Tacky paint

What did you thin it with ?

Was there a primer or some other paint underneath that was still curing when you applied the aluminum?  

Assuming the Vallejo product was sufficiently stirred/shaken, is this the first time using it?  Did you do a heavy spray coat, or work up in thin layers?

How is the humidty, that will extend drying time.

Could be any of these and even combinations there of, or just a bad formulated bottle of paint.

regards,

Jack

ak thinner

had no primer and i have a shaker and used it alot in thin layers,could be huminity.i live in northern Cal.

A different brand thinner could be the culprit. 

Though both brands advertise the acrylic aspect of their products, there are different types/formulas that don't make them thoroughly compatible.   AK is likely acrylic lacquer (like Tamiya), while Vallejo is water based.

regards,

Jack

seastallion53

ak thinner

 

First, Model Air should be able to be sprayed without thinning, for various reasons we like to thin it but meanwhile it will probably go through your airbrush fine. I propose you do a test shoot onto something plastic, a spoon, spare part or even a spru  from the kit you are painting but something plastic.. . From that compare your dry time. It should be dry to the touch in minutes and handleable the next day.

Most paints should have primer under them, most acrylics really need it though. You will run into adhesion trouble and wear through problems enough, never mind with no primer. Primer really matters with most acrylic paints. Nuff said.

By the way, if it dries fine without thinner I think you know the answer regarding the thinner you used..

The high humidity could be the issue. Maybe the layer is thicker than you realize too. Try a go over with a hair dryer from about 8 inches away. That should dry it down.

Thanks for the ideas,it's always good to tap into this think tank.