Airbrushing Problems

How did you like your airbrushes that you just received?

Wash the kit pieces before assembly to remove any mold release oils in a mild detergent. Rinse well and let dry. Once assembled and ready for primer or paint give the surface another wipe with a tack cloth to remove any dust or dirt particles. I follow that up with an alcohol soaked cotton rag. Don’t use paper towel or tissue as they will leave more lint.

Make sure your painting area has been vacuumed well to prevent any dust from landing on the fresh paint. If you can get away with it, spritz water over and around your paint area. The dust will be attracted to the water and will settle out of the airflow. Make sure the water doesn’t interfere with the paint!

I use a paint booth which has doors on it to help prevent dust from getting on the model while drying. Not everyone can have that luxury, but before I had the booth I would take a clean cardboard box and carefully put it over the kit.

Some dust is inevitable, but with careful preparation you can reduce it to a manageable amount.

Good luck!

Yes you are right. On closer inspection under sunlight it is tiny bits of fluff/ fibres that are on the model.

What are the preparation steps to get the surface super clean and dust free. At the moment Im having problems getting a nice perfectly smooth finish. Any other tips for the perfect finish?

Sorry for the beginner questions. Is there any sections or links around for this stuff?

I think the gritty finish happens when the paint dries in the air before it reaches the model, which probably means you haven't thinned it enough.  Tamiya acrylics can be thinned pretty thin before they don't spray well compared to other acryls.

Try another Tamiya paint to see if it has grits too.

Are you sure the "grit" isn't already on the model?

If you are, try straining the paint. I use Tamiya exclusively and have never experienced grit as you have described.