Found my way here from your video on priming in colors instead of black. Your videos are great and easily explain everything in a way that makes sense to me. Helps balance the fun and time. After all it is a hobby, and it’s meant to enjoy. Thanks a lot!
Somehow I never came across someone explaining the difference between thinner and flow improver until now. I'm definitely going to have to experiment a bit with both now. Thank you so much
Same here, though, I just bought a huge bottle of Golden airbrush medium thanks to Marco NJM...but I never knew the difference until this video either...
@@Titus_Vespasianus Same, clogged my airbrush more than I painted models with all the time thinking how the hell this happens since my paint was soooo thin.
I don't have an airbrush (yet) but am always drooling over them. I can say unequivocally that this is the BEST airbrushing overview and guide I have yet to see. Thank you!
Go cheap to see if you like it - one of those with a rechargeable compressor attached is a fine starting point. More expensive kit is better but the benefits will only show as your skill improves. You don't want to go dropping 3 figures on a H&S / Badger / Iwata setup until you know you're going to get some good use out of it, and how to take care of it.
@@laurencepenfold ah, now this is the one thing I disagree with. Go cheap, get problems. Those cheap compressors don’t create enough pressure and break super quick. Cheap airbrushes are the same. And you then assume they’re all like that and end up spending more just to fix the issues. If you want to drive like an F1 driver, you don’t start in a second hand Golf cart. Wanna learn to swim? You don’t jump in a dirty puddle. Weirdly with airbrushing the advice is always to buy cheap. Cheap airbrushes and compressors CAN work. But man, it’s a totally random encounter finding one that doesn’t doesn’t break, spray wrong, shut off, clog endlessly, bent needle, faulty cheap seals, cheap parts. And it’ll kill any excitement you had for spraying. Buy cheap. Give up easily. Because hey, it was cheap! Spend more, learn well. Because you WILL NOT let your money be wasted! 🤣🤣
This video was excellent! It's honestly the first time when things clicked with me on how to use the airbrush. You explained it in a way that was easy to understand, but not so vague that I'm left with more questions than answers. Thank you thank you thank you!
This was such a well put together beginners airbrush intro. I've been an amateur fantasy airbrush artist for years, so I'm not a modeller, but I think you have nailed all the important aspects. Great video.
Great tip with acrylics, for easy cleaning between colors, keep a thermal mug with hot tap water in it and use a pipette to flush the bowl and shoot through the airbrush, it is so fast and easy. Got that one from barbatos Rex!
Hey, yeah it doesn’t work round my way due to the amount of limescale in my water. Airbrushes can be annoying little things that don’t work the same way around the world depending on climate, humidity, water softness and altitude. It sucks. Well, I should say - it blows. 🤣🤣😜
Yeh that is a fair point. I'm from Scotland but in the US now and am lucky to not have to deal with hard water. Love your videos, keep up the good work lad
I put your tips into play today. For the first time since I've owned an airbrush (5+ years!) I've enjoyed the session. The biggest difference was the inline regulator. I had a quick-attach for my airbrush but didn't realize that the regulator was a part of it. I'm using mostly washes right now, and I'm so pleased with the result. Thank you, thank you, thank you! My daughter's cosplay horns are saved!
Thank you, sir, for this video. Finally, somebody has finally put out a video that is keep it simple stupid and understandable! I have watched a lot of videos on airbrushing but this one makes a hell of a lot more sense to me thanks for the advice.
The Delegation of the Space-Deprived appreciate your input and will motion to further explore your wet-sock-based solution at the next Grand Meeting of the Hobby-Salty 🙏
I totally love your refreshing honesty. Yeah, I don’t recommend one way or another because it really is a tool you can do without. But the amount of people I know who bought one, and then shoved it in a box due to frustration, is insane.
Even if you do nothing but base coat minis. It's an amazing tool and time saver. It also doesn't have to be a 400$ one. Save that for when you really do use it and need that extra ypu get from a quality air brush. Get a cheap one and play with it might just change your life.
Great tips for airbrush use. Most of my frustration comes from using inks which gives me a dry tip; messing with the air pressure and consistency is key. Now I’ll try your recommendations to see if I can reduce the problems. Thanks!
Thin paints like inks will also require you to “pump” the trigger. Like little squirts and spritzing. 👍🏼works wonders. Trying to be trigger precise with inks is a nightmare. Grab an Xbox or PS Controller and practice pulling the thumbstick backward quickly with your airbrush finger, letting it go, and repeating. Great exercise for airbrush
Wow! Thanks! I did make the video just for you. 🤣🤣 Another tip as you were so kind. If you can find a pair of womens stockings they work better than a sock as they let more air through but catch particles. I didn’t say it in my video as I didn’t want all the men people stealing stockings from the women in their family! If you have thicker socks, just cut a few small holes in them for airflow! Remember: don’t wear that sock again!! 🤣🤣
I rarely comment, but I have to say - phenomenal video. The everyman's guide outlining and dealing with the niggles and concerns many of us have with this tool. Great work!
This is by far the most educational and helpful video I've seen out of the 12+ I have seen. Thank you for the great video. Please keep up the great work.
This is a FANTASTIC video, and the best explanation of thinner vs flow improver I've read (though I think I'll get some Golden and remove a variable!). Thank you!
Wow, you're great at explaining the dynamics of an airbrush. Never had it all explained in one lesson with such great presentation! Easy sub! Cheers from Florida!
@@thestateofplay2023 I think it's always been easier for me to learn from people who teach as if they're learning along with you. You do this, as does Tabletop Ready. Truly excellent.
I don't use it for any precision work yet but last year I painted 50 or so models. Now with an air brush to prime and base coat I did 45 simple models over a weekend. You can prime 500 models with an airbrush faster than you can paint it on 20. Vince Venturella has a good intro to airbrushing. My advice is use the "chemicals" they sell for painting, they sell because they work. I always use flow aid while brush painting I always use airbrush thinner while airbrushing i always use glaze medium when glazing
I love using an airbrush, best thing you can do is to learn how to take it apart, and to use it all the time. It makes cleaning it easy and effortless, and I can't imagine going back to life without one. Never used a pressure control valve though, so thanks for the tip.
Yeah I do know exactly what you mean. The idea of going back and brushing things I now do with an airbrush seems weird, and time consuming! And the FPC valve or Mac valve is such an amazing tiny thing that stops you needing to keeping adjusting your compressor!
This is by far the best advice for airbrushing video i've come across, thank you! You've given me the motivation and confidence to dig out my airbrush and give it a go.
Brilliant work, just bought a second air brush, and although still pick it up regularly looking forward to using all these tips to make the process more painless. Really impressed with the video quality, your channel absolutely deserves to grow.
Amazing video. I know these are all old but ive just got an airbrush after taking a 15 year break from warhammer (due to injuries i cant hold my hand steady) and these are helping me greatly!
The suggestion with only using your airbrush for one modell and laugh about yourself while doing this is the best tip I´ve ever heard in airbrush topics. Have my sub.
As someone who likes to use an airbrush here's a trick you may want to try, put a round piece of dense foam on the trigger, tyr different lengths. This will change the ratio of the pull and you may find it more comfortable on the finger. Grate video.
