You're the first person I've seen that gives a good benchmark for how much to thin. Most others say something like " thin to the right consistency", which for a noob like myself is next to useless. And I love those little medicine cups, I've used them for mixing resins and epoxies for years.
Awesome I’m glad I could help. The whole right consistency always bothered me too. It’s like saying just thin it until it’s right. With no explanation.
Dude thank you so much for this video. At 43 and both of the kids out of the house, I have picked up building models again after 25 years! Having to buy most of the supplies and paint got expensive quick. I was wondering if I could use some of the craft paints for base coats and large surface areas, so I am so thankful I came across your video. Also thanks for being transparent and not editing your video, show your flaws and all. Those are things we can all learn from. SUBSCRIBED!! Keep up the good work
I’m glad it helped. And I’m right there with you paint coats add up quick. Over the years I have build up a nice collection of nice paint brands but in the beginning I only used the 99¢ bottles. Honestly I still use them quite a bit. I’m glad you appreciate the flaws. I’ve seen so many people make things looks so perfect it never goes perfectly that’s why I’ve decided to always show my screw ups. I try to always turn them into teaching moments. I always laugh when I do it cause some call me out on my mess ups as if I should show someone if I can’t do it right and other like yourself thank me for them. Can’t make everyone happy. I’m glad I made you at least 😁 Happy painting and good luck on figure projects Ps. Thanks for the sub.
I also started back modeling after years, I also am on a budget so every penny counts .I use a floor wax called Pledge Revive it for clear coats sealing layers and to seal in waterslides and make it level with the paint . If used with a light coat it seals matt but if applied heavy it will seal glossy. Also if applied as a basecoat and in between layers of paint will work as a chipping paint It is also cheap at 7 a bottle us and can be used for multi purposes. Ps it also makes your workspace not smell like paints and chemical but fresh and clean lol! Its a win win win!
@@ItsMeaDMaDe hi i just bought 2 bottle of folkart metallic paint. just now i try it twice directly in the cup; first time it clog and 2nd time i over thin it. may i know does thinning folkart metallic paint work the same as what you demo in our video? Thanks
@@leomr1504 I’ve used the same metallic paints and it’s a little tricky to thin cause of the metallic flecks in the paint you have to thin it just right and it’s easy to over thin it.
Thank you for this video!! The visual example with the coffee stir stick and the side of the cups was exactly what I needed! I'm wasted hrs with a inconsistent airbrush painting
I’m so glad this could help you paint consistency is the hardest thing to get right. I’m right there with you on hours wasted cleaning clogs from inconsistent paint. Thanks so much for the super thanks! Let me know if I can help in the future!
yeah +1 that's the way to explain the desired consistency. I'm gonna try this tomorrow after an utmost failure today with a clogged airbrush and having to take it apart for a complete cleaning.
I have been painting model trains with craft acrylics with beautiful finishes. I put isopropyl alcohol into the paint cup first then ad the craft acrylics AFTER the alcohol so it doesn't glob up in the bottom of the cup and plug up my airbrush. It is pretty easy to do. Multiple light coats work well; don't try to cover the model with 1 coat. The tiny detail is preserved this way. I find 25 lbs pressure works well and I like a single action airbrush best because it is EASY to clean. I have not found a double action airbrush to be any better in painting models. It is very important to have a good primer or painted surface because craft acrylics don't adhere to plastic or metal well alone. I use 123 Zinser Bullseye and dilute it also with alcohol. I mix the paint and alcohol or primer with a small model paintbrush, rinsing it in a water. Alcohol dries quicker than water and a blow dryer speeds drying up if needed. Sometimes it is just better to let the model lay and air dry if you're having trouble. Metallic paints work better with water and congeal often with alcohol and plug the airbrush. I find the airbrush needs to be taken apart and cleaned about every 3rd paint batch or you start getting small bits of paint on the model that looks like dust but is paint that has acumulated in the airbrush. I use pipe cleaners, pieces of wire in varying sizes, and weed trimmer line to clean the airbrush nozzles. Weed trimmer line works well to clean the spout of the paintcup. These tips work well with "real" paint also like Rustoleum Ultra semigloss black for my locos. I have sprayed water based polyurethane also using alcohol for thinner. The finish looks like a commercial model paint job. With time, the primer and paint bond stronger and stronger to the model. A cleaning product at Dollar Tree called Awesome will clean the airbrush, paint cup and other parts. It strips paint off a model train like lottie's eye. It has eliminated my need for MEK and can be used on plastic. Great deal for $1.25
Thanks for saying this with iso alcohol, most people have recommended to me windex, which is not soemthing I wanted to use. Good to know iso works too!
I just got an airbrush and this video seems more straight foreward than all the others ive seen.. ill give it a shot and let you know what I experienced!! great video!
SUPER HELPFUL!! I just got an airbrush on a whim to try on my painted rocks, and like a child with a new toy I just plowed into it assuming I'd paid enough attention when my nail tech used hers on my nails! I had to stop and start a lot the first time because of clogs, and realized yesterday that I probably needed to thin the craft paint further. This is exactly what I needed, creator to creator, huge THANK YOU!
Thanks so much! I’m really glad I could help you out with the video. Best of luck with your airbrush if you ever want to go more in-depth I have a course for beginners (link in description) Thanks again!
Thank you so much!! I'm a beginner and mixing in a separate cup made a world of difference. Kept getting clogs mixing in the airbrush cup and most tutorials teach you that way. I'm definitely not experienced enough to mix in airbrush.
Yeah I typically only mix in the color cup with my airbrush with bigger needles so I don’t get clogs. It’s also a help to strain your paints too if you keep getting clogs.
Been using the craft paint for a very long time on models. Actually did a large Necron army in the stuff years ago. The metallic colors work amazingly well. I still have my small expensive paints and use them as well. But that craft paint is hard to beat when it comes to just going down to the craft store and picking through a vast collection of color options.
This is probably the most informative video about this I've watched so far. I've been thinking about getting an airbrush machine for some time but I've just periodically been watching tip and tricks videos to get familiar with what they can do. thank you for this info.
Awesome that’s my goal to be as informative as possible in my videos. I remember what it was like getting started and having to piece everything together.
