News from your model shop - 29th January 2023

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Don't forget to read our latest modelling tips and unboxing videos located at the bottom of the newsletter.

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There are a number of different ways to paint a model, many modellers prefer to use brushes and paint with a number of different mediums such as enamels or acrylics.  An increasing number of modellers are now regularly using airbrushes and producing high-quality paint schemes as a result.  For those who have never used an airbrush before the prospect of transitioning from brushes can seem daunting but with the right tools and experimentation, novice airbrush users can achieve striking results.

For those looking to take the plunge, a starter airbrush such as the set from Expo is a great place to begin.  Whilst getting to grips with an airbrush it is useful to start with an 'air can' as this is a simple way of producing the air supply required during the early stages of experimentation.  Once the novice has gained some experience and confidence then transitioning to a more capable 2-stage airbrush with a compressor is the next logical step.  The Super Detail Airbrush set from Expo is a great example of this, combining a more advanced airbrush and a basic and compact compressor at an affordable price.



The 'airbrush manual turntable' by Expotools is great for airbrush users as it allows a modeller to rotate a model during painting to multiple positions without having to handle it.  Getting the correct consistency for paint is essential for airbrush users, having a specific airbrush thinner allows modellers to achieve the optimum viscosity so essential for airbrush use.  Adding a few drops of 'flow improver' to the paint mix can help slow the drying time for paint, this means it is far less likely to dry on the needle and thus cause clogging issues.



When activated, an airbrush will atomise any paint present to create the optimum flow.  This will produce very small droplets and not all of these will end up on the model.  Excess droplets are known as overspray.  This overspray can be harmful if it is inhaled and so it is beneficial to wear a protective face mask whilst spraying to filter out any particles present.   If using an airbrush on a regular basis it is a good idea to use a 'portable spray booth'.  This booth contains a work area that is coupled to a filter and extractor fan, this ensures that any potentially harmful overspray is removed from the work area.  The spray booth also has its own light and is ideal to use in combination with other tools such as the 'airbrush manual turntable' previously mentioned.  For those looking to create weathering effects on their models then it is useful to note that products such as 'liquid mask' by Vallejo are specially configured for airbrush use.



Alternative masking mediums can also be used such as masking tape or masking sheets.  These are especially ideal when there is a requirement to paint complex shapes or patterns such as camouflage schemes.  When the painting of a model has been finished, or before applying decals it is a good idea to spray the model with a coat of 'Clear'.  This has the benefit of protecting the paint and locking-in any decals before any final varnishes are applied.



Any airbrush no matter how complex will only remain effective if it is properly cleaned after use.  Regular use of 'airbrush cleaning fluid' can help reduce accumulations of paint that can lead to blockages in an airbrush.  When conducting a deep clean at the end of a session, 'extra small cotton swabs' such as those produced by Tamiya are really helpful at probing and cleaning the small apertures in an airbrush, although care should be taken to ensure any loose filaments are flushed clear before re-assembling the airbrush.  Cleaning and flushing through an airbrush after use can cause a lot of unwanted overspray.



If you are looking to develop your skills as a modeller and have considered taking up airbrushing then why not take the plunge with a starter airbrush set?  With a minimal cost, it is easy to take the plunge.  Many modellers learn at their own pace by a trial-and-error approach, so as skills and confidence grow then other techniques can be honed and the 'airbrush toolbox' can grow with you. 

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You can access all the unboxing videos by visiting this page or simply click on the link called "videos" on our website.