Good tip!! Harder &Steenbeck do a better trigger on the Cult of Paint infinity airbrush BUT they won’t sell it as a separate part. I tried contacting everyone about it. There was no way I was buying a whole new airbrush just for a triigger that could absolutely be sold on its own. But hey, sponge it is!!
That last bit about painting with nothing but the airbrush really made me chuckle. It's good practice Also, practice and/or experimental minis are a lot of fun. Lately I've been practicing my airbrush skills by coloring, literally printing out a coloring book page and painting it with my airbrush. It teaches control for sure.
@@thestateofplay2023And that is the key, if the cup of the airbrush is clean, it does not matter if you pull the needle out from the front or back. My source for this info: Harder & Steenbeck RUclips channel, a video titled 'Airbrush cleaning for lazy and easily bored artists!'
I do this with my Iwata (smooth needle), but I do worry about the indented sections at the back of my H&S needle (the markings showing the needle size) damaging the seals if you pull it out the front.
Hello friend, recently found your channel and im currently in the progress of binging all your videos. I love your charisma and your unique, more "down to earth" approach to the hobby. Looking forward to many more videos from you in the future. Thanks for making great content.
When you break it down like that, it makes more sense. I do keep a model car body for doing what you suggested and I use that as my test dummy. I also have plain white plastic spoons that I've primed and will practice on those. Great, helpful video.
Ok - I will give mine one more try. I have managed to get some use of it by priming, but actually painting -- that's eluded me so far. I really like how you presented this.
Great vid although the milk thing is useful IMO. Best way I’ve heard it explained is: When you pull milk up the side of your mixing tin you’ll see it flow back into the dish but leave an even film along the side, this is approximately how you want the paint to behave from that point you can thicken it or let is down.
Oh I know the milk theory. It’s a great starting point but you have to admit it’s still completely guess work with any colour other than white. 🤣🤣 And if you’re a full fat milk drinker it skews all your hard work. 😜👍🏼
I have multiple airbrushes. The crown jewel (by price) is the Iwata Revolution. I hate that freaking airbrush. It only works about 50% of the time, and the rest is spent with bad seals, dry tip, etc. Then I have a Master Airbrush G444. That thing just stopped working period. No idea why, despite hours and hours of troubleshooting and using spare parts. At this point, I'm beginning to think it's just me not knowing how to use airbrushes. Then I have 2 airbrushes I got from Harbor Freight for $20 each. They don't quit. They keep on chugging, and making beautiful models without fail. I NEVER HAVE ISSUES WITH THEM.
It’s strange how weird airbrushes can be. I’m convinced there’s some pressure setting or something that each airbrush really needs to work perfectly but the manufacturers don’t tell you hoping you’ll buy spare parts!
This is just great content about airbrushing. I've tried so many times and watched so many videos on youtube. Even though I already picked up on some of these tips, the "engineering" or "economist" way you frame it is very helpful. I will definitely take mine out of the box again and try it.
@@thestateofplay2023 I'm not an engineer, but in college, I got bombarded by Economics Classes and it's always ended with the "Ceteris Paribus" rule (the effect of change 1 economic variable assuming everything else stays the same) which for me was bollocks in an economic context. But I guess it stuck to me. Lol
@@hvbarata you’re right. The ceteris paribus is very relevant with airbrushing. One variable has direct effect over another provided we make most of the other variables remain the same. I guess the difference being, all variables in airbrushing directly affect all the others.
Damn. This came at just the right time for me. Got some airbrushes some time ago.Worked with one, it was ok. But never went back. Now getting back into painting and this vid shows up on my feed and now I want to get home and try it all over again. Thanks mate.
Honestly, I'm glad I watched this, I won't be getting an air brush even if it does speed things up. Its just not right for my current situation. This video has saved me a massive potential headache and also perhaps my wallet. Thank you.
Glad it helped! It is after all, a tool you 100% don’t need, as I said. I got away without one for 20 odd years. But in the U.K. our weather sucks so eventually I wanted to spray indoors. 😜👍🏼
excellent advice! I've been trying my best to mimic NJM's style for years, can't get fast enough...but I love my airbrush and use it often. Yes, cleaning is a bore, but necessary, like all tools. A note on fine particles. Whether fine sanding dust, chemicals, glue or paint the safest approach is air volume. Simply put, the less particles and more atmosphere the safer it is, parts per billion etc. So an extractor, open window and fan are all great ways to increase the ratio of air to your particles. And a good mask. I know you mentioned this but I just wanted to emphasise it. Also, a cheap large plastic bottle with holes drilled in the side and a hole to fit the diameter of your airbrush nozzle will make a great makeshift vessel for spraying out the watery mixes between colours. I also find using a small paint pot to tip your paint into when changing colours and give a great grey/beige leftover mix for undercoating your next run of figures and you feel less bad about 'wasting' paint. Golden highflow/airbrush medium is superb, infact any of their range of anything is! But a big shoutout to their acrylic varnishes. Their matt varnish is so deep and velvety it'll blow your mind, and also resist all the fizzy drink and chippies grease the figures get exposed to when being handled.
Oh man! I know! NUM doing 10 models in 4 hours is genius. I wish! And every one of your tips here is bang on! Kudos! You can fill in for me on the channel when I’m off sick!
Super helpful. My airbrush has been sitting in the box untouched for fear of messing up. I’ll do your “paint a model only using your airbrush” method a go. I have a few old models that i can screw around with. Cheers!
Awesome. My path with airbrushing leads me to dissuade anyone new to the hobby. It absolutely isn't necessary until you are well into more involved handbrushing techniques because the learning curve and costs are so much higher - making it a ton more effort until you get it down. This video does cover a ton of the hassles I learned over time trying and trying again. I didn't know about the on brush pressure device. I've always just adjusted my consistency because I didn't like adjusting pressure temporary.
Yeah that’s how I started. Thinner paint, then thinner, then thinner. And it took too many coats. So I changed pressure, then again, and again. And well, I’d had enough changing everything all the time. The valve solves so many problems as you can spray thick with high pressure then turn the valve on the airbrush for thinner paint. So effectively you can slap one colour after another at different consistencies and tweak the valve.
Very recognizable, sometimes spraying you're on fire when airbrushing your models and the other you're fighting to get some decent paint on your aircraft or other project. Things goes mostly south when the air humidity comes in play 60% and higher. Mostly I use an plastic spoon to look what the thinned paint does works for me. 👍 But great video
You’re spot on about airbrushes sitting gathering dust. Not used mine since April 2022! Main thing that puts me off is cleaning. I’m paranoid about ruining the delicate components with the wrong solvents, and losing/damaging bits during cleaning. Paint brushes are a lot less stressful.
@@thestateofplay2023 - Managed to lose a tiny o-ring from it last year; and that was after nearly ruining all the other o-rings with airbrush cleaner. Upgraded to a Proc Boy which, I believe, has tougher ceramic o-rings but not mustered up the courage to use it yet.
Great information, I am new to the hobby and have been struggling with my airbrush. I had a pressure valve near my airbrush but had no idea what it was used for. Will also be buying some golden airbrush medium. Thank you!