Stacie till I saw his videos I was about to give up on airbrushing cause I'm also very new at it but ever since I watched his videos and it took only one time for me to get it. Don't give up its worth it, these videos are very helpful. He is good so knowledgeable at his profession. Good luck 👍 Stacie
so i was finally able to use my cheapo amazon airbrush kit for my mordheim terrain and thinning the craft paint the way you showed in this video really helped!! i dont know why people say it cant be done. Thanks!!!
I always used House of Kolors solvent based paint before acrylics became popular. In most cases they were good to go right out of the bottle. Sometimes thinning was still needed though. So like when I tried water based acrylics I was frustrated. The bottles would say ….ready to paint …. Ah not so much. Even if the consistency seemed thin enough it never was. Then I’d get spraying and in no time my airbrush stopped spraying. Turns out the paint was actually drying on the tip. So after some research I realized it needed to be thinned. Depending on the brand sometimes it took a lot to get there. After finding the proper thinners WOW we’re back in business again. The distilled water is a great idea. I wish I could have seen your video years back. Good job young man! 👍🏼👍🏼
I just started model building and air brushing two weeks ago. I appreciate videos like this. I have used your content and others to begin at a higher level than I would've without this easily accessibly knowledge thanks to youtubers. Thank you again, Stay blessed!
I agree with you. I'm in my mid-60s. Retired and bored. I started building models again after a friend gave me one as a retirement present. I am trying to learn how to use a "airbrush". I thing that this video will help.
The method I have used for years is to simply add some acrylic floor polish to the paint to get to the consistency I need. The acrylic floor polish is almost as thin as water, it's crystal clear, it greatly improves flow and adhesion AND it adds strength to the paint. I use it with cheap craft paints, super thick Liquitex acrylics that come in tubes (that stuff is like toothpaste!) and any other acrylics I've used in the past that needed to be thinned. You can get a cheap floor polish called Quick Shine here in the U.S. at a lot of different places. It costs less than $10 for almost a quart.
@@eternalchocolatemilkI usually just use warm water, but I completely disassemble it when I do. It's probably also going to depend on what kind of airbrush you use, though. I have never tried them, but some people swear by Windex, windshield washer fluid and Simple Green.
Thanks for the tip. What ratio should I use for paints? Or how do I know when it's funny enough? Can I cut the floor shine or just use that as is with the acrylic? Thanks!
@@dannymolns3573 I usually use the floor shine as-is. It is already about as thin as water. And, I usually thin the paint to about the consistency of whole milk...maybe a little thicker. And, apply the paint in multiple thin coats as opposed to one or two heavy coats.
@@frankschuler2867 thanks for the quick reply! After literally a few years of me wanting an airbrush I got one on market place for a good price a few days ago and I'm so eager to use it. Just getting some homework done and then I'll get started! Another question, if you have a second.. when I'm done painting and need to wash out the brush, mixing cups etc where do I put the dirty paint washer water? I have a feeling the sink isn't the best. What's the best way? Thank you!
The day I found tamiya paint was the day I fell in love with airbrushes. Water based paint you spend just as much time troubleshooting clogs as you do painting. And that goes up exponentially when you use craft paint.
Thank you that was a really useful video - if like me you've only painted with a brush for years, getting used to using an airbrush takes a while and can be a bit frustrating at times. Thanks for leaving in the footaget of the blockage, a good reminder to clean at the end of each session.
Yup! I’ve used brushes for more years than I want to admit. But I’m a few years into airbrush. Messed with them in the past but about 3 years ago got into it heavy. There is a big learning curve but they are fantastic once you get the hang of them.
Great vid with straight forward info that saves money ! A caution when using thinner as a medium, it breaks down the paints binders which is why its used for cleaning our tools.
Thank you very much for posting this video! I’ve been building models since I was a kid and I’ve always had to buy those pricey model paints. I’ve wondered about using these craft paints, but had heard stories of people trying them and ending up with disastrous results but after seeing your video here, I’m tempted to try it again. I love modeling, but it can get kind of pricey and anything that helps to dial the price back and put more dollars back in my pocket. I am 100% for. Thanks again! 🙂
Just what I was looking for as I’m about to paint a mural on my garage door. Excellent detail with a great pace of process and procedures. And agree with showing failures… excellent teaching moments.
This is probably the best tutorial on the consistency you really want. I've painted professionally and I could tell you all day about paint and technique but goddam I had no idea how thin it had to be to start airbrushing. I also had no idea just straight water would work, I'm over here trying to concoct a h2o-ammonia-alcohol-glycerin thinner and its just not needed. Many thanks this helps so much.
Well that’s awesome I’m glad you liked it. When it comes to using distilled water. I’ve found a few brands that just don’t mix down well. It’s something you just have to experiment with. I’m wanting to do another video getting more in the weeds testing thinners with different hobby craft paints.
Thank you for the affirmation of using “craft paints.” (I get a lot of “stink eye” when I tell other modelers that is my primary paint usage.) I do add a couple of drops to my water of “Flood” aka as “Floetrol” found in the box stores like Lowes. Cheap (under $9/qt),used to add to acrylic wall paints to “eliminate brush strokes/roller markings” and “improves flow.” It introduces polymers into your paint so consistency/acrylic binding is not diluted out with water. Works for me. Thanks again.
The medicine cups are good but with some small silicone measuring cups you can just use them over and over. After the paint dries it just peals out. You can also get silicone stirring sticks.
Omg that you so much. I am a super duper beginner. I just bought my airbrush system. I was struggling to the point I was going to return it. I decided to search videos to see if I could find any help and you appeared. You clarified my question in this video. Thank you again
What has worked for me in thinning down these craft paint is windex. I heard this from a UA-cam artist, and it works wonders. Your methods work as well. Thanks for spreading your knowledge.
Oh this is wonderful to know. I don’t do a lot of painting, but knowing what I would need to know should I dive down the air brushing path it's good to have experienced advice. Thanks for another great video! Bonus points for matching the paint to your desktop!
I'm definitely with you there. I'd also want to use the cheap stuff for large foundations so I only have to spend the expensive ones where it counts. What kept me from using them was the question whether I could just thin down the stuff or if the larger pigment size would clog up the airbrush too much.
I've learned alot from your videos man. I mix my own thinner with water, isopropyl, and a bit of vegetable glycerin. If you haven't already you should look into trying it. A video on it would be awesome.
