Unreality86

I had the problem of trying to get it thinned and not clog my airbrush. Alcohol will work, but Windex is the best thinner I've found. It goes on smoother, doesn't clog, and gives a better finish in my opinion. Plus it's cheaper than specialized thinners.

Thanks for the detailed reply. However, there are a few things that I am unfamiliar with. What is a baffel plate? What are the bottom/top/side plates you are referring to? And do you have any links to pictures of the above that could illustrate your point better? Thanks again. I apologize, but I usually kitbash guns rather than crafting in depth detail...plus as it's in 1/72 scale, it can be frustrating to get the minute details in the model.

I'm working on 1/72 scale Revell BV P.194, a german Luftwaffe 46 project plane, and one drawing I have shows it with an anti-tank cannon that the Luft46 website lists as a MK412 55mm cannon. Now I kitbash a lot of stuff for Luft46 projects, but this require me probably buying another kit with a similar cannon in it. So, I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to sculpt, build, cast, whatever a cannon like the one seen in the picture below. http://www.luft46.com/gmart/gm194-8.jpg As always, thanks guys.

I don't know about availability, but I like both MM and PS acrylics...in fact I refuse to use any other paints. They don't smell bad and can washed up with water. They can easily be brushed on and airbrushing requires minimal thinner. The only problem, is that these paints do not "bite" into the plastic, and most masking tape will pull them up. Solution: priming, and don't go out and buy Mr. Surfacer or Tamiya primers for $8+, they don't work well in my experience. I get a Color Place gray primer from my local Wal-Mart for $0.95. I'm sure you can find something comparable, maybe a Kryl

Is there a "recommended" ratio (pigments:water)?

So I was recently finishing a Luft46 project and I did my usual sludge weathering (powder pigments + water + drop of dishwashing soap), and it stained the lighter blue underside a bit. I rubbed for a while with a moist cloth to no avail. It's only noticeable close up, but it's still there. Any suggestions to remedy this or alternatives? Maybe a Future coat before wash is a good idea. Thanks guys.

Ok, excuse my ignorance, but what is decanting and how is it done?

Thanks guys. Are the Gunze Mr. Surfacer primers available in bottles to airbrush with or are they spray cans?

What do you guys think are the best primers, i.e type and manufacturer? I tried Tamiya's Fine Primer (white) and it worked ok. I hate spray cans and would rather airbrush; I feel I have more control with an airbrush. Plus I noticed a little orange peal in the center of scrap plastic I was using. Keep in mind I am priming so I can use MM and Pollyscale Acrylics without the need to worry about any adhesion problems. I know some people don't prime for these, but I also make toys for my cousins and they need to be able to withstand a little more handling than just moving from one display case

I've been using MM Acrylics and I really like the color selection and the fact that I rarely need to thin the paint for my airbrush. I also like how fast I can work (I do have time constraints), and the paints don't smell bad at all. But like some other posters said, MM acrylics don't like tape. Most of the masking I do with MM Acrylics I do with Parafilm or I use wide rubber bands (works great on engine nozzles and nose cones). But those methods only go so far. So here are my problems: Is there any clear coat that can keep MM Acrylics on the plastic? Would extensive priming and washi

Does anyone have any suggestions for making display stands for in-flight aircraft. I've seen a lot online, but I don't really feel like paying $15 to $40 for a stand. I work with 1/72 Luftwaffe planes mostly, so I don't need something too big, such as the in-flight stand seen in the ARC tools and tips section. I also want to make small plaques at the base of the stand to decal plane type/company. Any ideas???

So I'm working on a Revell Me. P. 1099 and it has little yellow rings around the engines. Usually for detail airbrushing, I just tape the area and cut the tape along panel lines, but there are no panel lines for the area that needs to be painted. Plus taping the area would be really hard. Anyone have any ideas/suggestions? This is a pic of what I'm trying to do. Notice the thin band of yellow around the engines. http://www.yumodel.co.yu/takmicenje/dule_i_baron/L25.jpg Thanks guys.