use their thinners etc? Just to be safe?

Do any of you guys have a difinitive up to date source/spreadsheet somewhere I can use to compare colours so I can find the right shades in AK?

Cheers,

BT

Fesan

 

i learned this the hard way. No two colors will thin the same, some need flow improver some will not. It will take a lot of trial and error to get the model color to spray.

 edit greg pointed out i put wrong thing flow improver not retarder thanks

 

oldermodelguy

 

 

Fesan

 

i learned this the hard way. No two colors will thin the same, some need flow improver some will not. It will take a lot of trial and error to get the model color to spray.

 edit greg pointed out i put wrong thing flow improver not retarder thanks

 

 

 

 

Thinning by viscosity is the answer. I think I covered that in another thread so I won't repeat it here.

 

I'll just add that it's easiest to use pipettes to transfer the paint and thinner with. This way you can gauge what you did for each color and there after come to figure out a ratio. Then it get repeatable.

 

Fesan

 

 

Well learned the .5 needle on the badger does make it easier for me to thin these vallejo paints. I can be off by a little bit and it will still spray and atomize(unlike my other threads nightmare lol). The more i play with it the easier its been going for me and been throughly enjoying their paint line selection because of it.

 

 

How are you liking the Badger overall ? Glad you're getting along with the paints better !

I like a .5 and use that size a lot on my Badger ( different needle setup from yours though)..

Edit: At one time you mentioned wanting to paint a model car ? I recommend the .5 needle setup for doing that.

oldermodelguy

 

 

Fesan

 

 

Well learned the .5 needle on the badger does make it easier for me to thin these vallejo paints. I can be off by a little bit and it will still spray and atomize(unlike my other threads nightmare lol). The more i play with it the easier its been going for me and been throughly enjoying their paint line selection because of it.

 

 

 

 

 

How are you liking the Badger overall ? Glad you're getting along with the paints better !

I like a .5 and use that size a lot on my Badger ( different needle setup from yours though)..

Edit: At one time you mentioned wanting to paint a model car ? I recommend the .5 needle setup for doing that.

 

Glad to hear you have your Badger and are getting on well with it.

I've heard nothing but great things about both the airbrushes and the company here. I'm sure you will never regret your choice.

Fesan

 

i am in love with the badger. its comfortable in the hand sprays noce easy to clean. You did recommend the .5 for bodies also. When i ordered this one it came with the .3 .5 and .7 needle so will get time soon to try them also see how much more in love i can fall with this badger.

 

Well enjoy it.