aerodrew Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Anyone in here use Vallejo paints? I have a few bottles and am considering using them in an airbrush. I like the fact that they are non toxic and have no scent whatsoever. If I were to thin the paints out, what kind of medium should I use? Also, what type of chemical should I use to clean the airbrush out afterwards? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FlyingSnowmew Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 (edited) Thin with distilled water and clean using ordinary water. And if they look like crap when you first brush them on, don't worry. Let it dry overnight and look at it the next day. Edited October 24, 2008 by kagetachikoma Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Llarry Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 I also find that Vallejo can be kind of fragile. Even brushed, you need some kind of a primer coat for them to "bite" into. As long as you have that, they're great paints to work with. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aerodrew Posted October 24, 2008 Author Share Posted October 24, 2008 Ok thanks, I'll try that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jan Wagner Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 I use Vallejo paints too. Works fine. You should consider using the Vallejo thinner. Its not necessary, but it sprays "smoother". Quote Link to post Share on other sites
UKPonchoMan Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 I've just sprayed (yesterday) some Vallejo Color (not the Model Air) - I found it needed a LOT more thinner than I'd expected, and I also used a few drops of retardent. Even then, I found the best approach was to put a very small amount of paint in the airbrush and clean it out with running water every 5 or 10 minutes to stop the paint drying. Somewhat painful...but I think it worked out ok... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aerodrew Posted October 25, 2008 Author Share Posted October 25, 2008 I've just sprayed (yesterday) some Vallejo Color (not the Model Air) - I found it needed a LOT more thinner than I'd expected, and I also used a few drops of retardent.Even then, I found the best approach was to put a very small amount of paint in the airbrush and clean it out with running water every 5 or 10 minutes to stop the paint drying. Somewhat painful...but I think it worked out ok... What kind of retardant were you using? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FlyingSnowmew Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 Vallejo will be brittle for awhile and will be easy to scratch off. But in time it will be rock hard. I think it takes about a week for me, but I use Liquitex Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mossieramm Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 I usually thin Model Color with water with some washing up liquid. The washing up liquid helps to break the surface tension. Takes a day od two to fully cure, but it's very hard when dry. I clean the airbrush with water. David. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alan Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 I thin them using Tamiya thinner- have had no problems yet using it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MAG One Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 I have switched almost exclusively to Vallejo Model air paints and I add a drop or two of Liquitex Flow Aid Fluidificant and I add a few drops of Future. This allows the paint to flow better and when dry it is very hard. Air pressure is an issue, I use 8 to 10 psi and build the paint in thin almost transparent coats. If you lay it on the way you would paint enamels it will cure on the surface almost instantly but take weeks to dry completely. when it does dry it will not be as hard. I have never had problems with Model Air clogging the tip on any of my airbrushes. I clean up with Windex. I sometimes use Badger or Createx Airbrush cleaner. If you use Vallejo Model Color you will definetly have to thin it a lot and you need to add retarder or it will clog the brush during extended painting sessions. Gary Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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