Airbrushing Problem

OK?

Tom

Bob,

I thin Tamiya acrylics with 70% ethyl alcohol in a 2:1 ratio of paint to ethyl alcohol and it works fine. 

T_Terrific wrote:

Usually Windex is the thinner of choice for MM acrylics, since it contains both alcohol and ammonia, occasionally adding a bit of alcohol.

I wouldn't thin any paint with Windex.

I know some people do but to me Windex is a cleaner and not a thinner.  

I never use straight 91% alcohol for anything but cleaning bristle brushes, as it will swell and ruin the "O"-Rings in a normal airbrush.

The only O-ring in most airbrushes is in the air valve and thinner should never come into contact with that area of the airbrush. What O-rings are you talking about?

I have used 91% Iso alcohol many times to clean an airbrush as it is mild compared to laquer thinner and others which also do not affect the airbrush unless it has parts affected by those cleaners. None of my Badgers are.   

Truth be known, Windex with Ammonia contains 3% Ammonia, about 12% water and the rest is <drum roll please> Isopropyl Alcohol!

I wouldn't use Windex as it contains Ammonia and that breaks down the binders in the paint and could lead to adhesion problems. 

If you're using MM Acryl paints, thin with MM Acryl thinner.  If you're using Tamiya paints, thin with Tamiya thinner.   Just use what the manufacturer recommends and it will work everytime.

Jesse

usmc1371 wrote:

If you're using MM Acryl paints, thin with MM Acryl thinner.  If you're using Tamiya paints, thin with Tamiya thinner.   Just use what the manufacturer recommends and it will work everytime. Jesse

Although that is somewhat true Jesse, there are thinners that work as well as the manufacturer's brand and cost far less. Many people spray Tamiya just fine with Iso alcohol, ethyl alcohol and others and they are far less money than the overpriced manufacturer brands.

I can get a 16 oz bottle of Ethyl rubbing alcohol for a couple bucks which is less than what you will pay for a very small bottle of Tamiya thinner.