Born from reading social media about airbrushing. Where a very simple question always ends up with 47 completely different answers…🫣 and you’d have been better informed by not asking in the first place. 🤣
Great video! Especially the last tip :) When I got my first airbrush I was crazy and I thought that I was using more paint and more time than without it...but I kept trying and practicing. Until (without even realizing it) I found myself painting much more with an airbrush and having much better looking minis with less time spent. Another thing that sped my up and made it more enjoyable: Airbrush paints! Not having to thin paints, but just using them from the bottles was a game changer! And now I use airbrush paints for my brush painting also.
Awesome Video for beginners and intermediate hobby painters. The only thing you didn’t mention that is resolved is your example is you are spraying in the same environment!!! Humidity and Temperature changes everything. So if you are having problems using the same solutions as discussed in this video then it(H or T) is most likely what the problem is. And don’t for get to have a minimum of one in line water separator. Compressed air creates heat. Water will develops in time! Once again a great video and a perfect place to start. FYI I can do fine detail work with .04 needle all day long!! Cheers!!
Thanks Alan. Yeah I sometimes forget that my compressor has all the bells and whistles for moisture. And I always forget that in England our climate is generally quite stable(ish). 🤣🤣
Ok I have been struggling with airbrushing. Sometimes it works sometimes it’s terrible. Not only have you articulated exactly my experience your charismatic, professional and point on explanations are also super clear exactly for people like me who are frustrated. This is super amazing. You come across as a bigger, benevolent brother giving me good advice. Where were you all my life? 😂
🤣🤣 Thanks for that! Only just recently started RUclips so I was watching rather than creating. But after screaming, “just explain it to me!!!!” On too many videos myself - I thought I’d make the videos I wanted to see!
My first big investment into the hobby was an airbrush. Even far before any big or expensive model or ordinairy brushes. I got it for priming, basecoating and just mucking about really, but it has become such an insanely valuable tool, that i wouldn't want to miss it. I still use rattlecans for priming a large number of models, but for singular models with a longer painting time the airbrush is amazing. Not only for priming, but also for highlights. And with contrast paints the whole thing went up many levels
I've been airbrushing for years now. One thing I learned early on was to get a compressor with a tank, a good water trap to keep moisture out of the line. The next was it was so much easier to just buy paints designed for an airbrush for painting WW2 armor, of which there is little or no thinning and can use straight out of the bottle. There were a ton of choices for that. Airbrushing is also great for zenithal priming and priming when its too cold or humid outside.
I can’t agree more. I think the problem many new users face is quite a lot of “air paints” on the market still require thinning and it confuses people. And yet products like Molotow one4all with are actually for acrylic markers spray like a dream!
Nice and informative as always! And yeah, the cleaning aspect is why I usually don't pull out the airbrush for 1-2 minis. Also, those darn spray booths are quite loud. (-. Flow improver is just Paint thinner & paint retarder mixed into one. (-: So getting a bottle of each gives you lots more bang for the buck and more control over how the paint behaves. And gives you the option of creating pre'mixed bottles. The pressure stated on the meter, when the compressor isn't in use is actually higher then the working pressure. If you spray air out of the airbrush while checking the meter, that's the actual working pressure. Not that it matters much as long as you got a setting that you're happy with. Cleaning with a tattoo bottle is awesome! If you use hot water instead of cold, you get even better/quicker results. Think it was Vince that tipped me to this in one of his Hobby Cheating videos. (:
I think over the years I’ve bought almost every bottle of everything for thinning paints. I felt like Goldilocks and the 3 bears. Too thin, too dry, too wet, too thick, too annoying! Yeah, agreed on the pressure aspects. I may do a follow up video on the actual spraying aspect. Especially after watching a friend spray like he was air freshening his kitchen . Press, pull back, hold forever. Then complain of all manner of issues. And Vince V is who we all worship. 👍🏼
@@thestateofplay2023Yeah, know what you mean! Been using a bunch of different brands myself, but the last years i'm happily using UMP thinner with AK retarder. Will certainly pick up a bottle of Golden to try out the next time I visit the art supply store. Their paints are great so have doubt this will be of high quality too!
Cleaning is generally very easy. Never leave paint to dry in the airbrush. To clean, have an old toothbrush to scrub the inside of the cup. Have a container handy for dumping the cup water into. Don't try and blast the water through the airbrush with all the paint particles you just cleaned out of the cup with the toothbrush. They will clog the nozzle. Have an stiff bristle synthetic brush, flat type, to clean deeper in the cup around the needle. After you have cleaned the cup using your 2 brushes, and dumped the water and rinsed it a bit, flush water through the airbrush. Use the toothbrush to clean the tip while you are spraying water. If your done painting for the day, or you have sprayed vanish or undercoat through the airbrush I like to run a little airbrush cleaner through, then flush with water. The real key to the whole process is to leave the cup filled with water after it all. Either put the airbrush into a jar with the cup submerged, or just fill the cup with water and leave the airbrush sitting on its holder for next time. When you come back to it, you just blast the remaining water in the cup through the brush and away you go. On occasion you will get lazy and try and flush larger dried particles through the brush and the nozzle will clog. If that happens you need to disassemble and it's a pain. If you follow my instructions above, it will rarely happen.
Being a 40 something you end up running out of ideas for birthday presents. So this year I put on my list airbrush/compressor , spray booth, cleaning pot, thinner, cleaner & flow improver. Clearly I had been a good boy this year as I was presented with all the above on the day with a bonus of the "this is your latest 5 min wonder isn't it?" look from my wife. Now as I sit with every gadget known to airbrush man I would like to thank you @thestateofplay2023 for demystifying all the steps and variables in using a airbrush. So next steps for me are to screenshot and print out the chart at 9:56 (hope you don't mind, its for personal use only (not like that!)) and then find a model to test this weekend! Thanks again for an excellent video and keep up the great work from your newest subscriber :)
🤣🤣 How relatable! Being almost 50 and having done this for nearly 33 years now I’ve collected almost everything you can in this hobby. Some I use everyday. Some I look at with abject confusion. They say “a bad workman blames his tools”… but without enough tools there’s nothing to blame. So the more the better for our ageing sanity!!
Moisture trap!!!! A must if you're in an environment with humidity. I have 2. One off compressor, one before airbrush. I can push the button on the traps and then paint without that extra moisture destroying my work. Sponge!!! Press against needle when cleaning with spray jug. Keep doing until the water in the spraycup is clear. It's like gargling for your airbrush. Needle Sharpener!!! I've rescued several bent needles so it's paid for itself already. Those are my 3 tips. I prime with just my airbrush whenever I want without having to worry about the weather. Haven't touched a rattlecan in years. And I have also used it for some colors. If I had $400, I could get a really nice one that I could paint an entire model with. Maby some day. Don't need it though.
fantastic video. i’ve recently purchased an airbrush and watched countless videos about them but this one was very direct and just clicked. definitely gonna try out the Golden airbrush medium trick.
Many of my videos come from the same thing. Watching hundreds of videos and still having so many questions. I love watching the HOW. But personally I really need the WHY, WHEN and WTF!
This is a really useful video. I have a habit of pulling out and setting my airbrush every 6 months or so, getting frustrated because I'm not sure how to balance everything, packing it all way, and then buying more rattle cans.