Thank you so much for this video. It's my first time with an airbrush and it was a little expensive to me to get profesional airbrush inks, speccially if I could mess up, so I wanted to try using acrilics to paint my 3D prints. In my few tests, some acrylic medim is working just fine to keep the color.
That’s great! I was in the same situation as you when I first got started. It’s a big expense so being able to use cheaper paints helps a lot. Best of luck with your airbrush
I'm absolutely trying to use a gravity airbrush for the first time,and I have to say your tutorial is great. I'm mainly doing everioments for home projects,and possibly future Halloween projects. Anyway thanks for the info
Modeling for years, we thin our acrylic paints with,,,, windex! Yup good ol windex, works wonderful and no the ‘blue’ color doesn’t effect the paint color, even white. Biggest issues I have run across over the years is that it is almost a MUST to run the paint through a strainer befor loading the brush, seems most have some solids in them that will stop up the gun and cause spatters. Note, the windex will not speed drying. Have fun!!
hey, thanks so much for this video! do you mind telling me what airbrush you used? I’ve be used an airbrush before but it was bad quality and I’m looking for a longer lasting one! thanks.
I get the best results using a paint strainer after i mix the paint. with the cheaper paints there tends to be some larger particles that can clog the airbrush.
Thanks so much for your useful way of telling whether the paint is properly thinned. Many just say "the consistency of milk" but that isn't very helpful to me. Watching how it drips is so much better.
Killer video! Thank you for showing the steps and the mistakes. I've been in this cycle of not wanting to waste paint on learning to airbrush because I'm not great yet, but can't get better because I'm not airbrushing. I won't feel bad about using up a bunch of cheap paint though so it looks like it's time to get my airbrush back out
Hey, just watching your video and paused at 6:32 after you mentioned using water to save on your acrylic thinner. I had the same problem too until recently, when I found an acrylic thinner concentrate, thought you'd like to know about it. The product is called VMS acrylic thinner concentrate, the bottle cost me around $16.50 CAD from an online hobby store (Sunward Hobbies), and it contains the concentrated chemicals they add to distilled water to make acrylic thinner. The 200ml bottle can be diluted to make 1L of regular strength thinner. I use a ton of the stuff for airbrushing and for hydrating thick paints that have been sitting around for a while by the time I get them. Also Army Painter. Hope that helps!
Definitely great video! I recommend craft paints when doing large terrain pieces if you don't want to go bankrupt. I'm working on a terrain project now and the amount of mid tone grey I need for this spaceship interior base would cost me a fortune in 18ml air paint bottles. Pick up some 2 dollar folk art grey and thin it down instead and it does the job.
Thanks for the vid. When I started with using an airbrush, I tried this approach, following several channel’s advice. Unfortunately it led to lot of wasted time, poor results, and constantly clogged tips. I almost gave up entirely on the airbrush with frustration until I found Mission Models Paints. For a beginner, I think it’s the best paint because if you follow the simple recommendations by the mfg, you get an awesome finish, always. After you become more skillful, perhaps the “craft paint” approach is a good option, but idk 🤷♂️
Glad I could help. Best of luck learning airbrush. I have a few other videos where I talk about using an airbrush that might help too. ua-cam.com/play/PLv65CP2QM2rGmPY_RLWxq6JxlzPtGXuvf.html
I mix mine 5 drops paint 8 drops thinner and 4 drops flow improver.great results but what i will do is make sure everything primed before main coulour go on..GREAT RESULTS
Thanks man for the great video been looking for a video to show exactly how to do this been wanting to paint some latex masks but it's scary if you don't know what your doing this video has made me feel more confident...
Glad it helped. When I try painting on different surfaces I always do a small test to see what works well. Might be worth just doing some tests. Good luck.
I would also recommend getting some nylons/panty hose from dollar store and strain the paint after mixing. U can get all these supplies at the dollar stores. Mixers, cups, plastic cups with lids, paints, syringes, etc. The tiny cups come in various sizes and can keep your mixed and strained paint for some time. If using urethane, or solvent based paints, u will require solvent proof cups to store the paint. Or glass. Also, those tiny milk and cream containers (washed and rinsed) work great for mixing. And stir sticks can be snapped in half, or smaller ones can be purchased. And, wipe em, let em dry, and re use a couple times
I think I said it on another video of yours, but a dropper bottle with some ball bearings and a vortex mixer really help to smooth out that last bit, then I think I'd do what you did another time and strain them into the cup, just to be sure it's a nice consistency.
Thank you so much! I have just joined the bewildering world of airbrushing and I'm loving it, but I've been very unsure in matters such as the paints I can use. Now I know and won't fear being ripped off by buying expensive products which I didn't really need! 👍👍👍
I've heard that the wood stir sticks can absorb some of your thinner and throw off the mix(although I doubt by that much). I got a 2 pack of the metal ones, and just use the same paper towel to wipe it off as necessary till that piece is covered. I also reuse creamer packs. mom does a lot of traveling in an rv, and lives off those creamer packs in her coffee. I asked her to save me a few to use, since they're small, and super slick so you get very little residue staying behind, meaning more paint to use. Before I knew it, she handed me a GALLON sized bag full.
Hi. The amount of liquid that a wooden stir stick would absorb is so little you'd need some pretty sophisticated equipment just to measure it. We're taking micrograms. Love the video.
Hi. The amount of liquid that a wooden stir stick would absorb is so little you'd need some pretty sophisticated equipment just to measure it. We're taking micrograms. Love the video.
Yup, pretty much agree with most of your video, I will also add see Barbatos Rex videos about spraying very thin multiple coats and putting a protective coating on afterward.....although acrylics made for airbrush are ground finer in the factory...also, keeping the airbrush spotlessly clean after using is imperative.....thanks....
I watched Barbatos' video as well and he's another great teacher in this hobby. That method is terrific. If you can point me to a source where there's documentation proving that the acrylics made for airbrushing are made with finer pigments, I'd love to see it. Otherwise, that's a myth...
@@dwightatnorthernstar1820 I found the video and listened to the section on pigment. He repeats the same talking point we've all heard, but provides no proof - no testing, documentation, data, just an assertion that "pigments aren't ground as fine in craft paints". He may be right, but how does he know? Trade secret? Industry insider knowledge? Scientific testing? No doubt paints perform differently, but in the current video on thinning, we see how they perform differently within the same brand, from color to color. Is that a result of larger pigment particles? Binder? Age? Or is it the property of that particular pigment and what it is made from? I think we need to apply a healthy skepticism here and really question this idea with some solid science and data.
