When you first begin using a new gadget as a hobbyist, whether it's flocking, new brushes, or even a new sculpting medium, there is always a learning curve that simple instruction can't bridge. The difference is time spent behind the wheel as it were. I've Just finished putting multiple coats of vomit brown on my Space Marines, and I can definitely see myself using this airbrush to further my goal of paint domination. I wouldn't use one for single pieces, but as a tool being used at a large scale, it really decreases the time investment and increases the quality of the paint coverage.
I've learned that gloves are a must(I stole a pocketful from a hospital room while visiting my wifes' gram over the weekend, let's hear it for petty theft!). I clean that bad Larry after every use too. I had to learn that my teeny-tiny compressor can't handle the thick Citadel pigments, and they need to be thinned. This hobby that started as a social activity has really taken on a life of it's own. I've delved into old interests that I thought I had forgotten; being an artist, doing concept work on my armies, model work for conversions, I love it all!
I can't wait to see more. I have been holding on buying an airbrush for some time. The coverage looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI have a very basic airbrush (a Badger, too), and it has transformed base colour coverage for me.
ReplyDeleteI use Vallejo paints, and thin them 2:1 or 1:1 with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner. The trick, for me, is getting the paint flow right so that I get a fine mist and not a deluge that soaks the models in one pass. My airbrush is single action and I use canned air, so getting the balance can be tough. I hope to get an airbrush like your own soon. What compressor are you using?
I use a Nicole Quality Value compressor. It's not exactly a monster machine, but I got a good deal on it from AC Moore. The citadel stuff seems to blend well with H2O, and I use an eyedropper to make sure the measurements of ratio are consistent. I've also noted that distance from the airbrush can really effect it's coverage characteristics. Holding it too close can soak your piece, too far away is a waste of paint. Find a sweetspot where the paint becomes a mist and you'll get excellent coverage without the pressure of the compressors impeller curdling the paint. Thanks for responding to my blog folks! I love to talk about my hobby!
ReplyDeleteYou just made me wanna dig out my airbrush too! It looks like we both have the same one! While i'm out tomorrow i may buy my local gw out of dehneb stone and finally get started on my tau!
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