Very good info. I have no idea why people are so scared of them. There is really not much that can go wrong with it. Rule of thumb with paint and pressure is; if it does not spray, either up the pressure or thin the paint. And as you showed, cleaning is not a big job. The only part that normally needs a soak is the nozzle. It's the only part that is hard to reach when paint builds up. The needle, nozzle cap and needle cap never needs to be soaked. Regarding needle and nozzle size. Those are normally determined by the quality of the paint ie. pigment size. No amount of thinning will reduce the pigment size and if pigments are too big, it will clog the nozzle.
Yes, I just worked backwards. Make the pressure always work by being higher. Lower if needed because the paint is thinner. And you’re right about soaking I just soak it all anyway to get my monies worth from my little bath of IPA! 🤣🤣
@@jamesgillam6478 mines bigger now than it’s ever been but…what you see on camera is tidied up. And by that I mean everything moved out of shot so the rest looks like a trash dump!
I mostly use mine for priming and base coating. Whenever I try to do highlights I basically just end up painting it that colour. I am going to try your paint everything on a mini idea, it will probably end up whatever the last colour I use ;)
🤣🤣 yeah highlights require you to be much closer. And to be closer you need less pressure/fine finger control which also needs much thinner paint. Annoying, irritating variables. 😜👍🏼
Good callout for the ventilation part. Many people confuse the difference between damage from toxins (like solvents and other things) and fine particulates. Any fine particulate is dangerous if you breathe a lot of it. Nontoxic or inert things like acrylic, carbon (not the radioactive coal dust kind), or even water. That's why sanding resin requires a mask. It's not poisonous, but it sands so well you can easily inhale it and coat the inside of your lungs, just like very fine sawdust from sanding machines, or acrylic airbrushes. But as stated, it's all about volumes. Use it once every few months and you're probably safer at your paint desk than outside in the park. Just be careful about toxic things like solvent based paints; no sock will scrub solvents out of the air. Vent it outside so it's nature's problem.
Absolutely! They’re not all the same and time spraying isn’t always the same. Eat six tonnes of bacon for one meal and it’s really bad for you. But a slice in a sandwich is fine!
I'm planning on getting an airbrush when winter arrives mainly so I can keep priming through the cold weather. These tips look great for flattening the learning curve.
Best airbrush tuition ever ! Struggled from Day 1 and just gave up after numerous attempts. 1 hour to strip every session
But have you picked it up again? Hopefully yes?
Found my way here from your video on priming in colors instead of black. Your videos are great and easily explain everything in a way that makes sense to me. Helps balance the fun and time. After all it is a hobby, and it’s meant to enjoy. Thanks a lot!
Exactly!!! It’s a hobby. Not a job. It’s meant to be the break from work so shouldn’t require a PHD to have fun!! 😜👍🏼
Somehow I never came across someone explaining the difference between thinner and flow improver until now. I'm definitely going to have to experiment a bit with both now. Thank you so much
Same problem I always had. Until one day I thought, “do I ACTUALLY want my paint thinner…(pigment all diluted and transparent)”. 😀
Same here, though, I just bought a huge bottle of Golden airbrush medium thanks to Marco NJM...but I never knew the difference until this video either...
@@Titus_Vespasianus Same, clogged my airbrush more than I painted models with all the time thinking how the hell this happens since my paint was soooo thin.
This is the video I needed 4-5 years ago. Absolute perfection.
My next video is a time machine build and paint! 🤣🤣🤣
I don’t have an airbrush, paint or miniatures or models to even paint, yet I enjoyed the video. If I ever do get the airbrush bug I’m ready!
@@briansaben5697 oh man, sorry if I bored you too much.
But hey, I often watch carpentry videos and I don’t own any power tools!
I feel like I've watched every airbrushing video on RUclips, but this is THE one. Top stuff explained properly. Cheers! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I think I HAVE watched every airbrush video on RUclips. I still made a mess though. 🤣🤣
I don't have an airbrush (yet) but am always drooling over them. I can say unequivocally that this is the BEST airbrushing overview and guide I have yet to see. Thank you!
Well, I’m utterly humbled by that comment. Thank you!!!
Get one it'll open up your hobbying mind.
@@wollswayne well, I can’t disagree with this at all. Glaze 30 layers with a brush for blends OR airbrush in seconds. 🤔🤔
Go cheap to see if you like it - one of those with a rechargeable compressor attached is a fine starting point. More expensive kit is better but the benefits will only show as your skill improves. You don't want to go dropping 3 figures on a H&S / Badger / Iwata setup until you know you're going to get some good use out of it, and how to take care of it.
@@laurencepenfold ah, now this is the one thing I disagree with. Go cheap, get problems. Those cheap compressors don’t create enough pressure and break super quick. Cheap airbrushes are the same. And you then assume they’re all like that and end up spending more just to fix the issues.
If you want to drive like an F1 driver, you don’t start in a second hand Golf cart. Wanna learn to swim? You don’t jump in a dirty puddle. Weirdly with airbrushing the advice is always to buy cheap.
Cheap airbrushes and compressors CAN work. But man, it’s a totally random encounter finding one that doesn’t doesn’t break, spray wrong, shut off, clog endlessly, bent needle, faulty cheap seals, cheap parts. And it’ll kill any excitement you had for spraying.
Buy cheap. Give up easily. Because hey, it was cheap!
Spend more, learn well. Because you WILL NOT let your money be wasted! 🤣🤣
Your videos are some of the most consistently excellent I've seen in the hobby space.
Thank you. Born from years of talking to people about the same frustrations! 🤣👍🏼
This is the video I needed 4-5 years ago. Absolute perfection.. Awesome instructional video, saved to my miniature painting playlist!.
Sorry it took so long! 🤣🤣👍🏼
Best intro to airbrushing! Outstanding Video! I've been 45 years in the airbrush game.
Thank you! High praise indeed from a veteran like yourself!!
Love the wet sock idea. So effective!
Well, I love your products and company ethos so makes for a great pair (of socks)! 👍🏼
This video was excellent! It's honestly the first time when things clicked with me on how to use the airbrush. You explained it in a way that was easy to understand, but not so vague that I'm left with more questions than answers. Thank you thank you thank you!
You’re very welcome. I like to explain how I wish someone had done to me when I started out. 👍🏼
This was such a well put together beginners airbrush intro. I've been an amateur fantasy airbrush artist for years, so I'm not a modeller, but I think you have nailed all the important aspects. Great video.
Thank you. Means a lot coming from the none modelling side!!
Hands down best video on airbrushing and I've watched far too many. Thanks for making this.
You’re very welcome!!
Excellent video. You gave me hope that one day I will enjoy airbrushing again.
I used to hate it. Until I had a meltdown and “fixed the variables”.
Great psychological approach to this. Love the last idea of a whole model with an airbrush.
Next video. Hypnosis!
Great tip with acrylics, for easy cleaning between colors, keep a thermal mug with hot tap water in it and use a pipette to flush the bowl and shoot through the airbrush, it is so fast and easy. Got that one from barbatos Rex!
Hey, yeah it doesn’t work round my way due to the amount of limescale in my water. Airbrushes can be annoying little things that don’t work the same way around the world depending on climate, humidity, water softness and altitude. It sucks. Well, I should say - it blows. 🤣🤣😜
Yeh that is a fair point. I'm from Scotland but in the US now and am lucky to not have to deal with hard water. Love your videos, keep up the good work lad
I put your tips into play today. For the first time since I've owned an airbrush (5+ years!) I've enjoyed the session.
