Painting
Air compressor
The air supply for the airbrush. I have the compressor (Paasche D500) mounted to the
workbench with four bolts and the compressor sits on four compression springs. This keeps
the compressor from moving around and isolates the vibration from the workbench. The
compressor does not have an integral on/off switch so I use a switched
power bar.
Airbrush
An airbrush gives an even and
consistent coat of paint that is virtually impossible to duplicated with a
paint brush. Brush
painting is only done to highlight details on a part already painted in a base colour
using the airbrush.
I use double-action airbrushes. A Paasche VL when painting larger parts like body work, etc. and for detail painting I use a Paasche VSR90. The VSR90 is terrific for detail painting. I was able to freehand airbrush the tires, turn signal housings, muffler & airbox and other parts of the 1/35 Tamiya J.G.S.D.F. motocrosser with no over spray. Paasche say spraying 1/64" wide lines is possible and they weren't kidding. I used Tamiya's acrylics and they sprayed beautifully. Well worth the money.
For more info on the airbrushes, visit the Paasche web site at http://www.paascheairbrush.com
Carbon-dioxide Tanks (CO2)
Some modellers and artists use CO2 tanks as an alternative to compressors. The
two main reasons are no noise and no worries about moisture.
These can be very
dangerous if not handled properly and the decision to go with a CO2 setup should not be
taken lightly. Read the safety information at http://www.airsmith.com/transofCO2.htm
before you choose between a hobby compressor and a CO2 tank.
Masking Fluid
I've started to use Humbrol's Maskol for various masking jobs. Very handy when
small irregular areas on engines, etc. must be masked. It dries to a
rubber like surface
and if you have trouble removing it, use masking tape to grip it and it will come right
off. If you can't find Maskol, try an art supply store for liquid mask.
Masking Tape
Needed when painting multi coloured bodywork, masking windshields, etc. Choose
your tape carefully as some can be too strong and others too weak. At the moment I'm most
satisfied with Tamiya's masking tape.
Stripping Chrome Plating
To remove the chrome plating from parts, I use Easy-Off (tm)
oder free oven cleaner or Castrol Super Clean (tm) automotive cleaner.
- When I use Easy-Off, I place the parts in a disposable aluminum foil baking pan and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Results vary from one kit manufacture to another, but it usually only takes 15-30mins to work. I then wash the parts clean using an old toothbrush. You may need to repeat the process.
- When using Castrol Super Clean, I immerse the parts in a jar of the cleaner. Like the Easy-Off, results vary.
Wear chemical
resistant gloves when using these products as they are very corrosive.
Stripping Paint
Follow the same steps as for chrome plating.
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