My first airbrush

[Vince Cutajar]

So, I am at the stage of painting the camo on my Tiger 1. It was suggested to me to use an airbrush, something I have never used before. I got myself an airbrush kit as I thought it had all the bits and pieces I might need and today hooked it up to my workshop compressor.

I have a particle filter / water separator on the outlet of the compressor and I might use the small filter that came with the kit on inlet of the airbrush. I think I figured out what the various airbrush adjustments do except one which is arrowed in the above photo. Can somebody please advise me of the function of this adjustment knob?

Many thanks.

Vince

[Ken Brearley]

Hi Vince, it is used to adjust the air pressure.
Regards Ken

[Vince Cutajar]

Thanks Ken for the info. I gave it a try and it seems it does vary the pressure.

Vince

[Brian Ostlind]

Congrats Vince. It’s a whole new world. Just spray some water through it to get an idea how it works you will have it figured out in minutes.

[Vince Cutajar]

Thanks Brian. As you suggested, I have used some water in it just to test it. Today I will see if I can get the actual paints that I need so that I can practice with them. I wonder if practicing on paper will be a good idea?

Vince

[Peter Silcock]

That's a nice looking set you've bought and even has different needles. What I would suggest when starting out is to buy some airbrush flow improver which does help prevent clogging of the needle. This is mixed in with the paint and you only need a few drops. Clogging does not become a problem when you are painting large areas in one go, can become a nuisance if you are painting small areas. Keep the needle end free of drying paint helps.

[Vince Cutajar]

Thanks for the tips Peter.

I managed to get the paints to practice with and some thinner (same brand as the paint). I asked at the shop what ratio I should mix the paint with thinner and was told 60% paint and 40% thinner. It feels like a lot of thinner but as I said, this is all new to me.

Vince

[Vince Cutajar]

My first scribbles!!

Vince

[Steve Lewington]

Hi Vince
You have made a good start.
I have been airbrushing for 20 odd years now and the best thing I would say is practise practice practice.
Start with the dagger stroke as you have done once you master this you will find the rest is easy.
Don't use paint to practice with it can work out expensive get yourself some bottled ink and plaine white paper works a treat and as I say it's a lot cheaper.
Lastly work your compressor on 40 PSI then adjust to what works best for you.
I hope this is of some help to you.
Best regards
Steve

[Vince Cutajar]

Thanks Steve for the tips. I have been using 20psi but tomorrow I'll try 40psi and see what happens. Had to look up what a dagger stroke is.

Vince

[Steve Lewington]

Hi Vince
If you need any more help or advice on airbrushing send me a PM and I will send you my mobil numberit's easier to chat than type lol.
Regards
Steve

[Graham P Hough]

Air brush tips please. I have a Badger air brush with a compressed air can is it best to use a compressor if so which one would you recommend?

[Stephen White]

Here you are:

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=5786

Perhaps the Knowledge Base needs to be flagged up better?