The biggest difference was the inline regulator. I had a quick-attach for my airbrush but didn't realize that the regulator was a part of it.
I'm using mostly washes right now, and I'm so pleased with the result.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
My daughter's cosplay horns are saved!
Great news! I’m so glad it worked out for you. And especially for your daughter, I bet she’ll look great!!
I learnt so much more from this video than all the 50+ ones I watched since buying my airbrush last week. !!
I bet you watched the same 50+ I watched. And like you I was still going, “what??!”. 👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you, sir, for this video. Finally, somebody has finally put out a video that is keep it simple stupid and understandable! I have watched a lot of videos on airbrushing but this one makes a hell of a lot more sense to me thanks for the advice.
You’re very welcome!
I’ve had an airbrush in a drawer for 20 mos . Now you’ve spurred me to unleash it! Thanks!
Brilliant!!
The Delegation of the Space-Deprived appreciate your input and will motion to further explore your wet-sock-based solution at the next Grand Meeting of the Hobby-Salty 🙏
🤣🤣 Yes, turns out there’s more than one use for an old wet sock!
I have to say, your delivery and dry humor are awesome.
I really like your format for your info. Please keep it up!
Yeah, smiling hurts my old wrinkled face. 🤣 Seriously though, thanks for watching! Appreciate it!
I have no intention of getting an airbrush, but found this thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Well done!
I totally love your refreshing honesty. Yeah, I don’t recommend one way or another because it really is a tool you can do without. But the amount of people I know who bought one, and then shoved it in a box due to frustration, is insane.
Even if you do nothing but base coat minis. It's an amazing tool and time saver. It also doesn't have to be a 400$ one. Save that for when you really do use it and need that extra ypu get from a quality air brush. Get a cheap one and play with it might just change your life.
Great tips for airbrush use. Most of my frustration comes from using inks which gives me a dry tip; messing with the air pressure and consistency is key.
Now I’ll try your recommendations to see if I can reduce the problems.
Thanks!
Thin paints like inks will also require you to “pump” the trigger. Like little squirts and spritzing. 👍🏼works wonders. Trying to be trigger precise with inks is a nightmare. Grab an Xbox or PS Controller and practice pulling the thumbstick backward quickly with your airbrush finger, letting it go, and repeating. Great exercise for airbrush
an absolutely legendary video. lots of good info.
Thank you mate!
Brilliant, it's like you made the video just for me! Particularly the no ventilation, so thanks!
Wow! Thanks! I did make the video just for you. 🤣🤣 Another tip as you were so kind. If you can find a pair of womens stockings they work better than a sock as they let more air through but catch particles. I didn’t say it in my video as I didn’t want all the men people stealing stockings from the women in their family!
If you have thicker socks, just cut a few small holes in them for airflow!
Remember: don’t wear that sock again!! 🤣🤣
I rarely comment, but I have to say - phenomenal video. The everyman's guide outlining and dealing with the niggles and concerns many of us have with this tool. Great work!
Thank you very much! Probably because I am just an “Everyman”. 🤣
This is by far the most educational and helpful video I've seen out of the 12+ I have seen. Thank you for the great video. Please keep up the great work.
Thank you very much! 😀
This is a FANTASTIC video, and the best explanation of thinner vs flow improver I've read (though I think I'll get some Golden and remove a variable!). Thank you!
My pleasure mate!
What a breath of fresh air. No pun intended. Just what I needed to motivate me to try harder with my airbrushing. Great vid.
Glad it helped! Now go spray!! 🤣👍🏼
Wow, you're great at explaining the dynamics of an airbrush. Never had it all explained in one lesson with such great presentation! Easy sub! Cheers from Florida!
Hello to Florida! It’s been a few years since I was over there. Yeah I try to explain the way I wish it was explained to me. 👍🏼
@@thestateofplay2023 I think it's always been easier for me to learn from people who teach as if they're learning along with you. You do this, as does Tabletop Ready. Truly excellent.
I don't use it for any precision work yet but last year I painted 50 or so models. Now with an air brush to prime and base coat I did 45 simple models over a weekend. You can prime 500 models with an airbrush faster than you can paint it on 20.
Vince Venturella has a good intro to airbrushing. My advice is use the "chemicals" they sell for painting, they sell because they work.
I always use flow aid while brush painting
I always use airbrush thinner while airbrushing
i always use glaze medium when glazing
👍🏼
Great tutorial. Thank you for putting this together!!
It’s my pleasure
I love using an airbrush, best thing you can do is to learn how to take it apart, and to use it all the time. It makes cleaning it easy and effortless, and I can't imagine going back to life without one. Never used a pressure control valve though, so thanks for the tip.
Yeah I do know exactly what you mean. The idea of going back and brushing things I now do with an airbrush seems weird, and time consuming!
And the FPC valve or Mac valve is such an amazing tiny thing that stops you needing to keeping adjusting your compressor!
This is by far the best advice for airbrushing video i've come across, thank you! You've given me the motivation and confidence to dig out my airbrush and give it a go.
Brilliant! That was my goal!
Brilliant work, just bought a second air brush, and although still pick it up regularly looking forward to using all these tips to make the process more painless.
Really impressed with the video quality, your channel absolutely deserves to grow.
Thanks Oliver!
Amazing video. I know these are all old but ive just got an airbrush after taking a 15 year break from warhammer (due to injuries i cant hold my hand steady) and these are helping me greatly!
I’m glad it’s helping. Take it slowly with your hand and ease into it. Shorter sessions at a time.
The suggestion with only using your airbrush for one modell and laugh about yourself while doing this is the best tip I´ve ever heard in airbrush topics. Have my sub.
Cool. But you have to show me it when you’re done. We should laugh at each other more too! 🤣
As someone who likes to use an airbrush here's a trick you may want to try, put a round piece of dense foam on the trigger, tyr different lengths. This will change the ratio of the pull and you may find it more comfortable on the finger. Grate video.
Good tip!! Harder &Steenbeck do a better trigger on the Cult of Paint infinity airbrush BUT they won’t sell it as a separate part. I tried contacting everyone about it. There was no way I was buying a whole new airbrush just for a triigger that could absolutely be sold on its own.
But hey, sponge it is!!
That last bit about painting with nothing but the airbrush really made me chuckle. It's good practice Also, practice and/or experimental minis are a lot of fun.
Lately I've been practicing my airbrush skills by coloring, literally printing out a coloring book page and painting it with my airbrush. It teaches control for sure.
I was going to do that as I have a house full of colouring books. But try to touch them and my kids turn into goblins!
Absolutely fantastic advice. Didn't even know, they sold a quick disconnect air valve limiter. A+
Oh yeah, those things make life so much easier. No more fiddling with the compressor!
Nice! Another tip. Unscrew and take out the needle from the front of the air brush to avoid dragging old paint into the body.
Exactly. I should have mentioned that but there was no paint inside when I did it (wrongly) in the video!! 👍🏼
@@thestateofplay2023And that is the key, if the cup of the airbrush is clean, it does not matter if you pull the needle out from the front or back.
