That is the question!

I'm pondering the idea of getting an airbrush to paint minis...
i'm a newbie in that technique (not counting double priming black-white)

I was considering some factors:
1) i think it's EXTREMELY useful to basecoat + base shading of BIG miniatures (and reaper is coming^^)

2)i don't think i will use it on 28 mm standard minis (unless i plan to spend eons in masking...)



I also have some question for those who are experienced (GRUMPYYYYYY):
Let's say i get it... vallejo air model can be used straight from the bottle or i have to diluite them?
in wich proportion?

can you answer to my doubts and hopes? (using over small and big minis)

I just picked up a badger patriot 105 and I couldn't be happier. Basecoating is a ton easier, especially on foam. Ive currently been using it to make OSL effects on some Necron NightScythes and plan on using it to do all the painting and shading on the fortress Im building in my WIP. There are several good tutorial vids on youtube to learn how to do 28 mm models with it, though as a newb I wouldn't jump straight into that immediately, get some practice first, they are fiddly.
As to paint, I use GW and Vallejo standard paints atm, as that is what I have, and mix 60/40 paint/windex. I know it sounds weird, but windex seems to do a great job, and when you have to change colors, you just fill the pot with windex and spray through to clean it out. Hope this helps a little. It is a fantastic investment. I only spent about $75 for mine on amazon. I had a 6 gallon air compressor already, so I just use that and it goes a long way.

i've stumbled upon an offer for a set of like 82 euros for pen airbrush + minicompressor, wich is PRETTY tempting!

also... my eyes made contact with a MAYBE-FANTASTIC product:

Vallejo liquid mask!
it's said u can use it to mask and then u rub it off the mini using a finger!

if it works it sounds WAY easier than the scotch!

i was also interested for OSL effects (if it's object source lighting^^)
in my mind obtaining the same effect throught standard painting requires MUCH more skill AND time (OFC you have more control that way)

Your gonna hate a micro compressor... It has about a 1 pound tank and even at 20 - 25 pound pressure (which is optimal for my airbrush at least), you will be running your compressor more than you are using the air. Bigger tank = longer use without compressor kicking on. I don't know about where you are, but here in Kentucky, the local flea markets have compressors starting at $30 for a 2 pound upto $150 for 20 pound compressors. Highly recommend getting a bigger tank.

The mask sounds like liquid latex. Or at least similar. That would actually work pretty good. Paint it on where you want it and after it dries, airbrush, then peel the latex off...

the one i was looking for had no tank...^^
a micro compressor

2,8 bar max

hello,

I myself have two airbrush equipment here.
it is a cost-benefit question.
is the price ok for what I use it?

If you buy a then necessarily with dual action not single action.
not a cheap producthow

easy you can get spare parts, and what do they cost?
(Needles or nozzles)

ok, that was once the boarding


nice day!

with kind regards
scaredy cat

Hmmm, I don't know if you saw the video that I linked to in a previous thread, so let me link again:


It can be done, and can be done well.

I do not have any first hand experience - but I can say that colored primers do make life easier - so for priming and base coats an airbrush should work just fine.

Going by the Mortis Engine above... looks like it is very good for solidly colored or single color with highlighting, at the least.

I would not want to try painting detail with one - but, again, I have no first hand experience.

On the other hand... for something like Kaladrax... I see no downside. Paint the bones and base with the airbrush, ink wash, highlight with airbrush. Probably a lot faster that way. Any of the big figures, really - griffon, dragons, elementals, more dragons, Jabberwocky, still more dragons....

The Auld Grump

ok i've received my new toy!^^
i'm still experimenting how much i have to thin the vallejo air colors...

The problem is this:
the compressor is pretty strong (40 psi) not settable, in fact is a bit too powerful for miniature painting!
this means i usually can't put the lever of the airbrush all back, unless i'm painting from a great distance on a big miniature (the far you go the wider becomes the cone of paint).
if i try to paint from a short distance i have to be extremely carefull on adding color or the air pushes away the paint!
i think this is also due to the fact i've thinned it too much!^^
at the moment i was trying a ratio of 6/4 thinner/paint

Is there a mini air pressure regulator available for that compressor so you can set the pressure to a workable output for your painting? Perhaps look for something like the following in your part of the world:

since i'm buying a pressure gauge can someone suggest me a suitable psi for painting minis?
Like 20?

I run 25 personally. I use a badger patriot 105.

60/40 paint to windex. Best thinner evar.

I run my air pressure on 18-20 depending on colour or metallic.
for paints I buy the faskolor, paints and are ready for the airbrushing no need to thin.
their web site is www.parmapse.com.
Good luck.

Do they match GW paints, don't care as I do my miniatures for me not a corporate concern.


(I have no financial interest in this site or product. for info)