Problem with Valejo Game colour in airbrush

[Brother Mitch]

Greeting Brothers,

 

Was airbrushing last night and I managed to lay down a base coat of valejo model air black no problem, however, I then came to try and base coat some brown from the valejo game colour range. I didn't realise that it was a bit thicker and at first thought that I had clogged the airbrush. I stripped it down twice and put new paint in, I also tried using a couple drops of water. The clog seemed to have already reached the feed and it made no difference.

 

If anyone has any ideas or advice they would be greatly received.

 

Brother Mitch

[White Wolf]

I have had this problem with Vallejo model air metallic - they seem to be thicker than the normal model air - or maybe it's just the metal flake in the paint.

To get over this I use Winsor and Newton acrylic flow enhancer - designed for use with artist acrylics - seems to work very well in my airbrush (Harder and Steenbeck infinity).

I have also found using Vallejo model air thinners works well - some other thinners such as Tamiya don't seem to work particularly well with model air.

Hope this helps

WW

[Brother Mitch]

@White Wolf:

 

Thanks for the reply, I thought I was just going mad at first.

 

I have some Liquitex Flowaid that I could use.

 

One last question would be what is your ratio of medium to paint? And do you mix it before you put it in your airbrush bowl?

 

Thanks

 

Brother Mitch

[White Wolf]

Hi Brother Mitch,

With regards proportion I use about 1 -2 ml of flow enhancer - I inject it into the top of the Vallejo bottle using a hypodermic syringe - , seems to save mess and syringes and needles are easy to pick up - I know it makes me sound like an IV drug user but I'm not - honest!!.

I give it a good shake and hey presto - you're ready to go.

I always pre mix - if I need a lot of colour I use airbrush jars - you can pick them up on e bay for a pittance.

I try to get the paint as thin as possible and give the miniature multiple fine coats.

I'm not the fount of all airbrush knowledge - I'm still learning myself but the above techniques are what seems to work for me.

All the best WW

[Forté]

Look for Vallejo Game Air. It's a new range.

 

Otherwise, use a thinner that slows drying time or add a little drying retarder.