My source for this info: Harder & Steenbeck RUclips channel, a video titled 'Airbrush cleaning for lazy and easily bored artists!'
🤣🤣 oh I HAVE to watch that video! Sounds amazing.
I do this with my Iwata (smooth needle), but I do worry about the indented sections at the back of my H&S needle (the markings showing the needle size) damaging the seals if you pull it out the front.
Simply excellent. Even though I've finally be me comfortable with my airbrush, I remember the struggle. Your tips are solid!
Oh yes, I think we all remember THAT struggle. Airbrush PTSD. I think many RUclips videos forget people went through or are going through it. 👍🏼
Hello friend, recently found your channel and im currently in the progress of binging all your videos. I love your charisma and your unique, more "down to earth" approach to the hobby. Looking forward to many more videos from you in the future. Thanks for making great content.
Thank you for the great compliment!!
Really good video. I am certainly one of those people that doesn't use their airbrush much at all but probably should
Thanks man! I’ve followed your channel for a long time!
When you break it down like that, it makes more sense. I do keep a model car body for doing what you suggested and I use that as my test dummy. I also have plain white plastic spoons that I've primed and will practice on those. Great, helpful video.
Thanks man. Yeah I just had spare models. But you can use anything.
Absolutely fantastic.
And so are you!! 🤪
I was never as grateful for the algorithm as I am now
Oh I still detest the algorithm but I’m glad today it’s got something to the right place!
Absolutely brilliant thanks mate... I will pickup that brush again
You’re very welcome!
Ok - I will give mine one more try. I have managed to get some use of it by priming, but actually painting -- that's eluded me so far. I really like how you presented this.
Great! Give it a go. It’s a great tool! Pretend it’s a pet. 🤣
Nice
Easy
Practical
And funny
Thank you
Oh shucks! You’re making me blush. Stop it!
Only kidding. Please continue….😜👍🏼
Great vid although the milk thing is useful IMO.
Best way I’ve heard it explained is:
When you pull milk up the side of your mixing tin you’ll see it flow back into the dish but leave an even film along the side, this is approximately how you want the paint to behave from that point you can thicken it or let is down.
Oh I know the milk theory. It’s a great starting point but you have to admit it’s still completely guess work with any colour other than white. 🤣🤣
And if you’re a full fat milk drinker it skews all your hard work. 😜👍🏼
I have multiple airbrushes. The crown jewel (by price) is the Iwata Revolution. I hate that freaking airbrush. It only works about 50% of the time, and the rest is spent with bad seals, dry tip, etc.
Then I have a Master Airbrush G444. That thing just stopped working period. No idea why, despite hours and hours of troubleshooting and using spare parts. At this point, I'm beginning to think it's just me not knowing how to use airbrushes.
Then I have 2 airbrushes I got from Harbor Freight for $20 each. They don't quit. They keep on chugging, and making beautiful models without fail. I NEVER HAVE ISSUES WITH THEM.
It’s strange how weird airbrushes can be. I’m convinced there’s some pressure setting or something that each airbrush really needs to work perfectly but the manufacturers don’t tell you hoping you’ll buy spare parts!
Simple, concise, effective advice and understanding.
Well thank you!!
Brilliant, informative and hilarious too. Nice one 👍
Thank you kind sir!
This is just great content about airbrushing. I've tried so many times and watched so many videos on youtube. Even though I already picked up on some of these tips, the "engineering" or "economist" way you frame it is very helpful. I will definitely take mine out of the box again and try it.
👍🏼😜 I’m a qualified engineer so I like things broken down into parts that I can make work! Glad it helped!
@@thestateofplay2023 I'm not an engineer, but in college, I got bombarded by Economics Classes and it's always ended with the "Ceteris Paribus" rule (the effect of change 1 economic variable assuming everything else stays the same) which for me was bollocks in an economic context. But I guess it stuck to me. Lol
@@hvbarata you’re right. The ceteris paribus is very relevant with airbrushing. One variable has direct effect over another provided we make most of the other variables remain the same. I guess the difference being, all variables in airbrushing directly affect all the others.
Time to bust out my Paasche airbrush and get back into it. Greetings from the US! Just stumbled upon this channel.
Welcome! Yes, grab that airbrush and start spraying!
Finally someone that tells me what flow improver and thinner is actually used for lets see how it goes on my next session
Yeah, I found that one weird. All these videos and no one just said what they’re for. 🤔
Damn. This came at just the right time for me. Got some airbrushes some time ago.Worked with one, it was ok. But never went back. Now getting back into painting and this vid shows up on my feed and now I want to get home and try it all over again. Thanks mate.
You’re welcome Mark. Go for it!
Fantastic video. These are very good tips. Thank you for your work
Thank you!!
Very unique presentation of airbrush technique 😀
Thanks! I think…🤣
@@thestateofplay2023 The use of charts will be very helpful to a new airbrush user. 😀
@@WolfTau 🤣 yeah, I’m one of those people that likes a good clear chart.
Not sure how I haven't heard of you until now, great presenter, great advice, great video! Thank you!
Ah that’ll be because RUclips does RUclips…🤣
Honestly, I'm glad I watched this, I won't be getting an air brush even if it does speed things up. Its just not right for my current situation. This video has saved me a massive potential headache and also perhaps my wallet. Thank you.
Glad it helped! It is after all, a tool you 100% don’t need, as I said. I got away without one for 20 odd years. But in the U.K. our weather sucks so eventually I wanted to spray indoors. 😜👍🏼
excellent advice! I've been trying my best to mimic NJM's style for years, can't get fast enough...but I love my airbrush and use it often. Yes, cleaning is a bore, but necessary, like all tools.
A note on fine particles. Whether fine sanding dust, chemicals, glue or paint the safest approach is air volume. Simply put, the less particles and more atmosphere the safer it is, parts per billion etc. So an extractor, open window and fan are all great ways to increase the ratio of air to your particles. And a good mask. I know you mentioned this but I just wanted to emphasise it.
Also, a cheap large plastic bottle with holes drilled in the side and a hole to fit the diameter of your airbrush nozzle will make a great makeshift vessel for spraying out the watery mixes between colours.
I also find using a small paint pot to tip your paint into when changing colours and give a great grey/beige leftover mix for undercoating your next run of figures and you feel less bad about 'wasting' paint.
Golden highflow/airbrush medium is superb, infact any of their range of anything is! But a big shoutout to their acrylic varnishes. Their matt varnish is so deep and velvety it'll blow your mind, and also resist all the fizzy drink and chippies grease the figures get exposed to when being handled.
Oh man! I know! NUM doing 10 models in 4 hours is genius. I wish!
And every one of your tips here is bang on! Kudos!
You can fill in for me on the channel when I’m off sick!
bit crook myself at the mo!@@thestateofplay2023
Super helpful. My airbrush has been sitting in the box untouched for fear of messing up. I’ll do your “paint a model only using your airbrush” method a go. I have a few old models that i can screw around with. Cheers!
Awesome Ruben. Let me know how it goes. Don’t expect it to a Golden Demon spray job. 🤣🤣
@@thestateofplay2023 I’m honestly hoping it just teaching me trigger control haha
Great topic very well explained and beautiful video editing and presentation
Thank you Carl!! Appreciated!