@@ItsMeaDMaDe I just recently bought one, and was wondering if i can just feed my regular acrylics in it and then the great algorithmic gods pushed your video in my feed:D
When I mix my acrylics I use communion cups that someone gave me. I think I have a lifetime supply, LOL. The communion cups are plastic, of course, and are just a little smaller than the medicine cups. I have 2 airbrushes. The HF Chinese one I use for lacquer based paints and I use my Badger Anthem 155 for acrylics. I also make my own acrylic thinner. For airbrushing the consistency should be like milk. Cheers from eastern TN
Really great video! I'd like to mention that using Flood Floetrol for Acrylic and Latex paint might work as a great and very affordable thinner, but I have not attempted it yet.
Thanks! I just got an air brush myself and didn't know how to figure out if it was well thinned. I also tried rubbing alcohol to thin, but it made the paint dry too fast. I'll try with just water next time.
You’ll want to stay away from rubbing alcohol. It actually breaks down the composition of the paint. Distilled water or airbrush thinner. Best of luck.
Thank you so much. I just got an airbrush and haven't opened it since wanted to know how to properly care for it. The plus was that you explained that paints like Apple Barrel can be used to airbrush and I have a *lot* of those. Have a question; How often one should deep clean the airbrush? And; How to clean it after the first use? This is the first video I have watched from your channel will subscribe and be on the look for more painting tips.
First thanks for the comment. That’s great your getting into airbrushing. They are fun to use. Here is my playlist of airbrush videos that will help you. ua-cam.com/play/PLv65CP2QM2rGmPY_RLWxq6JxlzPtGXuvf.html I deep clean mine when it just starts clogging regularly or if it’s just been a few weeks. I don’t have a video on switching paints and how to clean it in between paints. That’s a good one to do that I will make. Feel free to join my free UA-cam community discord channel and there you can ask questions and we can help you along the way if you have more questions
I've just begun airbrushing and your video really helped me understand mixing.thanks brther..I believe I have a looooong way 2 go before I'm a"pro"LmBo! Here's a question for you. Can you also use 73% alcohol? I've seen some vids and when I try it my paints"GLOB"up! Thanks again brother,and keep on paintin!!
Hey! So I’m strongly against using alcohol it actually breaks down the chemical compounds in the paint. Most will glob up like your seeing. It’s best to use distilled water or airbrush thinner.
You're the first person I've seen that gives a good benchmark for how much to thin. Most others say something like " thin to the right consistency", which for a noob like myself is next to useless. And I love those little medicine cups, I've used them for mixing resins and epoxies for years.
Awesome I’m glad I could help. The whole right consistency always bothered me too. It’s like saying just thin it until it’s right. With no explanation.
Dude thank you so much for this video. At 43 and both of the kids out of the house, I have picked up building models again after 25 years! Having to buy most of the supplies and paint got expensive quick. I was wondering if I could use some of the craft paints for base coats and large surface areas, so I am so thankful I came across your video. Also thanks for being transparent and not editing your video, show your flaws and all. Those are things we can all learn from. SUBSCRIBED!! Keep up the good work
I’m glad it helped. And I’m right there with you paint coats add up quick. Over the years I have build up a nice collection of nice paint brands but in the beginning I only used the 99¢ bottles. Honestly I still use them quite a bit. I’m glad you appreciate the flaws. I’ve seen so many people make things looks so perfect it never goes perfectly that’s why I’ve decided to always show my screw ups. I try to always turn them into teaching moments. I always laugh when I do it cause some call me out on my mess ups as if I should show someone if I can’t do it right and other like yourself thank me for them. Can’t make everyone happy. I’m glad I made you at least 😁
Happy painting and good luck on figure projects
Ps. Thanks for the sub.
I also started back modeling after years, I also am on a budget so every penny counts .I use a floor wax called Pledge Revive it for clear coats sealing layers and to seal in waterslides and make it level with the paint .
If used with a light coat it seals matt but if applied heavy it will seal glossy.
Also if applied as a basecoat and in between layers of paint will work as a chipping paint
It is also cheap at 7 a bottle us and can be used for multi purposes.
Ps it also makes your workspace not smell like paints and chemical but fresh and clean lol! Its a win win win!
FYI Latex paints spray nice. I buy sample sizes. Stay away from Craft Smart acrylics, they spray terrible. Every single color I tried...
@@ItsMeaDMaDe hi i just bought 2 bottle of folkart metallic paint. just now i try it twice directly in the cup; first time it clog and 2nd time i over thin it. may i know does thinning folkart metallic paint work the same as what you demo in our video? Thanks
@@leomr1504 I’ve used the same metallic paints and it’s a little tricky to thin cause of the metallic flecks in the paint you have to thin it just right and it’s easy to over thin it.
Sir, you are a great teacher. Extremely thorough without being boring.
Wow, thanks!
Watching this 4hrs before my client comes in for her nail set 🤣🙌🏼 thank yooouuuu
You’re welcome 😊
How did it go?
I wish UA-cam would allow us to insert photos into comments! lol but it went very well! So wel that I’ve actually done about 8 sets with air brush
@@gloriianne94 great to hear. I'm about to try this method for some model kits. Wish me luck!
Did you thin them with water? I do nails as well and was wondering if it dries right and how fast?
Thank you for this video!! The visual example with the coffee stir stick and the side of the cups was exactly what I needed! I'm wasted hrs with a inconsistent airbrush painting
I’m so glad this could help you paint consistency is the hardest thing to get right. I’m right there with you on hours wasted cleaning clogs from inconsistent paint.
Thanks so much for the super thanks! Let me know if I can help in the future!
yeah +1 that's the way to explain the desired consistency. I'm gonna try this tomorrow after an utmost failure today with a clogged airbrush and having to take it apart for a complete cleaning.
Been watching videos all day trying to understand how to thin craft paints and this was easily the most helpful one yet!
Oh man this was fantastic as I’ve always had a huge guessing game when it comes to this. Also loving that printed stand for your airbrush
Wow man, thanks so much! I've been a long time viewer of your videos and I'm humbled that you took the time to watch one of my videos.
