Gordy,
Here is a post from another forum on my technique. I am getting ready to drop some cash on a new airbrush compressor with a tank attached, but other than that.... nothing special.
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Here is my technique with pics included just to let you know that it doesn't cost millions of dollars to spray a glossy paint job on hobby car.
I used a couple of different Bagder airbrushes. One single action and one dual. No rhyme or reason for using one over the other, other than paint control with the dual action badger. I'm using a compressor that I've had for over 20 years that my Mom bought me when I was a kid. I am getting ready to buy a really nice one, but it can be done with a cheap one. I have no idea what PSI I'm paint at, but the manual said this compressor was good to about 40, so probably somewhere in-between 25-35. One of the reasons I can't wait to purchase my new one next month is better flow, and regulated.
I only use Tamiya acrylics when I paint, its just easier for cleanup and I feel really comfortable after using them over the last 5 builds. I just started using Tamiya lacquer primer and I love it. If the primer goes on super smooth, I generally won't sand it, just scuff it real quick. I thin the 23ml size bottles with 7-8ml of denatured alcohol and the 10ml bottle with 3-3.5ml of denatured alcohol. That will vary depending on what sheen you are using, too. I actually used closer to 9ml of denatured alcohol on the Gold Leaf because it was coming out very blotchy. I added another ml of denatured alcohol and it was perfect. Again, trial and error. I also use a spray booth since I paint inside.
Nothing crazy about my technique other than I try to make sure each coat of my gloss coat is glossy and not a lot, if any, orange peel. I probably put 3-4 good coats of gloss over the base coat since that is all I've ever needed in order to achieve that smooth-wet look before sending it to the food dehydrator to cure for a day or two, or even just overnight. After about 7-10 days, I will start to wet sand and polish. This is one of the most crucial steps, but to be honest, wet sanding and polishing has never taken me more than an hour, tops. I know people spend hours and hours wet sanding and polishing, but maybe mine takes less time since it is very smooth and wet looking once it's dry? Not sure, but what works for one person, might not work for another. I just use microfine wet/dry sand paper and that seems to do the trick for taking out any imperfections, dust, or orange peel.
I'd be happy to answer any questions if it helps anyone get over the fear of painting with acrylics or an airbrush. There are a ton of excellent painters on this site that come away with amazing finishes as well. I did a lot of reading prior to diving in with acrylics. Hope this helps...
Tim