Awesome. My path with airbrushing leads me to dissuade anyone new to the hobby. It absolutely isn't necessary until you are well into more involved handbrushing techniques because the learning curve and costs are so much higher - making it a ton more effort until you get it down. This video does cover a ton of the hassles I learned over time trying and trying again. I didn't know about the on brush pressure device. I've always just adjusted my consistency because I didn't like adjusting pressure temporary.
Yeah that’s how I started. Thinner paint, then thinner, then thinner. And it took too many coats. So I changed pressure, then again, and again. And well, I’d had enough changing everything all the time.
The valve solves so many problems as you can spray thick with high pressure then turn the valve on the airbrush for thinner paint. So effectively you can slap one colour after another at different consistencies and tweak the valve.
Incredible video man. Defos given me the confidence to give the AB a bash. Cheers.
Excellent! That was the goal!!
Informative and inspiring video - feel like getting the old airbrush out.
Do it. Spray something. Anything! Just have a laugh!
Amazing put together video. Stayed fixated all the way
Thank you ☺️
Very recognizable, sometimes spraying you're on fire when airbrushing your models and the other you're fighting to get some decent paint on your aircraft or other project.
Things goes mostly south when the air humidity comes in play 60% and higher.
Mostly I use an plastic spoon to look what the thinned paint does works for me. 👍 But great video
Oh I’d love to have humidity problems. In England it’s more likely the paint freezes mid air on the way out. 🤣🤣
You’re spot on about airbrushes sitting gathering dust. Not used mine since April 2022! Main thing that puts me off is cleaning. I’m paranoid about ruining the delicate components with the wrong solvents, and losing/damaging bits during cleaning. Paint brushes are a lot less stressful.
Unless your cleaning it with an angle grinder and running xenomorph blood through it - it’ll be fine! Seriously, dust it off. It has feelings too! 🤣
@@thestateofplay2023 - Managed to lose a tiny o-ring from it last year; and that was after nearly ruining all the other o-rings with airbrush cleaner. Upgraded to a Proc Boy which, I believe, has tougher ceramic o-rings but not mustered up the courage to use it yet.
Do it. Right now. After reading this. Go. You’ll not get a better push than me telling you to do it right now!!
Great information, I am new to the hobby and have been struggling with my airbrush. I had a pressure valve near my airbrush but had no idea what it was used for. Will also be buying some golden airbrush medium. Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Once again a great stripped down and clear video you legend
Born from reading social media about airbrushing. Where a very simple question always ends up with 47 completely different answers…🫣 and you’d have been better informed by not asking in the first place. 🤣
@thestateofplay2023 actually.... plus I'm simple and like simple answers
Great video! Especially the last tip :)
When I got my first airbrush I was crazy and I thought that I was using more paint and more time than without it...but I kept trying and practicing. Until (without even realizing it) I found myself painting much more with an airbrush and having much better looking minis with less time spent.
Another thing that sped my up and made it more enjoyable: Airbrush paints! Not having to thin paints, but just using them from the bottles was a game changer! And now I use airbrush paints for my brush painting also.
Agreed! On every point you said here. Once I switched to Molotow for priming so many issues went away!
Awesome Video for beginners and intermediate hobby painters. The only thing you didn’t mention that is resolved is your example is you are spraying in the same environment!!! Humidity and Temperature changes everything. So if you are having problems using the same solutions as discussed in this video then it(H or T) is most likely what the problem is. And don’t for get to have a minimum of one in line water separator. Compressed air creates heat. Water will develops in time! Once again a great video and a perfect place to start. FYI I can do fine detail work with .04 needle all day long!! Cheers!!
Thanks Alan. Yeah I sometimes forget that my compressor has all the bells and whistles for moisture.
And I always forget that in England our climate is generally quite stable(ish).
🤣🤣
Ok I have been struggling with airbrushing. Sometimes it works sometimes it’s terrible. Not only have you articulated exactly my experience your charismatic, professional and point on explanations are also super clear exactly for people like me who are frustrated. This is super amazing. You come across as a bigger, benevolent brother giving me good advice. Where were you all my life? 😂
🤣🤣 Thanks for that! Only just recently started RUclips so I was watching rather than creating. But after screaming, “just explain it to me!!!!” On too many videos myself - I thought I’d make the videos I wanted to see!
@@thestateofplay2023 I believe that was a good decision and I wish you the best of luck and hope the channel grows!
Amazing video, very helpful. By far one of the best
Thank you! Very appreciated!!
Timely video! I got a battery-powered one before taking the full plunge and it's been... an experience. I'll be implementing many of these tips
Ah! The battery powered pressure problem. 🫣
@@thestateofplay2023 Yeah, makes me wonder if I should have just bought a 'proper' one
Buy cheap, buy twice. Something I learned as a student buying my first VCR player!
@@thestateofplay2023 and something I tell my kids - should listen to my own advice!
We all tend to know our minds straight away. But that little part of us pushes us the wrong way!
My first big investment into the hobby was an airbrush. Even far before any big or expensive model or ordinairy brushes. I got it for priming, basecoating and just mucking about really, but it has become such an insanely valuable tool, that i wouldn't want to miss it. I still use rattlecans for priming a large number of models, but for singular models with a longer painting time the airbrush is amazing. Not only for priming, but also for highlights. And with contrast paints the whole thing went up many levels
Yes I agree. I still use rattle cans for pure speed. Well, when the weather holds! 😜
I've been airbrushing for years now. One thing I learned early on was to get a compressor with a tank, a good water trap to keep moisture out of the line. The next was it was so much easier to just buy paints designed for an airbrush for painting WW2 armor, of which there is little or no thinning and can use straight out of the bottle. There were a ton of choices for that.
Airbrushing is also great for zenithal priming and priming when its too cold or humid outside.
I can’t agree more. I think the problem many new users face is quite a lot of “air paints” on the market still require thinning and it confuses people. And yet products like Molotow one4all with are actually for acrylic markers spray like a dream!
Nice and informative as always!
And yeah, the cleaning aspect is why I usually don't pull out the airbrush for 1-2 minis. Also, those darn spray booths are quite loud. (-.
Flow improver is just Paint thinner & paint retarder mixed into one. (-: So getting a bottle of each gives you lots more bang for the buck and more control over how the paint behaves. And gives you the option of creating pre'mixed bottles.
The pressure stated on the meter, when the compressor isn't in use is actually higher then the working pressure. If you spray air out of the airbrush while checking the meter, that's the actual working pressure. Not that it matters much as long as you got a setting that you're happy with.
Cleaning with a tattoo bottle is awesome! If you use hot water instead of cold, you get even better/quicker results. Think it was Vince that tipped me to this in one of his Hobby Cheating videos. (:
I think over the years I’ve bought almost every bottle of everything for thinning paints. I felt like Goldilocks and the 3 bears. Too thin, too dry, too wet, too thick, too annoying!
Yeah, agreed on the pressure aspects. I may do a follow up video on the actual spraying aspect. Especially after watching a friend spray like he was air freshening his kitchen . Press, pull back, hold forever. Then complain of all manner of issues.