@@ItsMeaDMaDe subscribed as well 😬 can’t wait to watch some more stuff of yours
@@UncleJessy Woah! Thanks so much I can’t tell you what that mean to me.
I'm imagining this back and forth as the scene from Step-Brothers with the two of you.
"Did we just become best friends?!"
Thanks man, I've never found a video that so perfect answered my questions before 10/10
Great!
I have been painting model trains with craft acrylics with beautiful finishes. I put isopropyl alcohol into the paint cup first then ad the craft acrylics AFTER the alcohol so it doesn't glob up in the bottom of the cup and plug up my airbrush. It is pretty easy to do. Multiple light coats work well; don't try to cover the model with 1 coat. The tiny detail is preserved this way. I find 25 lbs pressure works well and I like a single action airbrush best because it is EASY to clean. I have not found a double action airbrush to be any better in painting models. It is very important to have a good primer or painted surface because craft acrylics don't adhere to plastic or metal well alone. I use 123 Zinser Bullseye and dilute it also with alcohol. I mix the paint and alcohol or primer with a small model paintbrush, rinsing it in a water. Alcohol dries quicker than water and a blow dryer speeds drying up if needed. Sometimes it is just better to let the model lay and air dry if you're having trouble. Metallic paints work better with water and congeal often with alcohol and plug the airbrush. I find the airbrush needs to be taken apart and cleaned about every 3rd paint batch or you start getting small bits of paint on the model that looks like dust but is paint that has acumulated in the airbrush. I use pipe cleaners, pieces of wire in varying sizes, and weed trimmer line to clean the airbrush nozzles. Weed trimmer line works well to clean the spout of the paintcup. These tips work well with "real" paint also like Rustoleum Ultra semigloss black for my locos. I have sprayed water based polyurethane also using alcohol for thinner. The finish looks like a commercial model paint job. With time, the primer and paint bond stronger and stronger to the model. A cleaning product at Dollar Tree called Awesome will clean the airbrush, paint cup and other parts. It strips paint off a model train like lottie's eye. It has eliminated my need for MEK and can be used on plastic. Great deal for $1.25
Thanks for saying this with iso alcohol, most people have recommended to me windex, which is not soemthing I wanted to use. Good to know iso works too!
I just got an airbrush and this video seems more straight foreward than all the others ive seen.. ill give it a shot and let you know what I experienced!! great video!
SUPER HELPFUL!! I just got an airbrush on a whim to try on my painted rocks, and like a child with a new toy I just plowed into it assuming I'd paid enough attention when my nail tech used hers on my nails! I had to stop and start a lot the first time because of clogs, and realized yesterday that I probably needed to thin the craft paint further. This is exactly what I needed, creator to creator, huge THANK YOU!
Thanks so much! I’m really glad I could help you out with the video. Best of luck with your airbrush if you ever want to go more in-depth I have a course for beginners (link in description)
Thanks again!
Just used this process this morning to thin down some blue-grey craft paint to spray through my airbrush and it worked so well! Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!! I'm a beginner and mixing in a separate cup made a world of difference. Kept getting clogs mixing in the airbrush cup and most tutorials teach you that way. I'm definitely not experienced enough to mix in airbrush.
Yeah I typically only mix in the color cup with my airbrush with bigger needles so I don’t get clogs. It’s also a help to strain your paints too if you keep getting clogs.
That drip test looks really quite useful. I need to try that!
Been using the craft paint for a very long time on models. Actually did a large Necron army in the stuff years ago. The metallic colors work amazingly well. I still have my small expensive paints and use them as well. But that craft paint is hard to beat when it comes to just going down to the craft store and picking through a vast collection of color options.
Thanks!
No, thank you Dave!! I really hope this helped you!
Great video! You are the first person on UA-cam that got through my thick skull. I can't wait to try this method. Thanks for the video 😎👍
Glad I could help! Hope you have success with this method.
I had been wanting to know how to thin craft paints for airbrushing and you answered all of my questions. Thanks for sharing this information.
Great! Glad it helped!
This is probably the most informative video about this I've watched so far. I've been thinking about getting an airbrush machine for some time but I've just periodically been watching tip and tricks videos to get familiar with what they can do. thank you for this info.
Awesome that’s my goal to be as informative as possible in my videos. I remember what it was like getting started and having to piece everything together.
Stacie till I saw his videos I was about to give up on airbrushing cause I'm also very new at it but ever since I watched his videos and it took only one time for me to get it. Don't give up its worth it, these videos are very helpful. He is good so knowledgeable at his profession. Good luck 👍 Stacie
Thanks! Just got a new, portable airbrush and this info is so helpful!
Wow! Thanks so much! I’m so glad I could help you! Best of luck with your new airbrush!
This is thorough, amazing, and iconic. Thank you so, SO MUCH!
Your very welcome!
I used your method to thin some Walmart acrylic paints and your drip method worked perfectly. I thinned it with ammonia free windex.
so i was finally able to use my cheapo amazon airbrush kit for my mordheim terrain and thinning the craft paint the way you showed in this video really helped!! i dont know why people say it cant be done. Thanks!!!
Awesome! Yeah it absolutely can be done it’s just paint. You can use any kind of paint as long as you thin it right.
I always used House of Kolors solvent based paint before acrylics became popular. In most cases they were good to go right out of the bottle. Sometimes thinning was still needed though. So like when I tried water based acrylics I was frustrated. The bottles would say ….ready to paint …. Ah not so much. Even if the consistency seemed thin enough it never was. Then I’d get spraying and in no time my airbrush stopped spraying. Turns out the paint was actually drying on the tip. So after some research I realized it needed to be thinned. Depending on the brand sometimes it took a lot to get there. After finding the proper thinners WOW we’re back in business again. The distilled water is a great idea. I wish I could have seen your video years back. Good job young man! 👍🏼👍🏼
I just started model building and air brushing two weeks ago. I appreciate videos like this. I have used your content and others to begin at a higher level than I would've without this easily accessibly knowledge thanks to youtubers. Thank you again, Stay blessed!
That’s awesome I’m glad I could help you best of luck on your projects.
I agree with you. I'm in my mid-60s. Retired and bored. I started building models again after a friend gave me one as a retirement present. I am trying to learn how to use a "airbrush". I thing that this video will help.
