Hello, I am new to Vallejo Paints first of all and I have just air brushed a Vallejo Model Color paint thinned with Vallejo thinner and let dry overni

Vallejo has a nice color range,but you need a good primer like Tamiya Extra Fine or Mr Surfacer 1200,I use either in a rattlecan

I use Stynylrez primer under vallejo paints. I also flash dry each coat with a hair dryer ( I do that with most waterborne acrylic paints) and that speeds the overall dry time as well. Following this, the Vallejo range of paints do much better adhering and I believe, level off faster. Waterborne ( not just Vallejo) acrylic paints dont do well applied directly to plastic. They do stick to primer well and the primer sticks to plastic well.

I can't speak of the thinner, as I use my own blend. Some folks like the Vallejo flow improver, either in part mixed with the thinner. Or some use it completely straight to thin MC.

Tamiya acrylic is very lacquer-esque, but alcohol based. In my personal tests of the stuff, yes it will stick to plastic, but it's more durable with a primer under it. A primer like the Tamiya mentioned above or as I personally like, Mr Surfacer 1000 or Mr Primer Surfacer 1000 is a good type primer to use. Stynylrez works too.

The only time I have a problem is with the plastic I had to repaint my Revell S-100 3 times getting more aggressive cleaning each time. Is the primer scratching off with the paint ?

Just watch that Stynylrez primer,it will jam your airbrush up in blink of an eye if not used and cleaned out properly

Tojo72

Just watch that Stynylrez primer,it will jam your airbrush up in blink of an eye if not used and cleaned out properly

 

True, it needs cleaning immediately. But if you do that, it's easy to clean.Iwata media airbrush cleaner works well on it, for one cleaner. If you let it sit then try to clean, it can be very hard stuff.

I will second Tojo and OlderModelGuy, you should use a primer to promote better adhesion, particularly with water-soluable acrylics like Vallejo.  I always use a primer, Tamiya's Fine Surface Primer.  I have used automotive primers, too, like Rustoleum and Walmart's house brand.  In my own experience, painting figures with Vallejo's Model Color, I have found that it is more susceptible to rubbing off and I try to handle a piece as little as possible, till I can seal the piece.  I use a universal clamp, for example, or I insert pins in the piece and stick it on a cork.

I will add that while Vallejo's Model Color can be airbrushed, that line is formulated for brush-painting.  Vallejo's Model Air paints are formulated specifically for airbrushing, and Vallejo makes additional products that can be used with those paints for airbrushing.  It's not necessary to use Model Air and the adjuncts for airbrushing, as others might say. But it's about increasing the odds of getting the best results with the least fuss.

Eventually, though, you might also get comfortable mixing colors, and find that you can use any particular brand's colors to get what you want.

Hope that all helps!

Best regards,

Brad

I use most of the popular paints and Vallejo is my favorite for color. It is very different to use than all the rest however and must be primed. It is also a delicate paint once painted down and must be handled as such. Once you have your project sealed it is more like other paints in durability. If you use it and handle it with care while working on the kit you will be happy, but don't expect it to take tape and rough handling like Tamiya, Gunze and others. It is also the best paint for brush painting, bar none, impo.

BK

BrandonK

I use most of the popular paints and Vallejo is my favorite for color...

Just to clarify, do you use Model Color, Model Air, or both?

I use Vallejo mostly and I will agree with everyone.  You have to prime it and let the primer dry before doing anything else.  Once you paint, make sure the paint has dried also.  Very aggressive handling with remove it, but then that is most paints in my opinion.

I also use Vallejo Model Air almost entirely. I use Rustoleum primers (White. Grey, and Black) all the time with no problems. Sometimes I use the primer out of the can and other times I decant it and use in my airbrush depending on the size and shape of the pieces.

Stay safe.

Jim 

the Baron

 

 

BrandonK

I use most of the popular paints and Vallejo is my favorite for color...

 

 

 

Just to clarify, do you use Model Color, Model Air, or both?

 

BK

I use Vallejo and Tamiya paints; preferring Vallejo because it smells better. If I were to use a non-water based primer I woud be introducing oder with it. That is why I use Valleyo primers.

BrandonK

the Baron

BrandonK

I use most of the popular paints and Vallejo is my favorite for color...

Just to clarify, do you use Model Color, Model Air, or both?

I use both, but for brush painting I prefer Model Color as the pre-thinned Model air is more difficult to brush paint as it is a tad too thin, but will work. For Airbrushing I use both, but again I prefer the Color over the Air as I can control the thinning more and how it sprays. I have more diffuculty getting the Air to spray how I like, but I manage.

BK

Thanks, BK!  OK, yeah, that doesn't really change the advice we've given you for your initial question.  With either Vallejo product, it's a good idea to use a good primer with Vallejo's paints, Model Color as well as Model Air.

Any primer is better than no primer with Vallejo paints.

BK

I use Vallejo primer before painting. it needs 24 hours to cure but, after that, it is fine. i use the different colors for different effects. I airbrush mostly Vallejo Air but sometimes Model Color. i do not seal my builds before weathering and i weather with oils, paint, pastels and weathering materials. Other then letting the primer cure i have not had a problem with lifting or sanding.

i will sometmes hit the primer and paint with a hair drye. Sometimes i will use rustoleom primer if the temperature is not too hot and i can spray in the garage. I still miss Model Master Acrylics.