And Vince V is who we all worship. 👍🏼
@@thestateofplay2023Yeah, know what you mean! Been using a bunch of different brands myself, but the last years i'm happily using UMP thinner with AK retarder.
Will certainly pick up a bottle of Golden to try out the next time I visit the art supply store. Their paints are great so have doubt this will be of high quality too!
Cleaning is generally very easy.
Never leave paint to dry in the airbrush.
To clean, have an old toothbrush to scrub the inside of the cup. Have a container handy for dumping the cup water into. Don't try and blast the water through the airbrush with all the paint particles you just cleaned out of the cup with the toothbrush. They will clog the nozzle.
Have an stiff bristle synthetic brush, flat type, to clean deeper in the cup around the needle.
After you have cleaned the cup using your 2 brushes, and dumped the water and rinsed it a bit, flush water through the airbrush.
Use the toothbrush to clean the tip while you are spraying water.
If your done painting for the day, or you have sprayed vanish or undercoat through the airbrush I like to run a little airbrush cleaner through, then flush with water.
The real key to the whole process is to leave the cup filled with water after it all.
Either put the airbrush into a jar with the cup submerged, or just fill the cup with water and leave the airbrush sitting on its holder for next time.
When you come back to it, you just blast the remaining water in the cup through the brush and away you go.
On occasion you will get lazy and try and flush larger dried particles through the brush and the nozzle will clog.
If that happens you need to disassemble and it's a pain.
If you follow my instructions above, it will rarely happen.
Great tips!! 👍🏼
Nailed it again! Thanks for that.
I’d love to say I’ve an endless supply of nails. 🤣 But I do have a multitude of fixable things in this hobby on my video todo list!
Being a 40 something you end up running out of ideas for birthday presents. So this year I put on my list airbrush/compressor , spray booth, cleaning pot, thinner, cleaner & flow improver.
Clearly I had been a good boy this year as I was presented with all the above on the day with a bonus of the "this is your latest 5 min wonder isn't it?" look from my wife.
Now as I sit with every gadget known to airbrush man I would like to thank you @thestateofplay2023 for demystifying all the steps and variables in using a airbrush.
So next steps for me are to screenshot and print out the chart at 9:56 (hope you don't mind, its for personal use only (not like that!)) and then find a model to test this weekend!
Thanks again for an excellent video and keep up the great work from your newest subscriber :)
🤣🤣 How relatable! Being almost 50 and having done this for nearly 33 years now I’ve collected almost everything you can in this hobby. Some I use everyday. Some I look at with abject confusion.
They say “a bad workman blames his tools”… but without enough tools there’s nothing to blame. So the more the better for our ageing sanity!!
Moisture trap!!!! A must if you're in an environment with humidity. I have 2. One off compressor, one before airbrush. I can push the button on the traps and then paint without that extra moisture destroying my work. Sponge!!! Press against needle when cleaning with spray jug. Keep doing until the water in the spraycup is clear. It's like gargling for your airbrush. Needle Sharpener!!! I've rescued several bent needles so it's paid for itself already. Those are my 3 tips. I prime with just my airbrush whenever I want without having to worry about the weather. Haven't touched a rattlecan in years. And I have also used it for some colors. If I had $400, I could get a really nice one that I could paint an entire model with. Maby some day. Don't need it though.
I live in England so sunshine and humidity happen 3 weeks in an entire year.!
Great tips here!
Great collection of airbrush advice presented well. This is going to be my new go-to recommendation for an intro "how to airbrush" video!
Thank you! 👍🏼
fantastic video. i’ve recently purchased an airbrush and watched countless videos about them but this one was very direct and just clicked. definitely gonna try out the Golden airbrush medium trick.
Many of my videos come from the same thing. Watching hundreds of videos and still having so many questions. I love watching the HOW. But personally I really need the WHY, WHEN and WTF!
Video favourited for future reference and channel subscribed to! Excellent, excellent video! Cheers!
Thanks mate! Much appreciated. You hope it helps you out.
This is a really useful video. I have a habit of pulling out and setting my airbrush every 6 months or so, getting frustrated because I'm not sure how to balance everything, packing it all way, and then buying more rattle cans.
I know that feeling soooooo well. Just adding up the price of my endless rattle cans forced me to “fix all the variables” for airbrushing.
Very good info. I have no idea why people are so scared of them. There is really not much that can go wrong with it. Rule of thumb with paint and pressure is; if it does not spray, either up the pressure or thin the paint. And as you showed, cleaning is not a big job. The only part that normally needs a soak is the nozzle. It's the only part that is hard to reach when paint builds up. The needle, nozzle cap and needle cap never needs to be soaked. Regarding needle and nozzle size. Those are normally determined by the quality of the paint ie. pigment size. No amount of thinning will reduce the pigment size and if pigments are too big, it will clog the nozzle.
Yes, I just worked backwards. Make the pressure always work by being higher. Lower if needed because the paint is thinner.
And you’re right about soaking I just soak it all anyway to get my monies worth from my little bath of IPA! 🤣🤣
I've found distilled water and IPA as a thinner works great
I guess it depends on your climate. Water and IPA would dry instantly in my house and I’d get tip dry every few seconds
The girl stuck in the box at around 4 minutes was gold 😂
I once had a hobby space like that….
@@thestateofplay2023 I've never been so confined, but I have had a hobby space with no chair, and just sat on the floor at a little coffee table 😂
@@jamesgillam6478 mines bigger now than it’s ever been but…what you see on camera is tidied up. And by that I mean everything moved out of shot so the rest looks like a trash dump!
Annnnd adding this to my " I have an airbrush, WHAT DO?" playlist
And now you get added to my Christmas card list! 🤣👍🏼
Excellent video. im trying to ramp my airbrush usage and there are great tips for me to use.
Go for it!
This was an amazing presentation and delivery. Subbed.
Thank you!
I mostly use mine for priming and base coating. Whenever I try to do highlights I basically just end up painting it that colour. I am going to try your paint everything on a mini idea, it will probably end up whatever the last colour I use ;)
🤣🤣 yeah highlights require you to be much closer. And to be closer you need less pressure/fine finger control which also needs much thinner paint.
Annoying, irritating variables. 😜👍🏼
Good callout for the ventilation part. Many people confuse the difference between damage from toxins (like solvents and other things) and fine particulates. Any fine particulate is dangerous if you breathe a lot of it. Nontoxic or inert things like acrylic, carbon (not the radioactive coal dust kind), or even water. That's why sanding resin requires a mask. It's not poisonous, but it sands so well you can easily inhale it and coat the inside of your lungs, just like very fine sawdust from sanding machines, or acrylic airbrushes. But as stated, it's all about volumes. Use it once every few months and you're probably safer at your paint desk than outside in the park. Just be careful about toxic things like solvent based paints; no sock will scrub solvents out of the air. Vent it outside so it's nature's problem.
Absolutely! They’re not all the same and time spraying isn’t always the same.
Eat six tonnes of bacon for one meal and it’s really bad for you. But a slice in a sandwich is fine!
Thank you for this awesome tutorial for beginners! I have subscribed to your channel!
Thank you and you’re very welcome!
I'm planning on getting an airbrush when winter arrives mainly so I can keep priming through the cold weather. These tips look great for flattening the learning curve.
Exactly what I was hoping people would get from this!