That’s great to hear. Best of luck with the model painting!
From England, it did indeed help me. I do have some cheepo acrylics and will give this technique a real good go. Thank you sir.
Awesome! Glad it did. Best of luck with your painting projects!
The method I have used for years is to simply add some acrylic floor polish to the paint to get to the consistency I need. The acrylic floor polish is almost as thin as water, it's crystal clear, it greatly improves flow and adhesion AND it adds strength to the paint. I use it with cheap craft paints, super thick Liquitex acrylics that come in tubes (that stuff is like toothpaste!) and any other acrylics I've used in the past that needed to be thinned. You can get a cheap floor polish called Quick Shine here in the U.S. at a lot of different places. It costs less than $10 for almost a quart.
Thank you! What do you use to flush out your brush when you are done painting?
@@eternalchocolatemilkI usually just use warm water, but I completely disassemble it when I do. It's probably also going to depend on what kind of airbrush you use, though. I have never tried them, but some people swear by Windex, windshield washer fluid and Simple Green.
Thanks for the tip. What ratio should I use for paints? Or how do I know when it's funny enough? Can I cut the floor shine or just use that as is with the acrylic? Thanks!
@@dannymolns3573 I usually use the floor shine as-is. It is already about as thin as water. And, I usually thin the paint to about the consistency of whole milk...maybe a little thicker. And, apply the paint in multiple thin coats as opposed to one or two heavy coats.
@@frankschuler2867 thanks for the quick reply! After literally a few years of me wanting an airbrush I got one on market place for a good price a few days ago and I'm so eager to use it. Just getting some homework done and then I'll get started! Another question, if you have a second.. when I'm done painting and need to wash out the brush, mixing cups etc where do I put the dirty paint washer water? I have a feeling the sink isn't the best. What's the best way? Thank you!
The day I found tamiya paint was the day I fell in love with airbrushes. Water based paint you spend just as much time troubleshooting clogs as you do painting. And that goes up exponentially when you use craft paint.
Thank you for this video! I’ve been researching for several days now.. I’ve learnt more in these 15 minutes then I did over the last 5 days!
That’s great. I’m glad I could help you out.
Thank you that was a really useful video - if like me you've only painted with a brush for years, getting used to using an airbrush takes a while and can be a bit frustrating at times. Thanks for leaving in the footaget of the blockage, a good reminder to clean at the end of each session.
Yup! I’ve used brushes for more years than I want to admit. But I’m a few years into airbrush. Messed with them in the past but about 3 years ago got into it heavy. There is a big learning curve but they are fantastic once you get the hang of them.
Great vid with straight forward info that saves money !
A caution when using thinner as a medium, it breaks down the paints binders which is why its used for cleaning our tools.
The best explanation on UA-cam, thank you very much ❤❤❤
Thank you very much for posting this video! I’ve been building models since I was a kid and I’ve always had to buy those pricey model paints. I’ve wondered about using these craft paints, but had heard stories of people trying them and ending up with disastrous results but after seeing your video here, I’m tempted to try it again. I love modeling, but it can get kind of pricey and anything that helps to dial the price back and put more dollars back in my pocket. I am 100% for. Thanks again! 🙂
PLEASE DONT STOP MAKING CONTENT YOOU ARE AWESOME!
Not going to lie this comment made my day. Thank you so much for your support. You keep watching I’ll keep making videos 😁
Thank you for this super informative video- it was clear and concise without any technical jargon that gets lost on us newbies
Your very welcome. I’m glad it helped. I haven’t forgotten what it’s like when your starting out. Best of luck.
Just what I was looking for as I’m about to paint a mural on my garage door. Excellent detail with a great pace of process and procedures.
And agree with showing failures… excellent teaching moments.
This is probably the best tutorial on the consistency you really want. I've painted professionally and I could tell you all day about paint and technique but goddam I had no idea how thin it had to be to start airbrushing. I also had no idea just straight water would work, I'm over here trying to concoct a h2o-ammonia-alcohol-glycerin thinner and its just not needed. Many thanks this helps so much.
Well that’s awesome I’m glad you liked it. When it comes to using distilled water. I’ve found a few brands that just don’t mix down well. It’s something you just have to experiment with. I’m wanting to do another video getting more in the weeds testing thinners with different hobby craft paints.
@@ItsMeaDMaDe That would be fantastic
I am curious why distilled water vs just tap water?
Thank you for the affirmation of using “craft paints.” (I get a lot of “stink eye” when I tell other modelers that is my primary paint usage.) I do add a couple of drops to my water of “Flood” aka as “Floetrol” found in the box stores like Lowes. Cheap (under $9/qt),used to add to acrylic wall paints to “eliminate brush strokes/roller markings” and “improves flow.” It introduces polymers into your paint so consistency/acrylic binding is not diluted out with water. Works for me. Thanks again.
Yeah I get the same responses but I get good result. I’ll have to look into that flood stuff.
Just starting out so don’t really want to buy the expensive airbrush paints yet. This information is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks 😀‼️👍
The medicine cups are good but with some small silicone measuring cups you can just use them over and over. After the paint dries it just peals out. You can also get silicone stirring sticks.
That’s a good idea. I actually clean out my cups and I get a lot of uses before I get rid of them.
Omg that you so much. I am a super duper beginner. I just bought my airbrush system. I was struggling to the point I was going to return it. I decided to search videos to see if I could find any help and you appeared. You clarified my question in this video. Thank you again
Your very welcome. I wish you luck with your airbrush!
What has worked for me in thinning down these craft paint is windex. I heard this from a UA-cam artist, and it works wonders. Your methods work as well. Thanks for spreading your knowledge.
Something else that works, but simulates a flow improver more than thinner is the blue spot free rince stuff you put in a dishwasher.
thanks for the INFO and tips. this video really help me in understanding how to work with my airbrush paints.
Oh this is wonderful to know. I don’t do a lot of painting, but knowing what I would need to know should I dive down the air brushing path it's good to have experienced advice. Thanks for another great video! Bonus points for matching the paint to your desktop!
So glad you enjoyed it! Airbrush’s are great to use for sure.
I love the green didn’t know if anyone would notice 🤣
I'm definitely with you there. I'd also want to use the cheap stuff for large foundations so I only have to spend the expensive ones where it counts.
