BOC262 Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 I tried airbrushing WEM for the first time tonight. I thinned it about 50:50 using roughly 50% mineral spirits and 50% lacquer thinner. It went on OK, but I wasn't overly impressed with it. IMHO, Floquil airbrushes much better--or do I need to learn new techniques for WEM? Maybe after hearing all the hype about it my expectations were raised too high? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Britaholic Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 Hi there, I use WEM and Xtracolor exclusively and have never had any problems airbrushing them. It is most important that you mix the paint in the tin well, I use a battery operated Badger mixer and stir for at least 3 minutes. I add the appropriate amount of thinner to a small glass jar, I usually start with a 50:50 mix paint to thinners, for thinners I use Xtracolor XDTT or white spirit. I then use a pipette to transfer the paint to the jar and mix the paint and thinners well, for this I use the pipette, sucking the mixture in and out. Using the pipette I transfer the mixture to the colourcup on my AB, Badger 200NH, and airbrush at 12-15 psi. I only lay down thin coats of paint until I am happy with the result. Cheers Den Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pete W Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 I would echo what Den says, stir well and thin with White Spirit. I find the pigment is so fine that it gives you a very smooth finish even with matt. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BOC262 Posted September 13, 2010 Author Share Posted September 13, 2010 Thanks so much for the advice! I will give your suggestions a try. Karl Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John @ WEM Posted September 14, 2010 Share Posted September 14, 2010 Hi Karl, Just to echo the others--problems with Colourcoats usually have to do with insufficient mixing. Our pigments are custom-ground extremely fine for a smooth finish. The downside of this is that when they settle out of suspension, it takes a LOT of mixing. I routinely use a mechanical paint shaker for about 5 minutes, then stir for about a minute, and another minute on the shaker. I've never had an application problem. Just as a note--I do that with all enamels, not just our Colourcoats. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BOC262 Posted September 14, 2010 Author Share Posted September 14, 2010 Hi Karl,Just to echo the others--problems with Colourcoats usually have to do with insufficient mixing. Our pigments are custom-ground extremely fine for a smooth finish. The downside of this is that when they settle out of suspension, it takes a LOT of mixing. I routinely use a mechanical paint shaker for about 5 minutes, then stir for about a minute, and another minute on the shaker. I've never had an application problem. Just as a note--I do that with all enamels, not just our Colourcoats. Hmmm...OK, looks like I will be investing in an electric paint mixer. Any thinning tips? I usually like to thin my enamels with a mix of mineral spirits and lacquer thinner. Is that OK for WEM paints? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John @ WEM Posted September 15, 2010 Share Posted September 15, 2010 That thinner mix should work just fine. Personally, I use lacquer thinner. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BOC262 Posted September 15, 2010 Author Share Posted September 15, 2010 That thinner mix should work just fine. Personally, I use lacquer thinner. Thanks for the additional advice John! I've always been a little reluctant to try straight lacquer thinner, but I'll give it a try. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
juanchopancho Posted September 15, 2010 Share Posted September 15, 2010 I used WEM paints for the first time recently for a Hellcat. Great finish, good stuff. I used Testors enamel thinner. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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