What kept me from using them was the question whether I could just thin down the stuff or if the larger pigment size would clog up the airbrush too much.
As long as you strain your paints you should be perfectly fine the pigment wouldn’t clog the nozzle that way.
this was very helpful. New to Airbrushing and have been looking for tips. Thank you and keep up the good work. 👍
I've learned alot from your videos man. I mix my own thinner with water, isopropyl, and a bit of vegetable glycerin. If you haven't already you should look into trying it. A video on it would be awesome.
a lot ;)
I use the same mix...
What’s the mixture ratio?
Whats the ratio?
I'd appreciate if you shared the ratio too
Thank you this is awesome I just got my very first Airbrush gun today!!
I used Windshield washer fluid to thin my acrylics, and it actually works well with the paint and keeps the gun clean
I subscribed after watching a different video and I like how you present everything in your videos, thank you.
Thanks so much. And thanks for the sub!
I've just got an airbrush, this is awesome. I love your videos
That’s awesome! Thanks so much good luck with your new airbrush.
THANKS FOR THIS!!!! Great vid and looking forward to more. Get explanations and great examples. Carry on!
Thank you for the video. I had asked you for this before. Happy that you didnt forget
I’m really glad I could get it done for you!!
Thank you so much for this video. It's my first time with an airbrush and it was a little expensive to me to get profesional airbrush inks, speccially if I could mess up, so I wanted to try using acrilics to paint my 3D prints. In my few tests, some acrylic medim is working just fine to keep the color.
That’s great! I was in the same situation as you when I first got started. It’s a big expense so being able to use cheaper paints helps a lot. Best of luck with your airbrush
Excellent! Easy to follow and very useful.
Awesome. I’m glad it was helpful for you.
I'm absolutely trying to use a gravity airbrush for the first time,and I have to say your tutorial is great. I'm mainly doing everioments for home projects,and possibly future Halloween projects. Anyway thanks for the info
Modeling for years, we thin our acrylic paints with,,,, windex! Yup good ol windex, works wonderful and no the ‘blue’ color doesn’t effect the paint color, even white. Biggest issues I have run across over the years is that it is almost a MUST to run the paint through a strainer befor loading the brush, seems most have some solids in them that will stop up the gun and cause spatters. Note, the windex will not speed drying. Have fun!!
Interesting tip. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. This was extremely helpful.
I’ve really struggled with my brush clogging up and so thin that it was so thin it would just run. Thanks for the info.
Appreciate you taking time to show the how to's.. 👍
hey, thanks so much for this video! do you mind telling me what airbrush you used? I’ve be used an airbrush before but it was bad quality and I’m looking for a longer lasting one! thanks.
I get the best results using a paint strainer after i mix the paint. with the cheaper paints there tends to be some larger particles that can clog the airbrush.
What a great tutorial, So many great tips cheers mate.
Thanks!! I’m glad you liked it!
Thanks so much for your useful way of telling whether the paint is properly thinned. Many just say "the consistency of milk" but that isn't very helpful to me. Watching how it drips is so much better.
Excellent presentation. Thank you.
Great video and information. As a novice with airbrushing, this was very helpful. Subbed.
Awesome I’m glad I could help
Killer video! Thank you for showing the steps and the mistakes. I've been in this cycle of not wanting to waste paint on learning to airbrush because I'm not great yet, but can't get better because I'm not airbrushing. I won't feel bad about using up a bunch of cheap paint though so it looks like it's time to get my airbrush back out
thank you i had this question but you are the first i have seen answering
it
Glad I could help
Hey, just watching your video and paused at 6:32 after you mentioned using water to save on your acrylic thinner. I had the same problem too until recently, when I found an acrylic thinner concentrate, thought you'd like to know about it. The product is called VMS acrylic thinner concentrate, the bottle cost me around $16.50 CAD from an online hobby store (Sunward Hobbies), and it contains the concentrated chemicals they add to distilled water to make acrylic thinner. The 200ml bottle can be diluted to make 1L of regular strength thinner.
I use a ton of the stuff for airbrushing and for hydrating thick paints that have been sitting around for a while by the time I get them. Also Army Painter.
Hope that helps!
Definitely great video! I recommend craft paints when doing large terrain pieces if you don't want to go bankrupt. I'm working on a terrain project now and the amount of mid tone grey I need for this spaceship interior base would cost me a fortune in 18ml air paint bottles. Pick up some 2 dollar folk art grey and thin it down instead and it does the job.
Thanks for the vid. When I started with using an airbrush, I tried this approach, following several channel’s advice. Unfortunately it led to lot of wasted time, poor results, and constantly clogged tips. I almost gave up entirely on the airbrush with frustration until I found Mission Models Paints. For a beginner, I think it’s the best paint because if you follow the simple recommendations by the mfg, you get an awesome finish, always. After you become more skillful, perhaps the “craft paint” approach is a good option, but idk 🤷♂️
Thankyou I’m new to all this and have folk art paints to use up while I learn. So Thankyou,,
Thanks, just getting going here, this was helpful.
Thank you for this video. Who knew. Great job on explaining it I am just trying to learn to air brush
Glad I could help. Best of luck learning airbrush. I have a few other videos where I talk about using an airbrush that might help too.
ua-cam.com/play/PLv65CP2QM2rGmPY_RLWxq6JxlzPtGXuvf.html
I mix mine 5 drops paint 8 drops thinner and 4 drops flow improver.great results but what i will do is make sure everything primed before main coulour go on..GREAT RESULTS
Great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Well done, this is a helpful video for me. Thank you.
You are more than welcome I’m glad it helped! Best of luck painting!
Great advice! I'm trying to learn how to use an brush for my model building, and the thinning section helped greatly! Thanks very much!
Great, helpful video dude. Looking to use my exisiting acrylic paints as I have just got my first airbrush for scale models!
Use Windex to thin the paint. Plus it cleans airbrush internals and dries quicker too.
Thanks man for the great video been looking for a video to show exactly how to do this been wanting to paint some latex masks but it's scary if you don't know what your doing this video has made me feel more confident...
Glad it helped. When I try painting on different surfaces I always do a small test to see what works well. Might be worth just doing some tests. Good luck.
i can finally start using musou black acrylic in my airbrush now thx dude
I would also recommend getting some nylons/panty hose from dollar store and strain the paint after mixing. U can get all these supplies at the dollar stores. Mixers, cups, plastic cups with lids, paints, syringes, etc.
The tiny cups come in various sizes and can keep your mixed and strained paint for some time. If using urethane, or solvent based paints, u will require solvent proof cups to store the paint. Or glass.
Also, those tiny milk and cream containers (washed and rinsed) work great for mixing. And stir sticks can be snapped in half, or smaller ones can be purchased. And, wipe em, let em dry, and re use a couple times
I think I said it on another video of yours, but a dropper bottle with some ball bearings and a vortex mixer really help to smooth out that last bit, then I think I'd do what you did another time and strain them into the cup, just to be sure it's a nice consistency.
Fantastic video, reassuring , easy to follow and encouraging. Thank you.
Excellent video, well presented, thanks.
Your welcome and thanks for the comment!
Thank you so much! I have just joined the bewildering world of airbrushing and I'm loving it, but I've been very unsure in matters such as the paints I can use. Now I know and won't fear being ripped off by buying expensive products which I didn't really need! 👍👍👍
Well welcome to this bewildering world 😄. I’m glad I could help save you some money I know paints can rack up and get pretty expensive. Best of luck!
I've heard that the wood stir sticks can absorb some of your thinner and throw off the mix(although I doubt by that much). I got a 2 pack of the metal ones, and just use the same paper towel to wipe it off as necessary till that piece is covered.
I also reuse creamer packs. mom does a lot of traveling in an rv, and lives off those creamer packs in her coffee. I asked her to save me a few to use, since they're small, and super slick so you get very little residue staying behind, meaning more paint to use. Before I knew it, she handed me a GALLON sized bag full.
Yeah I never noticed any issues using them. The creamer packs is a great idea to reuse something that could be thrown away.
Hi. The amount of liquid that a wooden stir stick would absorb is so little you'd need some pretty sophisticated equipment just to measure it. We're taking micrograms. Love the video.
Hi. The amount of liquid that a wooden stir stick would absorb is so little you'd need some pretty sophisticated equipment just to measure it. We're taking micrograms. Love the video.
Best air brush for beginners
thank you very much for yiour awesome content , it helps me (newbie) a lot.
Yup, pretty much agree with most of your video, I will also add see Barbatos Rex videos about spraying very thin multiple coats and putting a protective coating on afterward.....although acrylics made for airbrush are ground finer in the factory...also, keeping the airbrush spotlessly clean after using is imperative.....thanks....
I watched Barbatos' video as well and he's another great teacher in this hobby. That method is terrific.
If you can point me to a source where there's documentation proving that the acrylics made for airbrushing are made with finer pigments, I'd love to see it. Otherwise, that's a myth...
@@ocalicreek Check the video from the owner of Badger airbrush Ken. He points this out in his demo to an audience....
@@dwightatnorthernstar1820 I found the video and listened to the section on pigment. He repeats the same talking point we've all heard, but provides no proof - no testing, documentation, data, just an assertion that "pigments aren't ground as fine in craft paints". He may be right, but how does he know? Trade secret? Industry insider knowledge? Scientific testing? No doubt paints perform differently, but in the current video on thinning, we see how they perform differently within the same brand, from color to color. Is that a result of larger pigment particles? Binder? Age? Or is it the property of that particular pigment and what it is made from? I think we need to apply a healthy skepticism here and really question this idea with some solid science and data.
Oh perfect, this was the question that popped to my mind recently!
Glad I could answer that question for you! 😁
@@ItsMeaDMaDe I just recently bought one, and was wondering if i can just feed my regular acrylics in it and then the great algorithmic gods pushed your video in my feed:D
@@ItsAweeb that’s awesome best of luck with it.
When I mix my acrylics I use communion cups that someone gave me. I think I have a lifetime supply, LOL. The communion cups are plastic, of course, and are just a little smaller than the medicine cups. I have 2 airbrushes. The HF Chinese one I use for lacquer based paints and I use my Badger Anthem 155 for acrylics. I also make my own acrylic thinner. For airbrushing the consistency should be like milk. Cheers from eastern TN
Great video, love the easy explanation
That Infinity is impressive. I’ve been eyeballing one but went with a Badger due to budget.
Really great video! I'd like to mention that using Flood Floetrol for Acrylic and Latex paint might work as a great and very affordable thinner, but I have not attempted it yet.
Nice work! Answered my question
Thanks! I just got an air brush myself and didn't know how to figure out if it was well thinned. I also tried rubbing alcohol to thin, but it made the paint dry too fast. I'll try with just water next time.
You’ll want to stay away from rubbing alcohol. It actually breaks down the composition of the paint. Distilled water or airbrush thinner. Best of luck.
Thank you so much. I just got an airbrush and haven't opened it since wanted to know how to properly care for it. The plus was that you explained that paints like Apple Barrel can be used to airbrush and I have a *lot* of those.
Have a question; How often one should deep clean the airbrush? And; How to clean it after the first use?
This is the first video I have watched from your channel will subscribe and be on the look for more painting tips.
First thanks for the comment. That’s great your getting into airbrushing. They are fun to use.
Here is my playlist of airbrush videos that will help you.
ua-cam.com/play/PLv65CP2QM2rGmPY_RLWxq6JxlzPtGXuvf.html
I deep clean mine when it just starts clogging regularly or if it’s just been a few weeks. I don’t have a video on switching paints and how to clean it in between paints. That’s a good one to do that I will make.
Feel free to join my free UA-cam community discord channel and there you can ask questions and we can help you along the way if you have more questions
@@ItsMeaDMaDe Awesome! Definitely will watch. 🌸🐉
And will like to join very much so. 😀
I've just begun airbrushing and your video really helped me understand mixing.thanks brther..I believe I have a looooong way 2 go before I'm a"pro"LmBo!
Here's a question for you.
Can you also use 73% alcohol?
I've seen some vids and when I try it my paints"GLOB"up!
Thanks again brother,and keep on paintin!!
Hey! So I’m strongly against using alcohol it actually breaks down the chemical compounds in the paint. Most will glob up like your seeing. It’s best to use distilled water or airbrush thinner.
Dude that was very helpful! Thanks so much